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Gage (Bounty, Nebraska, 



CONTAINING 



Full Page Portraits and Biographical Sketches of I'rominent 
and Representative Citizens of the County, 

TOGETHER WITH 

PORTRAITS AND BIOGRAPHIES OF ALL THE GOVERNORS OF THE STATE, AND 
OF THE PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES. 



CHICAGO: 

CHAPMAN BROTHERS. 

1888. 



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§HE greatest of English historians, Macauley, ami one of the most brilliant writers 
of the past century, has said : "The history of a country is best told in a record of the 
lives of its people." In conformity with this idea the Poutkait and Biographical 
Ai.iiUMOf this county has been prepared. Instead of gt)ing to musty records, and 
taking therefrom dry statistical matter that can be appreciated by but few, our 
corps of writers have gone to the people, the men and women who have, liy their 
enterprise and industry, brought the county to a ranlc second to none among those 
comin-ising this great and noble State, and from their lips have the story of tiieir life 
struggles. No more interesting or instructive matter could be presented to an intelli- 
gent public. In this volume will be found a record of many whose lives are worthy the 
imitation of coming generations. It tells how some, commencing life in poverty, by 
industry and economy have accumulated wealth. It tells how others, with limited 
^'-' ^ advantages for securing an education, have become learned men and women, with an 
'".i^.Js^ iufliience extending throughout the length and breadth of the land. It tells of men who 
have risen from the lower walks of life to eminence as statesmen, and whose names have 
i.^^C^ become famous. It tells of those in every walk in life who have striven to succeed, and 
•^ ^ records how that success has usually crowned their efforts. It tells also of many, very 

many, who, not seeking the applause of the world, have pursued "the even tenor of their way," content 
to have it said of them as Christ said of the woman performing a deed of mercy — "they have done what 
they could." It tells how that many in the pride and strength of young manhood left the plow and the 
anvil, the lawyer's office and the counting-room, left every trade and profession, and at their country's 
call went forth valiantly "to do or die," and how through their efforts the Union was restored and peace 
once more reigned in the land. In the life of every man and of every woman is a lesson that should not 
be lost upon those who follow after. 

Coming generations will appreciate this volume and preserve it as a sacred treasure, from the fact 
that it contains so much that would never find its way into public records, and which would otherwise be 
inaccessible. Great care has been taken in the compilation of the work and eveiy opportunity possible 
given to those represented to insure correctness in what has been written, and the publishers flatter them- 
selves that they give to their readers a work with few errors of consequence. In addition to the biograph- 
ical sketches, portraits of a number of representative citizens are given. 

The faces of some, and biographical sketches of many, will be missed in this volume. For this the 
publishers are not to blame. Not having a proper conception of the work, some refused to "ive the 
information necessary to compile a sketch, while otiiers were indifferent. Occasionally some member of 
the family would oppose the enterprise, and on account of such opposition the support of the interested 
one would be withheld. In a few instances men could never be found, though repeated calls were made 
at their residence or place of business. 

Chicaoo, November, 1888. CHAPMAN BROS. 






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HE Father of our Country was 
^born in Westmorland Co., Va., 
22, 1732. His parents 
were Augustine and Maiy 
^ (Ball) Washington. The family 
to which he belonged has not 
been satisfactorily traced in 
England. His great-grand- 
father, John Washington, em- 
igrated to Virginia about 1657, 
and became a prosperous 
planter. He had two sons, 
Lawrence and John. The 
former married Mildred Warner 
and had three children, John, 
Augustine and Mildred. Augus- 
tine, the father of George, first 
married Jane Butler, who bore 
him four children, two of whom, 
Lawrence and Augustine, reached 
maturity. Of si.x children by his 
second marriage, George was the 
eldest, the others being Betty, 
Samuel, John Augustine, Charles 
and Mildred. 
Augustine Washington, the father of George, died 
in 1743, leaving a large landed property. To his 
eldest son, Lawrence, he bequeathed an estate on 
the Patomac, afterwards known as Mount Vernon, 
and to George he left the parental residence. George 
received only such education as the neighlx)rhood 
schools afforded, save for a short time after he left 
school, when he received private instruction in 
mathematics. His spcllinji v/as rather defective. 



Remarkable stories are told of his great physical 
strength and development at an early age. He was 
an acknowledged leader among his companions, and 
was early noted for that nobleness of character, fair- 
ness and veracity which characterized his whole life. 

When George was 1 4 years old he had a desire to go to 
sea, and a midshipman's warrant was secured for him, 
but through the opposition of his mother the idea was 
abandoned. Two years later he was appointed 
surveyor to the immense estate of Lord Fairfax. In 
this business he spent three years in a rough frontier 
life, gaining experience which afterwards proved very 
essential to him. In 175 i, though only 19 years of 
age, he was apixiinted adjutant with the rank of 
major in the Virginia militia, then being trained for 
active service against the French and Indians. Soon 
after this he sailed to the West Indies with his brother 
Lawrence, who went there to restore his health. They 
soon returned, and in the summer of 1752 Lawrence 
died, leaving a large fortune to an infant daughter 
who did not long survive him. On her demise the 
estate of Mount Vernon was given to (leorge. 

Upon the arrival of Robert Dinwiddie, as Lieuten- 
ant-Governor of Virginia, in 1752, the militia was 
reorganized, and the province divided into four mili- 
tary districts, of which the northern was assigned to 
Washington as adjutant general. Shortly after this 
a very perilous mission was assigned him and ac- 
cepted, which others had refused. This was to pro- 
ceed to the French post near Lake Erie in North- 
western Pennsylvania. The distance to be traversed 
was between 500 and 600 miles. Winter was at hand, 
and the journey was to be made without military 
escort, through a territory occupied by Indians. The 



i 



-^•- 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



trip was a perilous one, and several limes he came near 
losing his life, yet he returned in safety and furnished 
a full and useful report of his expedition. A regiment 
of 300 men was raised in Virginia and put in com- 
mand of Cul. Joshua Fry, and Major Washington was 
commissioned lieutenant-colonel. Active war was 
then begun against the French and Indians, in which 
Washington took a most important part. In the 
memorable event of July 9, 1755, known as Brad- 
dock's defeat, Washington was almost the only officer 
of distinction who escaped from the calamities of the 
day with life and honor. The other aids of Braddock 
were disabled early in the action, and Washington 
alone was left in that capacity on the field. In a letter 
to his brother he says : " I had four bullets through 
my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet I escaped 
unhurt, though death was leveling my companions 
on every side." An Indian sharpshooter said he was 
not born to be killed by a bullet, for he had taken 
direct aim at him seventeen times, and failed to hit 
him. 

After having been five years in the military service, 
and vainly sought promotion in the royal army, he 
took advantage of the fall of Fort Duquesne and the 
expulsion of the French from the valley of the Ohio, 
to resign his commission. Soon after he entered the 
Legislature, where, although not a leader, he took an 
active and important part. January 17, 1759, he 
married Mrs. Martha (Dandridge) Custis, the wealthy 
widow of John Parke Custis. 

When the British Parliament had closed the port 
»if Boston, the cry went up throughout the provinces 
that "The cause of Boston is the cause of us all." 
It was then, at the suggestion of Virginia, that a Con- 
gress of all the colonies was called to meet at Phila- 
delphia,Sept. 5, 1774, to secure their common liberties, 
peaceably if possible. To this Congress Col. Wash- 
ington was sent as a delegate. On May 10, 1775, the 
Congress re-assembled, when the hostile intentions of 
England were plainly apparent. The battles of Con- 
cord and Lexington had been fought. Among the 
first acts of this Congress was the election of a com- 
mander-in-chief of the colonial forces. This high and 
responsible office was conferred upon Washington, 
who was still a member of the Congress. He accepted 
it on June 19, but upon the express condition that he 
receive no salary. He would keep an exact account 
of expenses and expect Congress to pay them and 
nothing more. It is not the object of this sketch to 
trace the military acts of Washington, to whom the 
fortunes and liberties of the people of this country 
were so long confided. The war was conducted by 
him under ever)' possible disadvantage, and while his 
forces often met with reverses, yet he overcame every 
obstacle, and after seven years of heroic devotion 
and matchless skill he gained liberty for the greatest 
nation of earth. On Dec. 23, 1783, Washington, in 
a parting address of surpassing beauty, resigned his 



commission as commander-in-chief of the army to 
to the Continental Congress sitting at Annajx^lis. He 
retired immediately to Mount Vernon and resumed 
his occupation as a farmer and planter, shunning all 
connection with public life. 

In February, 1 7 89, Washington was unanimously 
elected President. In his presidential career ht was 
subject to the peculiar trials incidental to a new 
government ; trials from lack of confidence on the part 
of other governments ; trials from want of hamiony 
between the different sections of our own country; 
trials from the impoverished condition of the country, 
owing to the war and want of credit; trials from the 
beginnings of party strife. He was no partisan. His 
clear judgment could discern the golden mean; and 
while perhaps this alone kept our government from 
sinking at the very outset, it left him exposed to 
attacks from both sides, which were often bitter and 
very annoying. 

At the expiration of his first term he was unani- 
mously re-elected. At the end of this term many 
were anxious that he be re-elected, but he absolutely 
refused a third nomination. On the fourth of March, 
1797, at the expiraton of his second term as Presi- 
dent, he returned to his home, hoping to pass there 
his few remaining yeais free from the annoyances of 
public life. Later in the year, however, his repose 
seemed likely to be interrupted by war with France. 
At the prospect of such a war he was again urged to 
take command of the armies. He chose his sub- 
ordinate officers and left to them the charge of mat- 
ters in the field, which he superintended from his 
home. In accepting the command he made the 
reservation that he was not to be in the field until 
it was necessary. In the midst of these preparations 
his life was suddenly cut off. December 12, he took 
a severe cold from a ride in the rain, which, settling 
in his throat, produced inflammation, and terminated 
fatally on the night of the fourteenth. On the eigh- 
teenth his body was borne with military honors to its 
final resting place, and interred in the family vault at 
Mount Vernon. 

Of the character of Washington it is impossible to 
speak but in terms of the highest respect and ad- 
miration. The more we see of the operations of 
our government, and the more deeply we feel the 
difficulty of uniting all opinions in a common interest, 
the more highly we must estimate the force of his tal- 
ent and character, which have been able to challenge 
the reverence of all parties, and principles, and na- 
tions, and to win a fame as extended as the limits 
of the globe, and which we cannot but believe will 
be as lastinu, as the existence of man. 

The person of Washington was unusally tan, erect 
and well proportioned. His muscular strength was 
great. His features were of a beautiful symmetry. 
He commanded respect without any appearance of 
lunightiness, and ever serious without being dull. 




Jif^mJ^^am 



^ 



SECOND PRESIDENT. 



23 i i 










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^~m J®HN ADAMS- ^.r^^^ 



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OHN ADAMS, the second 
J President and the first Vice- 
" President of the United States, 
was born in Braintree (now 
Quincy ),Mass., and about ten 
miles from Boston, Oct. 19, 
1735. His great-grandfather, Henry 
Adams, emigrated from England 
about 1640, with a family of eight 
, sons, and settled at Braintree. The 
parents of John were John and 
Susannah (Boylston) Adams. His 
father was a farmer of limited 
means, to which he added the bus- 
iness of shoemaking. He gave his 
eldest son, John, a classical educa- 
tion at Harvard College. John 
graduated in 1755, and at once took charge of the 
school in Worcester, Mass. This he found but a 
"school of affliction," from which he endeavored to 
gain relief by devoting himself, in addition, to the 
study of law. For this purpose he placed himself 
under the tuition of the only lawyer in the town. He 
had thought seriously of the clerical profession 
but seems to have been turned from this l)y what he 
termed "the frightful engines of ecclesiastical coun- 
cils, of diabolical malice, and Calvanistic good nature,'' 
of the operations of which he had been a witness in 
his native town. He was well fitted for the legal 
profession, jxjssessing a clear, sonorous voice, being 
ready and fluent of speech, and having quick percep- 
tive i»wers. He gradually gained practice, and in 
1764 married Abigail Smith, a daughter of a minister, 
and a lady of superior intelligence. Shortly after his 
marriage, (1765), the attempt of Parliamentar)- taxa- 
tion turned him from law to politics. He took initial 
(Steps toward holding a town meeting, and the resol'i- 



tions he offered on the subject became very jxapulai 
throughout the Province, and were adopted word for 
word by over forty different towns. He moved to Bos- 
ton in 1768, and became one of the most courageous 
and prominent advocates of the popular cause, and 
was chosen a member of the General Court (the Leg- 
lislature) in 1770. 

Mr. Adams was chosen one of the first delegates 
from Massachusetts to the first Continental Congress, 
which met in 1774. Here he distinguished himself 
by his capacity for business and for debate, and ad- 
vocated the movement for independence against the 
majority of the members. In May, 1776, he moved 
and carried a resolution in Congress that the Colonies 
should assume the duties of self-government. He 
was a prominent member of the committee of five 
appointed June 11, to prepare a declaration of inde- 
pendence. This article was drawn by Jefferson, but 
on Adams devolved the task of battling it through 
Congress in a three days debate. 

On the day after the Declaration of Independence 
was passed, while his soul was yet warm with the 
glow of excited feeling, he wrote a letter to his wife, 
which, as we read it now, seems to have been dictated 
by the spirit of prophecy. "Yesterday," he says, "the 
greatest question was decided that ever was debated 
in America; and greater, perhaps, never was or will 
be decided among men. A resolution was passed 
without one dissenting colony, ' that these United 
States are, and of right ought to be, free and inde- 
pendent states.' The day is passed. The fourth of 
July, 1776, will be a memorable epoch in the history 
of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated 
by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary 
festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of 
deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to Almighty 
(Iml. It ought to be solemnized with ]K)mp, shows. 



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24 



JOHN ADAMS. 



games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations 
from one end of the continent to the other, from this 
time forward for ever. You will think me transix)rted 
with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of 
the toil, and blood and treasure, that it will cost to 
maintain this declaration, and support and defend 
these States; yet, through all the gloom, I can see the 
rays of light and glory. 1 can see that the end is 
worth more than all the means; and that posterity 
will triumph, although you and I may rue, which I 
hope we shall not." 

In November, 1777, Mr. Adams was appointed a 
delegate to France and to co-operate with Bemjamin 
Franklin and' Arthur Lee, who were then in Paris, in 
the endeavor to obtain assistance in arms and money 
from the French Government. This was a severe trial 
to his patriotism, as it separated him from his home, 
compelled him to cross the ocean in winter, and ex- 
posed him to great peril of capture by the British cruis- 
ers, who were seeking him. He left France June 17, 
1779. In September of the same year he was again 
chosen to go to Paris, and there hold himself in readi- 
ness to negotiate a treaty of peace and of commerce 
with Great Britian, as soon as the British Cabinet 
might be found willing to listen to such pioix)sels. He 
sailed for France in November, from there he went to 
Holland, where he negotiated important loans and 
formed important commercial treaties. 

Finally a treaty of peace with England was signed 
Jan. 21, 1783. The re-action from the excitement, 
toil and anxiety through which Mr. Adams had passed 
threw him into a fever. After suffering from a con- 
tinued fever and becoming feeble and emaciated he 
was advised to go to England to drink the waters of 
Bath. While in England, still drooping anddespond- 
ing, he received dispatches from his own government 
urging the necessity of his going to Amsterdam to 
negotiate another loan. It was winter, his health was 
delicate, yet he immediately set out, and through 
storm, on sea, on horseback and foot,hemade the trip. 

February 24, 1785, Congress appointed Mr. Adams 
envoy to the Court of St. James. Here he met face 
to face the King of England, who had so long re- 
garded him as a traitor. As England did not 
condescend to appoint a minister to the United 
States, and as Mr. Adams felt that he was acconi- 
l^lishing but little, he sought permission to return to 
his own country, where he arrived in June, 1788. 

When Washington was first chosen President, John 
Adams, rendered illustiious by his signal services at 
home and abroad, was chosen Vice President. Again 
at the second election of Washington as President, 
.\dams was chosen Vice President. In 1796, Wash- 
ington retired from public life, and Mr. Adams vvas 
elected President,though not without much opposition. 
Serving in this ofifice four years, he was succeeded by 
Mr. Jefferson, his opponent in politics. 

While Mr. .'\dams was Vice President the great 



French Revolution shook the continent of Europe, 
and it was upon this point which he was at issue with 
the majority of his countrj'men led by Mr. Jefferson. 
Mr. Adams felt no sympathy with the French people 
in their struggle, for he had no confidence in their 
power of self-government, and he utterly abhored the 
classof atlieist philosophers who he claimed caused it. 
()\\ the other hand Jefferson's sympathies were strongly 
enlisted in behalf of the French people. Hence or- 
iginated the alienation between these distinguished 
men, and two powerful parties were thus soon organ- 
ized, Adams at the head of the one whose sympathies 
were with England and Jefferson led the other in 
sympathy with France. 

The world has seldom seen a spectacle of more 
moral beauty and grandeur, than was presented by the 
old age of Mr. Adams. The violence of party feeling 
had died away, and he had begun to receive that just 
appreciation which, to most men, is not accorded till 
after death. No one could look upon his venerable 
form, and think of what he had done and suffered, 
and how he had given up all the prime and strength 
of his life to the public good, without the deepest 
einotion of gratitude and respect. It was his peculiar 
good fortune to witness the complete success of the 
institution which he had been so active in creating and 
supporting. In 1824, his cup of happiness was filled 
to the brim, by seeing his son elevated to the highest 
station in the gift of the people. 

The fourth of July, 1826, which completed the half 
century since the signing of the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, arrived, and there were but three of the 
signers of that immortal instrument left upon the 
earth to hail its morning light. And, as it is 
well known, on that day two of these finished their 
earthly pilgrimage, a coincidence so remarkable as 
to seem miraculous. For a few days before Mr. 
Adams had been rapidly failing, and on the morning 
of the fourth he found himself too weak to rise from 
his bed. On being requested to name a toast for the 
customary celebration of the day, he exclaimed " In- 
dependence FOREVER." When the day was ushered 
in, by the ringing of bells and the firing of cannons, 
he was asked by one of his attendants if he knew 
what day it was? He replied, "O yes; it is the glor- 
ious fourth of July — God bless it — God bless you all." 
In the course of the day he said, "It is a great and 
glorious day." The last words he uttered were, 
" Jefferson survives." But he had, at one o'clock, re- 
signed his spirit into the hands of his God. 

The personal appearance and manners of Mr. 
Adams were not particularly prejxjssessing. His face, 
as his portrait manifests,was intellectual ard expres- 
sive, but his figure was low and ungraceful, and his 
manners were frequently abrupt and uncourteous. 
He had neither the lofty dignity of Washington, nor 
the engaging elegance and gracefulness which marked 
the manners and address of Jefferson. 





"^^tTTZ, 



-4^ 



THIRD FRB:SIDENT. 



27 








HOMAS JEFFERSON was 
born April 2, 1743, at Shad- 
ipwell, Albermarle county, Va. 
His parents were Peter and 
Jane ( Randolph) Jefferson, 
the fonner a native of Wales, 
and the latter born in Lon- 
don. To them were born six 
daughters and two sons, of 
whom Thomas was the elder. 
When 14 years of age his 
father died. He received a 
most liberal education, hav- 
ing been kept diligently at school 
from the time he was five years of 
age. In 1760 he entered William 
and Mary College. Williamsburg was then the seat 
of the Colonial Court, and it was the obode of fashion 
a.id splendor. Voung Jefferson, who was then 17 
years old, lived somewhat expensively, keeping fine 
horses, and much caressed by gay society, yet he 
was earnestly devoted to his studies, and irreproacha- 
able in his morals. It is strange, however, under 
such influences, that he was not ruined. In the sec- 
ond year of his college course, moved by some un- 
explained inward impulse, he discarded his horses, 
society, and even his favorite violin, to which he had 
previously given much time. He often devoted fifteen 
hours a day to haid study, allowing himself for ex- 
ercise only a run in the evening twilight of a mile out 
of the city and back again. He thus attained very 
high intellectual culture, alike excellence in philoso- 
phy and the languages. The most difficult Latin and 
Greek authors he read with facility. A more finished 
scholar has seldom gone forth from college halls; and 

<■ 



there was not to be found, perhaps, in all Virginia, a 
more pureminded, upright, gentlemanly young man. 

Immediately ujxjn leaving college he began the 
study of law. For the short time he continued in the 
practice of his profession he rose rapidly and distin- 
guished himself by his energy and accuteness as a 
lawyer. But the times called for greater action. 
The policy of England had awakened the spirit of 
resistance of the American Colonies, and the enlarged 
views which Jefferson had ever entertained, soon led 
him into active political life. In 1769 he was chosen 
a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. In 
1772 he married Mrs. Martha Skelton, a very beauti- 
ful, wealthy and highly accomplished young widow. 

Upon Mr. Jefferson's large estate at Shadwell, there 
was a majestic swell of land, called Monticello, which 
commanded a prospect of wonderful extent and 
beauty. This spot Mr. Jefferson selected for his new 
home; and here he reared a mansion of modest yet 
elegant architecture, which, next to Mount Vernon, 
became the most distinguished resort in our land. 

In 1775 he was sent to the Colonial Congress, 
where, though a silent member, liis abilities as a 
writer and a reasoner soon become known, and he 
was placed w\y3x\ a number of important committees, 
and was chairman of the one apjxjinted for the draw- 
ing up of a declaration of independence. This com- 
mittee consisted of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, 
Benjamin Franklin, Roger .Sherman and Robert R. 
Livingston. Jefferson, as chairman, was appointed 
to draw up the paper. Franklin and Adams suggested 
a few verbal changes before it was submitted to Con- 
gress. On June 28, a few slight changes were made 
in it by Congress, and it was passed and signed July 
4, 1776. What must have been the feelings of that 
•► 






28 



THOMAS JEFFERSON. 



4- 



man — what the emotions that swelled his breast — 
who was charged with the preparation of that Dec- 
laration, which, while it made known the wrongs of 
America, was also to publish her to the world, free, 
soverign and independent, ft is one of the most re- 
markable papers ever written ; and did no other effort 
of the mind of its author exist, tiiat alone would be 
sufficient to stamp his name with immortality. 

In 1779 Mr. Jefferson was elected successor to 
Patrick Henry, e.s Governor of Virginia. At one time 
the Britisii officer, Tarleton, sent a secret expedition to 
Monticello, to capture the Governor. Scarcely five 
minutes elapsed after tlie hurried escape of Mr. Jef- 
ferson and his family, ere his mansion was in posses- 
sion of the British troops. His wife's health, never 
very good, was much injured by tliis excitement, and 
in the summer of 1782 she died. 

Mr. Jefferson was elected to Congress in 1783. j 
Two years later he was appointed Minister Plenipo- 
tentiary to France. Returning to the United States 
in September, 1789, he became Secretary of State 
in Washington's caljinet. This position he resigned 
Jan. I, 1794. In 1797, he was chosen Vice Presi- 
dent, and four years later was elected President over 
Mr. Adams, with Aaron Burr as Vice President. In 
1804 he was re-elected with wonderful unanimity, 
and George Clinton, Vice President. 

The early part of Mr. Jefferson's second adminstra- 
tion was disturbed by an event which threatened the 
tranquility and peace of the Union; this was the con- 
spiracy of Aaron Burr. Defeated in the late election 
to the Vice Presidency, and led on by an unprincipled 
ambition, this extraordinary man formed the plan of a 
military expedition into the Spanish territories on our 
southwestern frontier, for the purpose of forming there 
a new republic. This has been generally supposed 
was a mere pretext ; and although it has not been 
generally known what his real plans were, there is no 
doubt that they were of a far more dangerous 
character. 

In 1809, at the expiration of the second term for 
which Mr. Jefferson had been elected, he determined 
to retire from jxjlitical life. For a period of nearly 
forty years, he had been continually before the pub- 
lic, and all that time had been employed in offices of 
the greatest trust and resi^nsibility. Having thus de- 
voted the best part of his life to the service of his 
country, he now felt desirous of that rest which his 
declining years required, and upon the organization of 
the new administration, in March, 1809, he bid fare- 
well forever to public life, and retired to Monticello. 

Mr. Jefferson was profuse in his hospitality. Whole 
families came in their coaches with their horses, — 
fathers and mothers, boys and girls, babies and 
nurses, — and remained three and even six months. 
Life at Monticello, for years, resembled that at a 
fashionable watering-place. 

The fourth of July, 1826, being the fiftieth anniver- 

■^•^ 



sary of the Declaration of American Independence, 
great preparations were made in every part of the 
Union for its celebration, as the nation's jubilee, and 
the citizens of Washington, to add to the solemnity 
of the occasion, invited Mr. Jefferson, as the framer, 
and one of the few surviving signers of the Declara- 
tion, to participate in their festivities. But an ill- 
ness, which had been of several weeks duration, and 
had been continually increasing, compelled him to 
decline the invitation. 

On the second of July, the disease under which 
he was laboring left him, but in such a reduced 
state that his medical attendants, entertained no 
hope of his recovery. From this time he was perfectly 
sensible that his last hour was at hand. On the next 
day, which was Monday, he asked of those around 
him, the day of the month, and on being told it was 
the third of July, he expressed the earnest wish that 
he might be permitted to breathe the air of the fiftieth 
anniversary. His prayer was heard — that day, whose 
dawn was hailed with such rapture through our land, 
burst upon his eyes, and then they were closed for- 
ever. And what a noble consummation of a noble 
life! To die on that day, — the birthday of a nation,- - 
the day which his own name and his own act had 
rendered glorious; to die amidst the rejoicings and 
festivities of a whole nation, who looked up to him, 
as the author, under God, of their greatest blessings, 
was all that was wanting to fill up the record his life. 

Almost at the same hour of his death, the kin- 
dred spirit of the venerable Adams, as if to bear 
him company, left the scene of his earthly honors. 
Hand in hand they had stood forth, the champions of 
freedom ; hand in hand, during the dark and desper- 
ate struggle of the Revolution, they had cheered and 
animated their desponding countrymen; for half a 
century they had labored together for the good of 
the country; and now hand in hand they depart. 
In their lives they had been united in the same great 
cause of liberty, and in their deaths they were not 
divided. 

In person Mr. Jefferson was tall and thin, rather 
above six feet in height, but well formed; his eyes 
were light, his hair originally red, in after life became 
white and silvery; his complexion was fair, his fore- 
head broad, and his whole countenance intelligent and 
thoughtful. He possessed great fortitude of mind as 
well as personal courage ; and his command of tem- 
per was such that his oldest and most intimate friends 
never recollected to have seen him in a passion. 
His manners, though dignified, were simple and un- 
affected, and his hospitality was so unbounded that 
all found at his house a ready welcome. In conver- 
sation he was fluent, eloquent and enthusiastic ; and 
his language was remarkably pure and correct. He 
was a finished classical scholar, and in his writings is 
discernable the care with which he formed his style 
upon the best models of antiquity. 



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FOURTH PRESIDENT. 



3» 



PEQES n]^DISO]].«^ 




AMES MADISON, "Father 

of the Constitution," and fourth 

'President of the United States, 

was born March i6, 1757, and 

died at his liome in \'iri;inia, 

Z"*^ June 28, 1836. The name of 
James Madison is inseparably con- 
nected with most of the imix)rtant 
events in that heroic period of our 
country during which tlie founda- 
tions of this great republic were 
laid. He was the last of the founders 
of the Constitution of the United 
States to be called to his eternal 
reward. 

The Madison family were among 
the early emigrants to the New World, 
landing u[X)n the shores of the Chesa- 
jjeake but 15 years after the settle- 
ment of Jamestown. The father of 
James Madison was an opulent 
planter, residing uix)n a very fine es- 
tate called "Montpelier," Orange Co., 
Va. The mansion was situated in 
the midst of scenery highly pictur- 
esque and romantic, on the west side 
of South-west Mountain, at the foot of 
It was but 25 miles from the home of 
Jefferson at Monticello. The closest personal and 
]X3litical attachment existed between these illustrious 
men, from their early youth until death. 

The early education of Mr. Madison was conducted 
mostly at home under a private tutor. At the age of 
18 he was sent to Princeton College, in New Jersey. 
Here he applied himself to study with the most im- 



Blue Ridge. 




prudent zeal; allowing himself, for months, l)ut three 
hours' sleep outof tlie 24. His health thus becaineso 
seriously impaired that he never recovered any vigor 
of constitution. He graduated in 177 i, with a feeble 
body, with a character of utmost purity, and with a 
mind liighly disciplined and richly stored with learning 
which embellished and gave proficiency to liis subsf 
quent career. 

Returning to Virginia, he commenced the study of 
law and a course of extensive and systematic reading. 
This educational course, the spirit of the times in 
which he lived, and the society with which he asso- 
ciated, all combined to inspire him with a strong 
love of liberty, and to train him for his life-work of 
a statesman. Being naturally of a religious turn of 
mind, and his frail health leading him to think that 
his life was not to be long, he directed especial atten- 
tion to theological studies. Endowed with a mind 
singularly free from passion and prejudice, and with 
almost unequalled iwwers of reasoning, he weighed 
all the arguments for and against revealed religion, 
until his faith became so established as never to 
be shaken. 

In the spring of 1776, when 26 years of age, he 
was elected a member of the Virginia Convention, to 
frame the constitution of the State. The ne.xt year 
(1777)) lie was a candidate for the General Assembly. 
He refused to treat the whisky-loving voters, and 
consequently lost his election ; but those who had 
witnessed the talent, energy and public spirit of the 
modest young man, enlisted themselves in his behalf, 
and he was appointed to the Executive Council. 

Both Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson were 
Oovernors of Virginia while Mr. Madison remained 
member of the Council ; and their appreciation of his 



n 




p 



JAMES MADISON. 



intellectual, social and moral worth, contributed not 
a little to his subsequent eminence. In the year 
1780, he was elected a member of the Continental 
Congress. Here he met tlie most illustrious men in 
our land, and he was immediately assigned to one of 
the most conspicuous positions among them. 

For three years Mr. Madison continued in Con- 
gress, one of its most active and influential members. 
In the year 1784, his term having expired, he was 
elected a member of the Virginia Legislature. 

No man felt more deeply than Mr. Madison the 
utter inefficiency of the old confederacy, with no na- 
tional government, with no power to form treaties 
which would be binding, or to enforce law. There 
was not any State more prominent than Virginia in 
the declaration, that an efficient national government 
must be formed. In January, 1786, Mr. Madison 
carried a resolution through the General Assembly of 
Virginia, inviting the other States to appoint commis- 
sioners to meet in convention at Annapolis to discuss 
this subject. Five States only were represented. The 
convention, however, issued another call, drawn up 
by Mr. Madison, urging all the States to send their 
delegates to Philadelphia, in May, 1787, to draft 
a Constitution for the United States, to take the place 
of that Confederate League. The delegates met at 
the time appointed. F.very State but Rhode Island 
was represented. George Washington was chosen 
president of the convention; and the present Consti- 
tution of the United States was then and there formed. 
There was, perha|)s, no mind and no pen more ac- 
tive in framing this immortal document than the mind 
and the pen of James Madison. 

The Constitution, adopted by a vote 8i to 79, was 
to be presented to the several States for acceptance. 
But grave solicitude was felt. Should it be rejected 
we should be left but a conglomeration of independent 
States, witli but little \x)wer at liome and little respect 
abroad. Mr. Madison was selected by the conven- 
tion to draw up an address to the people of the United 
States, expounding the principles of the Constitution, 
and urging its adoption. There was great opposition 
to it at first, but it at length triumphed over all, and 
went into effect in 1789. 

Mr. Madison was elected to the House of Repre- 
sentatives in the first Congress, and soon became the 
avowed leader of the Republican party. While in 
New York attending Congress, he met Mrs, Todd, a 
young widow of remarkable jwwer of fascination, 
whom he married. She was in person and character 
queenly, and probably no lady has thus far occupied 
so iirominent a ]iosition in the ver)' peculiar society 
which has constituted our republican court as Mrs. 
Madison. 

Mr. Madison served as Secretary of State under 
Jefferson, and at the close of his administration 
was chosen President. At this time the encroach- 
ments of England had brought us to the verge of war. 



British orders in council destioyed our commerce, and 
our flag was exposed to constant insult. Mr. Madison 
was a man of peace. Scholarly in his taste, retiring 
in hi3dis[»sition, war had no charms for him. But the 
meekest spirit can be roused. It makes one's blood 
boil, even now, to think of an American ship brought 
to, uix)n the ocean, by the guns of an English cruiser. 
A young lieutenant steps on board and orders the 
crew to be paraded before him. With great nonchal- 
ance he selects any number whom he may please to 
designate as British subjects ; orders them down the 
ship's side into his boat; and places them on the gun- 
deck of his man-of-war, to fight, by compulsion, the 
battles of England. This right of search and im- 
pressment, no efforts of our Government could induce 
the British cabinet to relinquish. 

On the 1 8th of June, 181 2, President Madison gave 
his approval to an act of Congress declaring war 
against Great Britain. Notwithstanding the bitter 
hostility of the Federal party to the war, the country 
in general approved; and Mr. Madison, on the 4th 
of March, rgij, was re-elected by a large majority, 
and entered upon his second term of office. This is 
not the place to describe the various adventures of 
this war on the land and on the water. Our infant 
navy then laid the foundations of its renown in grap- 
pling with the most formidable power which ever 
swept the seas. The contest commenced in earnest 
by the appearance of a British fleet, early in February, 
1813, in Chesapeake Bay, declaring nearly the whole 
coast of the LTnited States under blockade. 

The Emperor of Russia offered his services as me 
ditator. America accepted ; England refused. A Brit- 
ish force of five thousand men landed on the banks 
of the Patuxet River, near its entrance into Chesa- 
peake Bay, and marched rapidly, by way of Bladens- 
burg, upon Washington. 

The straggling little city of Washington was thrown 
into consternation. The cannon of the brief conflict 
at Bladensburg echoed through the streets of the 
metropolis. The whole population fled from the city. 
The President, leaving Mrs. Madison in the White 
House, with her carriage drawn up at the door to 
await his speedy return, hurried to meet the officers 
in a council of war. He met our troops utterly routed, 
and he could not go back without danger of being 
captured. But few hours elapsed ere the Presidential 
Mansion, the Capitol, and all the public buildings in 
Washington were in flames. 

The war closed after two years of fighting, and on 
Feb. 13, 1815, the treaty of peace was signed at Ghent. 

On the 4th of March, 18 17, his second term of 
office expired, and he resigned the Presidential chair 
to his friend, James Monroe. He retired to his beau- 
tiful home at Montpelier, and there passed the re- 
mainder of his days. On June 28, 1836, then at tlie 
age of 85 years, he fell asleep in death. Mrs. Madi- 
son died July 12, 1849. 



■•►-■^ 



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-4«- 



FIFTH PRESIDENT. 



35 



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pn]ES n]oi]^OE. «sff»-^^- 




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1 



AMES MONROE, the fifth 
Presidentof The United States, 
was born in Westmoreland Co., 
Va., April 28, 1758. His early 
life was passed at the place of 
nativity. His ancestors had for 
s many years resided in the prov- 
ince in which he was born. ^Vhen, 
at 17 years of age, in the process 
t of completing his education at 
William and Mary College, the Co- 
onial Congress assembled at Phila- 
delphia to deliberate upon the un- 
just and manifold oppressions of 
Great Britian, declared the separa- 
tion of tlie Colonies, and promul- 
gated the Declaration of Indepen- 
dence. Had he been born ten years before it is highly 
probable that he would have been one of the signers 
of that celebrated instrument. At this time he left 
school and enlisted among the patriots. 

He joined the army when ever)'thing looked liope- 
less and gloomy. The number of deserters increased 
from day to day. The invading armies came pouring 
in ; and the tories not only favored the cause of the 
mother country, but disheartened the new recruits, 
who were sufficiently terrified at the prospect of con- 
tending with an enemy whom they had been taught 
to deem invincible. To such brave spirits as James 
Monroe, who went right onward, undismayed through 
difficulty and danger, the United States owe their 
ix)litical emancipation. The young cadet joined the 
ranks, and espoused the cause of his injured country, 
with a firm determination to live or die with her strife 



-■ <•' 



for liberty. Firmly yet sadly he shared in the mel- 
ancholy retreat from Harleam Heights and White 
Plains, and accompanied the dispirited army as it fled 
before its foes through New Jersey. In four months 
after the Declaration of Independence, the patriots 
had been beaten in seven battles. At the battle of 
Trenton he led the vanguard, and, in the act of charg- 
ing upon the enemy he received a wound in the lefl 
shoulder. 

As a reward for his bravery, Mr. Monroe was pro- 
moted a captain of infantry; and, having recovered 
from his wound, he rejoined the army. He, however, 
receded from the line of promotion, by becoming an 
officer in the staff of Lord Sterling. During the cam- 
paigns of 1777 and 1778, in the actions of Brandy 
wine, Germantown and Monmouth, he continued 
aid-de-canip ; but becoming desirous to regain his 
position in the army, he exerted himself to collect a 
regiment for the Virginia line. This scheme failed 
owing to the exhausted condition of the State. Ujwn 
this failure he entered the office of Mr. Jefferson, at 
that period Governor, and pursued, with considerable 
ardor, the study of common law. He did not, however, 
entirely lay aside the knapsack for the green bag; 
but on the invasions of the enemy, served as a volun- 
teer, during the two years of his legal pursuits. 

In 17S2, he was elected from King George county, 
a member of the Leglislature of Virginia, and by that 
body he was elevated to a seat in the Executive 
Council. He was thus honored with the confidence 
of his fellow citizens at 23 years of age ; and having 
at this early period displayed some of that ability 
and aptitude for legislation, which were afterwards 
employed with unremitting energy for the public good. 



■A 



f 



-4^ 

36 



JAMES MONROE. 



i 



he was in the succeeding year chosen a member of 
the Congress of the United States. 
Deeply as Mr. Monroe felt the imperfections of the old 
J^onfederacy, he was opposed to the new Constitution, 
".hinkiiig, with many others of the Republican party, 
that it gave too nnich power to the Central Government, 
and not enough to the individual States. Still he re- 
tained the esteem of his friends who were its warm 
supporters, and who, notwithstanding his opposition 
secured its adoption. In 1789, he became a member 
of the United States Senate; which office he held for 
four years. Every month the line of distinction be- 
tween the two great parties which divided the nation, 
the Federal and the Republican, was growing more 
distinct. The two prominent ideas which now sep- 
arated them were, that the Re[)uljlican party was in 
sympathy with France, and also in favor of such a 
strict construction of the Constitution as to give the 
Central Government as little power, and the State 
Governments as much |X)wer, as the Constitution would 
warrant. The Federalists sympatiiized with England, 
and were in favor of a liberal construction of the Con- 
stitution, which would give as much power to the 
Central Government as that document could jwssibly 
authorize. 

The leading Federalists and Republicans were 
alike noble men, consecrating all their energies to the 
good of the nation. Two more honest men or more 
pure patriots than John Adams the Federalist, and 
James Monroe the Republican, never breathed. In 
building up this majestic nation, which is destined 
to eclipse all Grecian and Assyrian greatness, the com- 
bination of their antagonism was needed to create the 
light equilibrium. And yet eacli in his day was de- 
nounced as almost a demon. 

Washington was then President. England had es- 
poused the cause of the Bourbons against the princi- 
ples of the French Revolution. All Europe was drawn 
into the conflict. We were feeble and far away. 
Washington issued a proclamation of neutrality be- 
tween these contending powers. France had helped 
us in the struggle for our liberties. All the despotisms 
of Europe were now combined to prevent the French 
from escaping from a tyranny a thousand-fold worse 
than that which we had endured Col. Monroe, more 
magnanimous than prudent, was anxious that, at 
whatever hazard, we should help our old allies m 
their extremity. It was the impulse of a generous 
and noble nature. He violently opposed the Pres- 
ident's proclamation as ungrateful and wanting in 
magnanimity. 

Washington, who could appreciate such a character, 
developed his calm, serene, almost divine greatness, 
by appointing that very James Monroe, who was de- 
nouncing the policy of the Government, as the minister 
of that Government to the Republic of France. Mr. 
Monroe was welcomed by the National Convention 
in France with the most enthusiastic demonstrations. 



Shortly after his return to this country, Mr. Mon- 
roe was elected Governor of Virginia, and held the 
office for three years. He was again sent to France to 
co-operate with Chancellor Livingston in obtaining 
the vast territory then known as the Province of 
Louisiana, which France had but shortly before ob- 
tained from Spain. Their united efforts were suc- 
cessful. For the comparatively small sum of fifteen 
millions of dollars, the entire territory of Orleans and 
district of Louisiana were added to the United States. 
This was probably the largest transfer of real estate 
which was ever made in all the history of the world. 

From France Mr. Monroe went to England to ob- 
tain from that country some recognition of our 
rights as neutrals, and to remonstrate against those 
odious impressments of our seamen. But Eng- 
land was unrelenting. He agam returned to Eng- 
land on the same mission, but could receive no 
redress. He returned to his home and was again 
chosen Governor of Virginia. This he soon resigned 
to accept the position of Secretary of State under 
Madison. While in this office war with England was 
declared, the Secretary of War resigned, and during 
these trying times, the duties of the War Department 
were also put upon him. He was truly the armor- 
bearer of President Madison, and the most efficient 
business man in his cabinet. Upon the return oi 
peace he resigned the Deiiartment of War, but con- 
tinued in the office of Secretary of State until the ex- 
piration of Mr. Madison's adminstration. At the elec- 
tion held the previous autumn Mr. Monroe himself had 
been chosen President with but little opposition, and 
uix)n March 4, 1817, was inaugurated. Four years 
later he was elected for a second term. 

Among the important measures of his Presidency 
were the cession of Florida to the Ll^nited States; the 
Missouri Compromise, and the " Monroe doctrine.'' 

This famous doctrine, since known as the " Monroe 
doctrine," was enunciated by him in 1823. At that 
time the United States had recognized the independ- 
ence of the South American states, and did not wish 
to have European ixjwers longer attempting to sub- 
due ixsrtions of the American Continent. The doctrine 
is as follows: "Tliat we should consider any attempt 
on the part of European powers to extend their sys- 
tem to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous 
to our peace and safety," and "that we could not 
view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing 
or controlling American governments or provinces in 
any other light than as a manifestation by European 
jxjwers of an unfriendly disposition toward the Lhiited 
States." This doctrine immediately affected the course 
of foreign governments, and has become the approved 
sentiment of the United States. 

At the end of his second term Mr. Monroe retired 
to his home in Virginia, where he lived unril 1830, 
when he went to New York to live with his son-in- 
law. In that city he died, on the 4th of July, 1831. 



-•►HI- 



T 




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-^^ 



SIXTH PRESIDENT. 



30 



V 




A ^ /^/0;t\i^^ 



30^]] Qnil]6Y ^D^ITQS. | 




OHN QUINCY ADAMS, the 

sixth President of the United 
^^tates, was born in tlie rural 
liome of his honored father, 
John Adams, in Quincy, Mass., 
on the nth cf July, 1767. His 
mother, a woman of exalted 
worth, watched over his childhood 
during the almost constant ab- 
sence of his father. When but 
eight years of age, he stood with 
his mother on an eminence, listen- 
ing to the booming of the great bat- 
tle on Bunker's Hill, and gazing on 
upon the smoke and flames billow- 
ing up from the conflagration of 
Charlestown. 

When but eleven years old he 
took a tearful adieu of his mother, 
to sail with his father for Europe, 
through a fleet of hostile British cruisers. The bright, 
animated boy spent a year and a half in I'aiis, where 
his father was associated with Franklin and Lee as 
minister pienijxitentiary. His intelligence attracted 
the notice of these distinguished men, and he received 
from them flattering marks of attention. 

Mr. John Adams had scarcely returned to this 
country, in 1779, ere he was again sent abroad. Again 
John Quincy accompanied his father. At Paris he 
applied himself with great diligence, for six months, 
to study; then accompained his father to Holland, 
where he entered, first a school in Amsterdam, then 
the University at Leyden. About a year from this 
time, in 1781, when the manly boy was but fourteen 
years of age, he was selected by Mr. Dana, our min- 
ister to the Russian court, as his private secretar\-. 

In this school of incessant labor and of enobling 
culture he spent fourteen months, and then returned 
to Holland through Sweden, Denmark, Hamburg and 
Bremen. This long journey he took alone, in the 
winter, when in his sixteenth year. Again he resumed 
his studies, under a priv.Tte tutor, at Hague. Thence, 



in the spring of 1782, he accompanied his father to 
Paris, traveling leisurely, and forming acquaintance 
with the most distinguished men on the Continent; 
examining architectural remains, galleries of paintings, 
and all renowned works of art. At Paris he again 
became associated with the most illustrious men of 
all lands in the contemplations of the loftiest temporal 
themes which can engross the human mind. After 
a short visit to England he returned to Paris, and 
consecrated all his energies to study until May, 1785, 
when he returned to America. To a brilliant young 
man of eighteen, who had seen much of the world, 
and who was familiar with the etiquette of courts, a 
residence with his father in London, under such cir- 
cumstances, must have been extremely attractive; 
but with judgment very rare in one of his age, he pre- 
ferred to return to .America to complete his education 
in an .American college. He wished then to study 
law, that with an honorable profession, he might be 
able to obtain an independent support. 

L'pon leaving Harvard College, at the age of twenty, 
he studied law for three years. In June, 1794, be- 
ing then but twenty-seven years 6f age, he was ap- 
pointed by Washington, resident minister at the 
Netherlands. Sailing from Boston in July, he reached 
London in October, where he was immediately admit- 
ted to the deliberations of Messrs. Jay and Pinckney, 
assisting them in negotiating a commercial treaty with 
Great Britian. After thus spending a fortnight in 
London, he proceeded to the Hague. 

In July, 1797, he left the Hague logo to Portugal as 
minister plenipotentiary. On his way to Portugal, 
upon arriving in London, he met with despatches 
directing him to the court of Berlin, but requesting 
him to remain in London until he should receive his 
instructions. While waiting he was married to an 
American lady to whom he had been ])reviously en- 
gaged, — Miss Louisa Catherine Johnson, daughter 
of Mr. Joshua Johnson, American consul in London ; 
a lady endownd with that beauty and those accom- 
plishment which eminently fitted her to move in the 
elevated sphere for which she was destined. 



46 



/OI/JV QUINCY ADAMS. 



He reached Berlin with his wife in November, 1797 ; 
where he remained until July, 1799, when, having ful- 
filled all the pur[X)scs of his mission, he solicited his 
recall. 

Soon after his return, in 1802, he was chosen to 
the Senate of Massachusetts, from Boston, and then 
was elected Senator of the United States for six years, 
from the 4th of March, 1804. His reputation, his 
ability and his experience, placed him immediately 
among the most prominent and influential members 
of that body. Especially did he sustain the Govern- 
. ment in its measures of resistance to the encroach- 
ments of England, destroying our commerce and in- 
sulting our flag. There was no man in America more 
familiar with the arrogance of the British court upon 
these points, and no one more resolved to present 
a firm resistance. 

In 1809, Madison succeeded Jefferson in the Pres- 
idential chair, and he immediately nominated John 
Quincy Adams minister to .St. Petersburg. Resign- 
ing his professorship in Harvard College, he embarked 
at Boston, in August, 1809. 

While in Russia, Mr. Adams was an intense stu- 
dent. He devoted his attention to the language and 
history of Russia; to the Chinese trade; to the 
European system of weights, measures, and coins; to 
the climate and astronomical observations ; while he 
Kept up a familiar acquaintance with the Greek and 
Latin classics. In all the universities of Europe, a 
more accomplished scholar could scarcely be found. 
All through life the Bible constituted an important 
part of his studies. It was his rule to read five 
chapters every day. 

On the 4th of March, 1817, Mr. Monroe took the 
Presidential chair, and immediately ap|)ointed Mr. 
Adams Secretary of State. Taking leave of his num- 
erous friends in public and private life in Europe, he 
sailed in June, 1819, forthe United States. On the 
i8th of August, he again crossed the threshold of his 
home in Quincy. During the eight years of -Mr. Mon- 
roe's administration, Mr, Adams continued Secretary 
of State. 

Some time before the close of Mr. Monroe's second 
term of office, new candidates began to be presented 
for the Presidency. The friends of Mr. Adams brought 
forward his name. It was an exciting campaign. 
Party spirit was never more bitter. Two hundred and 
sixty electoral votes were cast. Andrew Jackson re- 
ceived ninety-nine; John Quincy Adams, eiglity-four; 
William H. Crawford, forty-one; Henry Clay, thirty- 
seven. As there was no choice by the people, the 
question went to the House of Rejiresentatives. Mr. 
Clay gave the vote of Kentucky to Mr. Adams, and 
he was elected. 

The friends of all the disappointed candidates now 
combined in a venomous and persistent assault upon 
Mr. Adams. Tliere is nothing more disgraceful in 
the past history of our country than the abuse which 

■^« 



was poured in one uninterrupted stream, upon this 
high-minded, upright, patriotic man. There never was 
an administration more pure in principles, more con- 
scientiously devoted to the best interests of the coun- 
try, than that of John Quincy Adams; and never, per- 
haps, was there an administration more unscrupu- 
lously and outrageously assailed. 

Mr. Adams was, to a very remarkable degree, ab- 
stemious and temperate in his habits; always rising 
early, and taking much exercise. When at his home in 
Quincy, he has been known to walk, before breakfast, 
seven miles to Boston. In Washington, it was said 
that he was the first man up in the city, lighting his 
own fire and applying himself to work in his library' 
often long before dawn. 

On the 4th of March, 1829, Mr. Adams retired 
from the Presidency, and was succeeded by Andrew- 
Jackson. John C. Calhoun was elected Vice Presi- 
dent. The slavery question now began to assume 
lX)rtentous magnitude. Mr. .Adams returned to 
Quincy and to his studies, which he pursued with un- 
abated zeal. But he was not long permitted to re- 
main in retirement. In November, 1830, he was 
elected representative to Congress. For seventeen 
years, until his death, he occupied the post as repre- 
sentative, towering above all his peers, ever ready to 
do brave battle' for freedom, and winning the title of 
"the old man eloquent." Upon taking his seat in 
the House, he announced that he should hold him- 
self bound to no party. Probably there never was a 
member more devoted to his duties. He was usually 
the first in his place in the morning, and the last to 
leave his seat in the evening. Not a measure could 
be brought forward and escape his scrutiny. The 
battle which Mr. Adams fought, almost singly, against 
the proslavery party in the Government, was sublime 
in Its moral dating and heroism. For persisting in 
presenting petitions for the abolition of slavery, he 
was threatened with indictment by the grand jury, 
with expulsion from the House, with assassination; 
but no threats could intimidate him, and his final 
triumph was complete. 

It has been said of President Adams, that when his 
body was bent and his hair silvered by the lapse of 
fourscore years, yielding to the simple faith of a little 
child, he was accustomed to repeat every night, l)efore 
he slept, the prajer which his mother taught him in 
his infant years. 

On the 2istof February, 1848, he rose on the floor 
of Congress, with a paper in his hand, to address the 
speaker. Suddenly he fell, again stricken by paraly- 
sis, and was caught in the arms of those around him. 
For a time he was senseless, as he was conveyed to 
the sofa in the rotunda. With reviving conscious- 
ness, he opened his eyes, looked calmly around and 
said " This is the e mi of earth .-"then after a moment's 
pause he added, '' I am content'' These were the 
last words of the grand " Old Man Eloquent." 



'•^rf- 



'?fSS^-Jsif^^^., 




SEVENTH PRESIDENT. 



43 




l&w ASS-^^^-^-SfS^^^''*^ -^ Tj, 






%% 




NIIREW JACKSON, the 
seventh President of the 
;^*L'nited btates, was born m 
Waxhaw settlement, N. C, 
March 15, 1767, a few days 
after his father's death. His 
parents were poor emigrants 
from Ireland, and took up 
their abode in Waxhaw set- 
tlement, where they lived in 
deepest poverty. 
Andrew, or Andy, as he was 
universally called, grew up a very 
rough, rude, turbulent boy. His 
features were coarse, his form un- 
gainly; and there was but very 
little in his character, made visible, which was at- 
tractive. 

When only thirteen years old he joined the volun- 
teers of Carolina against the British invasion. In 
1781, he and his brother Robert were captured and 
imprisoned for a time at Camden. A British officer 
ordered him to brush his mud-spattered boots. " I am 
a prisoner of war, not your servant," was the reply of 
the dauntless boy. 

The brute drew his sword, and aimed a desperate 
blow at the head of the helpless young prisoner. 
.\ndrew raised his hand, and thus received two fear- 
ful gashes, — one on the hand and the other upon the 
head. The officer then turned to his brother Robert 
with the same demand. He also refused, and re- 
ceived a blow from the keen-edged sabre, which quite 
disabled him, and which probably soon after caused 
his death. They suffered much other ill-treatment, and 
were finally stricken with the small-jx)x. Their 
mother was successful in obtaining their exchange, 



and took her sick boys home, .\fter a long illness 
-Andrew recovered, and the death of his mother soon 
left him entirely friendless. 

.\ndrew supported himself in various ways, such as 
working at the saddler's trade, teaching school and 
clerking in a general store, until 1784, when he 
entered a law office at Salisbury, N. C. He, however, 
gave more attention to the wild amusements of the 
times than to his studies. In 1788, he was apjwinted 
solicitor for the western district of North Carolina, of 
which Tennessee was then a part. This involved 
many long and tedious journeys amid dangers of 
every kind, but Andrew Jackson never knew fear, 
and the Indians had no desire to repeat a skirmish 
witti the Sharp Knife. 

In 1791, Mr. Jackson was married to a woman who 
supposed herself divorced from her former husband. 
Great was the surprise of both parties, two years later, 
to find that the conditionsof the divorce had just been 
definitely settled by the first husband. The marriage 
ceremony was performed a second time, but the occur- 
rence was often used by his enemies to bring Mr. 
Jackson into disfavor. 

Daring these years he worked hard at his profes- 
sion, and frequently had one or more duels on hand, 
one of which, when he killed Dickenson, was espec- 
ially disgraceful. 

In January, 1796, the Territory of Tennessee then 
containing nearly eighty thousand inhabitants, the 
people met in convention at Knowille to frame a con- 
stiturion. Five were sent from each of the eleven 
counties. .Andrew Jackson was one of the delegates. 
The new State was entitled to but one member in 
the National House of Representatives. Andrew Jack- 
son was chosen that member. Mounting his horse he 
rode to Philedelphia, where Congress then held its 



V 



r* 



,t 



-4*- 



44 



ANDRE \V JACKSON. 






-^H^ 



sessions, — a distance of about eight hundred miles. 

Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Demo- 
cratic party. Jefferson was his idol. He admired 
Bonaparte, loved France and hated England. As Mr. 
fackson took his seat, Gen. Washington, whose 
second term of ofifice was then expiring, delivered his 
hist speech to Congress. .\ committee drew up a 
comi)limentary address in reply. Andrew Jackson 
did not approve of the address, and was one of the 
twelve who voted against it. He was not willing to 
say that Gen. Washington's adminstration had been 
'" wise, firm and patriotic." 

Mr. Jackson was elected to the United States 
Senate in 1797, but soon resigned and returned home. 
Soon after he was chosen Judge of the Supreme Court 
of his State, which position he held fjr six years. 

When tlie war of 181 2 witii Great Britian com- 
menced, Madison occu|)ied the Presidential chair. 
Aaron Burr sent word to tlie President that there was 
an unknown man in tlie West, Andrew Jackson, who 
would do credit to a commission if one were con- 
ferred u[)on him. Just at that time Gen. Jackson 
offeied his services and tliose of twenty-five hundred 
volunteers. His offer was accepted, and the troops 
were assembled at -Nashville. 

As the British were liouriy expected to make an at- 
tack upon New Orleans, where Gen. Wilkinson was 
in command, he was ordered to descend the river 
with fifteen hundred troops to aid Wilkinson. The 
e.xpedition reached Natchez; and after a delay of sev- 
eral weeks there, without accomplishing anything, 
the men were ordered back to their homes. But the 
energy Gen. Jackson had displayed, and his entire 
devotion to the comrfort of his soldiers, won him 
golden opinions; and he became the most popular 
man in the .State. It was in this expedition that his 
toughness gave him the nickname of " Old Hickory." 

Soon after this, wliile attempting to horsewhip Col. 
Thomas H. Benton, for a remark that gentleman 
made about his taking a part as second in a duel, in 
which a younger brother of Benton's was engaged, 
he received two severe pistol wounds. While he was 
lingering upon a bed of suffering news came that the 
Indians, who had combined under Tecumseh from 
Florida to the Lakes, to exterminate the white set- 
tlers, were committing the most awful ravages. De- 
cisive action became necessary. Gen. Jackson, with 
his fractured bone just beginning to heal, his arm in 
a sling, and unable to mount liis horse without assis- 
tance, gave his amazing energies to tlie raising of an 
army to rendezvous at Fayettesville, .-\labama. 

The Creek Indians had established a strong fort on 
oneof the bendsof the Tallapoosa River, near the cen- 
ter of Alabama, alnnit fifty miles below F"ort Strother. 
With an army of two thousand men, (ien. Jackson 
traversed the pathless wilderness in a march of eleven 
(lays. He reached their fort, called 'I'ohopeka or 
Horse-shoe, on tVie 27th of March. 1814. The bend 



of the river enclosed nearly one hundred acres of 
tangled forest and wild ravine. Across the narrow 
neck the Indians had constructed a formidable breast- 
work of logs and brush. Here nine hundred warriors, 
with an ample suplyof arms were assembled. 

The fort was stormed. The fight was utterly des- 
perate. Not an Indian would accept of quarter. When 
[jleeding and dying, they would fight those who en- 
deavored to spare their lives. From ten in the morn- 
ing until dark, the battle raged. The carnage was 
awful and revolting. Some threw themselves into the 
river; but the unerring bullet struck their heads as 
they swam. Nearly everyone of the nine hundred war- 
rios were killed \ few probably, in the night, swam 
the river and escaped. 'I'his ended the war. The 
ixjwer of the Creeks was broken forever. This bold 
plunge into the wilderness, with its terrifific slaughter, 
so appalled the savages, that the haggard remnants 
of the bands came to the camp, begging for peace. 

This closing of the Creek war enabled us to con- 
centrate all our militia upon the British, who were the 
allies of the Indians No man of less resolute will 
than (Ien. Jackson could have conducted this Indian 
campaign to so successtul an issue Immediately he 
was apiKjinted major-general. 

Late in .\ugust, with an army of two thousand 
men, on a rushing march, Gen. Jackson came to 
Mobile. ,\ British fleet came from Pensacola, landed 
a force ujion the beach, anchored near the little fort, 
and from both ship and shore commenced a furious 
assault. The battle was long and doubtful. .-Vt length 
one of the ships was blown up and the rest retired. 

Garrisoning Mobile, where he had taken his little 
army, he moved his troops to New Orleans, 
And the battle of New Orleans which soon ensued, 
was in reality a very arduous campaign. This won 
for (ien. Jackson an imperishable name. Here his 
troops, which numbered about four thousand men, 
won a signal victory over the British army of about 
nine thousand. His loss was but thirteen, while the 
loss of the British was two thousand six hundred. 

'i'he name of (ien. Jackson soon began to be men- 
tioned in connection with the Presidency, but, in 1824, 
he was defeated by Mr. .\dams. He was, however, 
successful in the election of 18 28, and was re-elected 
for a second term in 1832. In 1829, just before he 
assumed the reins of the government, he met with 
the most terrible affliction of Ins life in the death of 
his wife, whom he had loved with a devotion which has 
perhaps never been surpassed. From the shock of 
her death he never recovered. 

His administration was one of the most memorable 
in the annals of our country; applauded by one party, 
condemned by the other. No man had more bitter 
enemies or warmer friends. .\t the expiration of his 
two terms of office he retired to the Hermitage, where 
he died |une 8, 1845. The last years of \\\. Jack- 
son's life were that of a devoted Christian man. 



-t 




^7 J^Ua^ ^^-i^J U^f^s^z.^ 



1 



-■ <•• 



EIGHTH PRESIDENT. 



47 








ARTIN VAN BUREN, the 
eighth President of the 
United States, was born at 
Kinderhook, N. Y., Dec. 5, 
1782. He died at the same 
l>lace, July 24, 1862. His 
body rests in the cemetery 
at Kinderhook. Above it is 
a plain granite shaft fifteen feet 
high, bearing a simple inscription 
about half way up on one face. 
The lot is unfenced, unbordered 
or unbounded by shrub or flower. 

There is but little in the life of Martin Van Buren 
of romantic interest. He fought no battles, engaged 
in no wild adventures. Though his life was stormy in 
political and intellectual conflicts, and he gained many 
signal victories, his days passed uneventful in those 
incidents which give zest to biography. His an- 
cestors, as his name indicates, were of Dutch origin, 
and were among the earliest emigrants from Holland 
to the banks of the Hudson. His father was a farmer, 
residing in the old town of Kinderhook. His mother, 
also of Dutch lineage, was a woman of superior intel- 
ligence and e.\enii)lary piety. 

He was decidedly a precocious boy, developing un- 
usu;il activity, vigor and strengtli of mind. At the 
age of fourteen, he had finished liis academic studies 
in liis native village, and commenced the study of 
law. As he h.ad not a collegiate education, seven 
years of study in a law-office were required of him 
before he could be admitted to the bar. Inspired with 
a lofty ambition, and conscious of his [xswers, lie pur- 
sued his studies witli indefatigable industry. After 
spending six years in an office in his native village, 
-.<• 



he went to the city of N'ew York, and prosecuted his 
studies for the seventh year. 

In 1803, Mr. Van Buren, then twenty-one years of 
age, commenced the practice of law in his native vil- 
lage. The great conflict between the Federal and 
Republican party was then at its height. Mr. Van 
Buren was from the beginning a ix)litician. He had, 
perhaps, imbibed that spirit while listening to the 
many discussions which had been carried on in his 
father's hotel. He was in cordial sympathy with 
Jefferson, and earnestly and eloquently espoused the 
cause of State Rights; though at that time the Fed- 
eral party held the supremacy both in his town 
and State. 

His success and increasing ruputation led him 
after six years of practice, to remove to Hudson, th.. 
county seat of his county. Here he spent seven years, 
constantly gaining strength by contending in tht. 
courts with some of the ablest men who have adorned 
the bar of his State. 

Just before leaving Kinderhook for Hudson, Mi. 
Van Buren married a lady alike distinguished for 
beauty and accomplishments. After twelve short 
years she sank into the grave, the victim of consump- 
tion, leaving her husband and four sons to weep over 
her loss. For twenty-five years, Mr. Van Buren was 
an earnest, successful, assiduous lawyer. The record 
of those years is barren in items of public interest. 
In 1812, wlien thirty years of age, he was chosen to 
the State Senate, and gave his strenuous support to 
Mr. Madison's adminstration. In 1815, he was ap- 
ix)inted .Attorney-Oeneral, and the next year moved 
to .Albany, the capital of the State. 

While he was acknowledged as one of the most 
lnoiiiinent leaders of the Democratic party, he had 



48 



,t 



MARTIN VAN BUREN. 



the moral courage to avow that true democracy did 
not require that " universal suffrage " whicli admits 
the vile, the degraded, the ignorant, to the right of 
governing the State. In true consistency with his 
democratic principles, lie contended that, while the 
path leading to the privilege of voting should be open 
to every man without distinction, no one should be 
invested with that sacred prerogative, unless he were 
in some degree quahfied for it by intelligence, virtue 
and some property interests in the welfare of the 
State. 

In 182 I he was elected a member of the United 
States Senate; and in the same year, he took a seat 
in the convention to revise the constitution of his 
native State. His course in this convention secured 
the approval of men of all parties. No one could 
doubt the singleness of his endeavors to promote the 
interests of all classes in the community. In the 
Senate of the United States, he rose at once to a 
conspicuous position as an active and useful legislator. 

In 1827, John Quincy Adams being then in the 
Presidential chair, Mr. Van Buren was re-elected to 
the Senate. He had been from the beginning a de- 
termined opposer of the .\dniinistration, adopting the 
"State Rights" view in opposition to what was 
deemed the Federal proclivities of Mr. .Adams. 

Soon after this, in 1828, he was chosen Governorof 
the State of New York, and accordingly resigned his 
seat in the Senate. Probably no one in the United 
States contributed so much towards ejecting lohn Q. 
Adams from the Presidential chair, and placing in it 
Andrew Jackson, as did Martin Van Buren. Whether 
entitled to the reputation or not, he certainly was re- 
garded throughout the United States as one of the 
most skillful, sagacious and cunning of politicians. 
It was supixjsed that no one knew so well as he how 
to touch the secret spiings of action; how to pull all 
the wires to put his machinery in motion; and how to 
organize a political army which would, secretly and 
stealthily accomplisli tlie most gigantic results. By 
these powers it is said tliat he outwitted Mr. Adams, 
Mr. Clay, Mr. Webster, and secured results which 
lew thought then could be accomplished. 

When Andrew Jackson was elected President he 
apix-inted Mr. Van Buren Secretary of State. This 
position he resigned in 1831, and was immediately 
appointed Minister to England, where he went the 
s.ime autumn. The Senate, however, when it met, 
refused to ratify the nomination, and he returned 



home, apparently untroubled; was nominated Vice 

President in the place of Calhoun, at the re-election 
of President Jackson ; and with smiles for all and 
frowns for none, he took his place at the liead of that 
Senate which hjd refused to confirm his nomination 
as ambassador. 

His rejection by the Senate roused all the zeal of 
President Jackson in behalf of his repudiated favor- 
ite ; and this, probably more than any other cause, 
secured his elevation to the chau" of the Chief Execu- 
tive. On the 2otli of May, 1836, Mr. Van Buren re- 
ceived the Democratic nomination to succeed Gen. 
Jackson as President of the United States. He was 
elected by a handsome majority, to the delight of the 
retiring President. " Leaving New York out of the 
canvass," says Mr. Parton, "the election of Mr. Van 
Buren to the Presidency was as much the act of Gen. 
Jackson as though the Constitution had conferred 
upon him the power to appoint a successor." 

His administration was filled with exciting events. 
'i'he insurrection in Canada, which threatened to in- 
volve tliis country in war with England, the agitation 
of the slavery question, and finally the great commer- 
cial panic which spread over the country, all were 
trials to his wisdom. The financial distiess was at- 
tributed to the management of the Democratic jjarty, 
and brought the President into such disfavor that he 
failed of re-election. 

With the e.xception of being nominated for the 
Presidency by the "Free Soil" Democrats, in 1848, 
Mr. Van Buren lived quietlv upon his estate until 
his death. 

He had ever been a prudent man, of frugal habits, 
and living within his income, had now fortunately a 
competence for his declining years. His unblemished 
character, his commanding abilities, his unquestioned 
patriotism, and the distinguished i>ositions which he 
had occupied in the government of our country, se- 
cured to him not only the homage of his party, but 
the respect ot the whole community. It was on the 
4th of March, 1S41, that Mr. Van Buren retired from 
the presidency. From his fine estate at Lindenwald^ 
he still exerted a powerful influence uixin thejwlitics 
of the country. From this time until his deatli, on 
the 24th of July, 1862, at the age of eighty years, he 
resided at Lindenwald, a gentleman of leisure, of 
culture and of wealth; enjoying in a healthy old 
age, probably far more hap[)iness than he had before 
experienced amid the stormy scenes of his active life. 



n 




yUJ'. J^ f7GyiA-y>^^i'\^ 



-U 



NINTH PRESIDENT. 



^^►Hh-^ 



5' 










? » 



j^ I 



ILLIAM HENRY HARRI- 

SOM, the ninth President of 
the United States, was born 
at Berkeley, Va., Feb. g, 1773. 
His father, Benjamin Harri- 
son, was in comparatively op- 
ulent circumstances, and was 
one of the most distinguished 
men of his day. He was an 
intimate friend of George 
Washington, was early elected 
a member of the Continental 
Congress, and was conspicuous 
among the patriots of Virginia in 
resisting the encroachments of the 
British crown. In the celebrated 
Congress of 1775, Benjamin Har- 
rison and John Hancock were 
both candidates for the office of 
speaker. 

Mr Harrison was subsequently 
chosen Governor of Virginia, and 
was twice re-elected. His son, 
i William Henry, of course enjoyed 

in childhood all the advantages which wealth and 
intellectual and cultivated society could give. Hav- 
ing received a thorough common-school education, he 
entered Hampden Sidney College, where he graduated 
with honor soon after the death of his father. He 
then repaired to Philadelphia to study medicine under 
the instructions of Dr. Rush and the guardianship of 
Robert Morris, both of whom were, with his father, 
signers of the Declaration of Independence. 

UlX)n the outbreak of the Indian troubles, and not- 
withstanding the remonstrances of his friends, he 
abandoned his medical studies and entered the army, 
having obtained a commission of Ensign from Presi- 



dent Washington. He was then but 19 years old. 
From that time he passed gradually upward in rank 
until he became aid to General Wayne, after whose 
death lie resigned his commission. He was then ap- 
pointed Secretary of the North-western Territory. This 
Territory was then entitled to but one member in 
Congress and Capt. Harrison was chosen to fill that 
position. 

In the spring of 1800 the North-western Territory 
was divided by Congress into two portions. The 
eastern portion, comprising the region now embraced 
in the State of Ohio, was called '' The Territory 
north-west of the Ohio." The western portion, which 
included what is now called Indiana, Illinois and 
Wisconsin, was called the "Indiana Territory." Wil- 
liam Henry Harrison, then 27 years of age, was ap- 
pointed by John Adams, Governor of the Indiana 
Territory, and immediately after, also Governor of 
Upper Louisiana. He was thus ruler over almost as 
extensive a realm as any sovereign upon the globe. He 
was Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and was in- 
vested with jxjwers nearly dictatorial over the now 
rapidly increasing white population. The ability and 
fidelity with which he discharged these responsible 
duties may be inferred from the fact that he was four 
times appointed to this office — first by John Adams, 
twice by Thomas Jefferson and afterwards by Presi- 
dent Madison. 

When he began his adminstration there were but 
three white settlements in that almost boundless region, 
now crowded with cities and resounding with all the 
tumult of wealth and traffic. One of these settlements 
was on the Ohio, nearly opposite Louisville; one at 
Vincennes, on the Wabash, and the third a French 
settlement. 

The vast wilderness over which Gov. Harrison 
reigned was filled with many tribes of Indians. About 



_ ■► i <• 



I 



<•• 



.52 



WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON. 



the year 1806, two extraordinary men, twin brothers, 
of the Shawnese tribe, rose among them. One of 
these was called Tecumseh, or " The Crouching 
Panther;" the other, OUiwacheca, or "The Prophet." 
Tecumseh was not only an Indian warrior, but a man 
of great sagacity, far-reaching foresight and indomit- 
able perseverance in any enterprise in which he might 
engage. He was inspired with the highest enthusiasm, 
and had long regarded with dread and with hatred 
the encroachment of the whites upon the hunting- 
grounds of his fathers. His brother, the Prophet, was 
anorator, who could sway the feelings of the untutored 
Indian as the gale tossed tlie tree-tops beneath which 
they dwelt. 

But the Prophet was not merely an orator : he was, 
in the superstitious minds of the Indians, invested 
with the superhuman dignity of a medicine-man or a 
magician. With an enthusiasm unsurpassed by Peter 
the Hermit rousing Europe to tlie crusades, he went 
from tribe to tribe, assuming that he was specially sent 
by the Great Spirit. 

Gov. Harrison made many attempts to conciliate 
the Indians, but at last the war came, and at Tippe- 
canoe the Indians were routed with great slaughter. 
October 28, 18 12, his army began its march. When 
near the Prophet's town three Indians of rank made 
their appearance and inquired wliy Gov. Harrison was 
approacliing tliem in so hostile an attitude. After a 
short conference, arrangements were made for a meet- 
ing the next day, to agree upon terms of peace. 

But Gov. Harrison was too well acquainted with 
the Indian character to be deceived by such protes- 
tations. Selecting a favorable spot for his night's en- 
campment, he took every precaution against surprise. 
His troops were posted in a hollow square, and slept 
upon their arms. 

The troops threw themselves upon the ground for 
rest; but every man had his accourtrements on, his 
loaded musket by his side, and his bayonet fixed. The 
wakeful Governor, between three and four o'clock in 
the morning, had risen, and was sitting in conversa- 
tion with his aids by the embers of a waning fire. It 
was a chill, cloudy morning with a drizzling rain. In 
the darkness, the Indians had crept as near as possi- 
ble, and just then, with a savage yell, rushed, with all 
the desperation which superstition and jjassion most 
liighly inflamed could give, upon the left flank of the 
little army. The savages had been amply provided 
with guns and ammunition by the English. Their 
war-whoop was accompained by a shower of bullets. 

The camp-fires were instantly extinguished, as the 
light aided the Indians in their aim. With hide- 
Bus yells, the Indian bands rushed on, not doubting a 
speedy and an entire victory. But Gen. Harrison's 
troops stood as immovable as the rocks around them 
until day dawned : they then made a simultaneous 
charge with the bayonet, and swept every thing be- 
' fore them, and completely routing the foe, 



Gov. Harrison now had all his energies tasked 
to the utmost. The British descending from the Can - 
adas, were of themselves a very formidable force ; but 
with their savage allies, rushing like wolves from the 
forest, searching out every remote farm-house, burn- 
ing, |)lundering, scalping, torturing, the wide frontier 
was plunged into a state of consternation which even 
the most vivid imagination can but faintly conceive. 
The war-whoop was resounding everywhere in the 
forest. The horizon was illuminated with the conflagra- 
tion of the cabins of the settlers. Gen Hull had made 
the ignominious surrender of his forces at Detroit. 
Under these despairing circumstances. Gov. Harrison 
was appointed by President Madison commander-in- 
chief of the North-western army, with orders to retake 
Detroit, and to protect the frontiers. 

It would be difficult to place a man in a situation 
demanding more energy, sagacity and courage; but 
General Harrison was found equal to the position, 
and nobly and triumphantly did he meet all the re 
sponsibilities. 

He won the love of his soldiers by always sharing 
with them their fatigue. His whole baggage, while 
jHirsuing the foe up the Thames, was carried in a 
valise; and his bedding consisted of a single blanket 
lashed over his saddle. Thirty-five British officers, 
his prisoners of war, supped with him after the battle. 
The only fare he could give them was beef roasted v 
before the fire, without bread or salt. 

In 1816, Gen. Harrison was chosen a member of 
the National House of Representatives, to represent 
the District of Ohio. In Congress he proved an 
active member; and whenever he spoke, it was with 
force of reason and power of eloquence, which arrested 
the attention of all the members. 

In 1 81 9, Harrison was elected to the Senate of 
Ohio; and in 1824, as one of the jiresidential electors 
of that State, he gave his vote for Henry Clay. The 
same year he was chosen to the United States Senate. 

In 1836, the friends of Gen. Harrison brought him 
forward as a candidate for the Presidency against 
Van Buren, but he was defeated. At the close of 
Mr. Van Buren's term, he was re-nominated by his 
party, and Mr. Harrison was unanimou.sly nominated 
by the Whigs, with John Tyler for the Vice Presidency. 
The contest was very animated. Gen Jackson gave 
all his influence to prevent Harrison's election ; but 
his triumph was signal. 

The cabinet which he formed, with Daniel Webster 
at its head as Secretary of State, was one of the most 
brilliant with which any President had ever been 
surrounded. Never were the prospects of an admin- 
istration more flattering, or the hopes of the country 
more sanguine. In the midst of these bright and 
joyous prospects, Gen. Harrison was seized by a 
pleurisy-fever and after a few days of violent sick- 
ness, died on the 4th of April ; just one month after 
his inauguration as President of the United States. 



I 



^m-M^ 



TENTH FRKSIDENT. 



55 





1^,1 OHN TYLER, the tenth 
Presidentof the United States. 
He was born in Charles-city 
Co., Va., March 29, 1790. He 
was the favored child of af- 
fluence and high social po- 
sition. At the early age of 
twelve, John entered William 
and Mary College and grad- 
uated with much honor when 
but seventeen years old. After 
graduating, he devoted him- 
self with great assiduity to the 
study of law partly with his 
father and ptrlywith Edmund 
Randolph, one c-fthe most distin- 
guished lawyers of Virginia. 

At nineteen years of age, ne 
commenced the practice of law. 
His success was rapid and aston- 
ishing. It is said that three 
months had not elapsed ere there 
was scarcely a case on the dock- 
et of the court in which he was 
not retained. \\ hen but twenty-one years of age, he 
was almost unanimously elected to a seat in the State 
Legislature. He connected himself with the Demo- 
cratic party, and warmly advocated the measures of 
Jefferson and Madison. For five successive years he 
was elected to the Legislature, receiving nearly the 
vmanimous vote or his county. 

When but twenty-six years. of age, he was elected 
a member of Congress. Here he acted earnestly and 
ably with tlie Democratic party, oji]X)sing n national 
bank, internal improvements by tlie General Govern- 



HI-4^ 



i 



ment, a protective tariff, and advocatmg a strict con- 
struction of the Constitution, and tlie most careful 
vigilance over State rights. His labors in Congress 
were so arduous that before the close of his second 
term he found it necessary to resign and retire to his 
estate in Charles-city Co., to recruit his health. He, 
however, soon after consented to take his seat in the 
State Legislature, where his influence was powerful 
in promoting public works of great utility. With a 
reputation thus canstantly increasing, he was chosen 
by a very large majority of votes. Governor of his 
native State. His administration was signally a suc- 
cessful one. His popularity secured his re-election. 

John Randolph, a brilliant, erratic, half-crazed 
man, then represented Virginia in the Senate of the 
United States. .\ portion of the Democratic party 
was displeased with Mr. Randolph's wayward course, 
and brought forward John Tyler as his op|X)nent, 
considering him the only man in Virginia of sufficient 
popularity to succeed against the renowned orator of 
Roanoke. Mr. Tyler was the victor. 

Li accordance with his professions, upon taking his 
seat in the Senate, he joined the ranks of the opposi- 
tion. He opposed the tariff; he spoke against and 
voted against the bank as unconstitutional ; he stren- 
uously opposed all restrictions upon slavery, resist- 
ing all projects of internal improvements by the Gen- 
eral Government, and avowed his sympathy with Mr. 
Calhoun's view of nullification ; he declared that Gen. 
Jackson, by his opposition to the nulJifiers, had 
abandoned the principles of the Democratic party. 
Such was Mr. Tyler's record in Congress,— a record 
in perfect accordance with the principles which he 
had always avowed. 

Returning to Virginia, he resumed the practice of 
his profession, There was a cplit in the Democratic 
•► 



r 



party. His friends still regarded him as a true Jef- 
fersonian, gave hitii a dinner, and showered compli- 
ments upon him. He had now attained the age of 
forty-six. His career had been very brilliant. In con- 
sequence of his devotion to public business, his pri- 
vate affairs had fallen into some disorder; and it was 
not without satisfaction that he resumed the practice 
of law, and devoted himself to the culture of his plan- 
tation. Soon after this he removed to Williamsburg, 
for the better education of his children ; and he again 
took his seat in the Legislature of Virginia. 

By the Southern Whigs, he was sent to the national 
convention at Harrisburg to nominate a President in 
1839. The majority of votes were given to Gen. Har- 
rison, a genuine Whig, much to the disapjxsintment ol 
the South, who wished for Henry Clay. To concili- 
ate the Southern Whigs and to secure their vote, the 
convention then nominated John Tyler for Vice Pres- 
ident. It was well known that he was not in sympa- 
thy with the Whig i)arty in the North: but the Vice 
President has but very little power in the Govern- 
ment, his main and almost only duty being to pre- 
side over the meetings of the Senate. Thus it hap- 
pened that a Whig President, and, in reality, a 
Democratic Vice President were chosen. 

In 1 84 1, Mr. Tyler was inaugurated Vice Presi- 
dent of the United States. In one short month from 
that time. President Harrison died, and Mr. Tyler 
thus found himself, to his own surprise and that of 
the whole Nation, an occupant of the Presidential 
chair. This was a new test of the stability of our 
institutions, as it was the first time in the history of our 
country that such an event had occured. Mr. Tyler 
was at home in Williamsburg when he received the 
unexpected tidings of the death of President Harri- 
son. He hastened to Washington, and on the 6th of 
.\pril was inaugurated to the high and responsible 
office. He was placed in a position of exceeding 
delicacy and difficulty. All his long life he had been 
opposed to the main principles of the party which had 
brought him into power. He had ever been a con- 
sistent, honest man, with an unblemished record. 
Gen. Harrison had selected a Whig cabinet. Should 
he retain them, and thus surround himself with coun- 
sellors whose views were antagonistic to his own? or, 
on the other hand, should he turn against the party 
which had elected him and select a cabinet in har- 
mony with himself, and which would oppose all those 
views which the Whigs deemed essential to the pub- 
lic welfare? This was his fearful dilemma. He in- 
vited the cabinet which President Harrison had 
selected to retain their seats. He reccommended a 
day of fasting and prayer, that God would guide and 
bless us. 

The Whigs carried through Congress a bill for the 
incorporation of a fiscal bank of the United States. 
The President, after ten days' delay, returned it with 
his veto. He suggested, however, that he would 



approve of a bill drawn up upon such a plan as he 
proposed. Such a bill was accordingly prepared, and 
privately submitted to him. He gave it his approval. 
It was passed without alteration, and he sent it back 
with his veto. Here commenced the open rupture. 
It is said that Mr. Tyler was provoked to this meas- 
ure by a published letter from the Hon. John M. 
Botts, a distinguished Virginia Whig, who severely 
touched the [iride of the President. 

The ojiposition now exultingly received the Presi- 
dent into their arms. The party which elected him 
denounced him ijitterly. All the members of his 
cabinet, excepting Mr. Webster, resigned. The Whigs 
of Congress, both the Senate and the House, held a 
meeting and issued an address to the people of the 
United States, proclaiming that all political alliance 
between the VVhigs and President Tyler were at 
an end. 

Still the President attempted to conciliate. He 
appointed a new cabinet of distinguished Whigs and 
Conservatives, carefully leaving out all strong party 
men. Mr. Webster soon found it necessary to resign, 
forced out by the pressure of his Whig friends. Thus 
the four years of Mr. Tyler's unfortunate administra- 
tion passed sadly away. No one was satisfied. The 
land was filled with murmurs and vitujieration. Whigs 
and Democrats alike assailed him. More and more, 
however, he brought himself into sympathy with his 
oW friends, the Democrats, until at the close of his term, 
he gave his whole influence to the support of Mr. 
Polk, the Democratic candidate for his successor. 

On the 4th of March, 1845, he retired from the 
harassments of office, tothe regret of neither party, and 
probably to his own unspeakable relief. His first wife. 
Miss Letitia Christian, died in Washington, in 1842; 
and in June, 1844, President Tyler was again married, 
at New York, to Miss Julia Gardiner, a young lady of 
many personal and intellectual accomplishments. 

The remainder of his days Mr. Tyler passed mainly 
in retirement at his beautiful home, — Sherwood For- 
est, Charles-city Co., Va. A polished gentleman in 
his manners, richly furnished with information from 
books and experience in the world, and jxissessing 
brilliant powers of conversation, his family circle was 
the scene of unusual attractions. With sufficient 
means for the exercise of a generous hosjjitality, he 
might have enjoyed a serene old age with the few 
friends who gathered around him, were it not for the 
storms of civil war which his own principles and 
policy had helped to introduce. 

When the great Rebellion rose, which the State- 
rights and nullifying doctrines of Mr. John C. Cal- 
houn had inaugurated. President Tyler renounced his 
allegiance to the United States, and joined the Confed- 
erates. He was chosen a member of their Congress; 
and while engaged in active measures to destroy, by 
force of arms, the Government over which he had 
once presided, he was taken sick and soon died. 



:??r#-^ 



-U 



RLE J 'RNTII PRESIDENT. 



a 



59 








AMES K. POLK, the eleventh 

PaPresident of the United States, 

was born in Mecklenburg Co., 

N. C.,Nov. 2, 1795. His par- 

^j ents were Samuel and Jane 

(K.nox) Polk, the former a son 

of Col. Thomas Polk, who located 

at the above place, as one of the 

first pioneers, in 1735. 

In the year 1006, with his wife 
and children, and soon after fol- 
lowed by most of the members of 
the Polk famly, Samuel Polk emi- 
grated some two or three hundred 
miles farther west, to the rich valley 
oftlieDiick River. Here in the 
midst of the wilderness, in a region 
which was subsequently called Mau- 
ry Co., they reared their log huls, 
and established their homes. In the 
hard toil of a new farm in the wil- 
derness, James K. Polk spent the 
early years of his childhood and 
youth. His father, adding the pur- 
suit of a surveyor to that of a farmer, 
gradually increased in wealth until 
he became one of the leading men of the region. His 
mother was a superior woman, of strong common 
sense and earnest piety. 

Very early in life, James developed a taste for 
reading and expressed the strongest desire to obtain 
a liberal education. His mother's training had made 
iiim methodical in his habits, had taught him punct- 
uality and industry, and had inspired him with lofty 
principles of morality. His health was frail ; and his 
father, fearing that he might not be able to endure a 



sedentary life, got a situation for him behind the 
counter, hoping to fit him for commercial pursuits. 

This was to James a bitter disappointment. He 
had no taste for these duties, and his daily tasks 
were irksome in the extreme. He remained in this 
uncongenial occupation but a few weeks, when at his 
earnest solicitation his father removed him, and made 
arrangements for him to prosecute his studies. Soon 
after he sent him to Murfreesboro Academy. With 
ardor which could scarcely be surpassed, he pressed 
forward in his studies, and in less than two and a half 
years, in the autumn of 1815, entered the sophomore 
class in the University of North Carolina, at Chapel 
Hill. Here he was one of the most exemplary of 
scholars, punctual in every exercise, never allowing 
himself to be absent from a recitation or a religious 
service. 

He graduated in 1818, with the highest honors, be- 
ing deemed the best scholar of his class, both in 
mathematics and the classics. He was then twenty- 
three years of age. Mr. Polk's health was at this 
time much impaired by the assiduity with which he 
had prosecuted his studies. After a short season of 
relaxation he went to Nashville, and entered the 
office of Felix Grundy, to study law. Here Mr. Polk 
renewed his acquaintance with Andrew Jackson, who 
resided on his plantation, the Hermitage, but a few 
miles from Nashville. They had probably been 
slightly acquainted before. 

Mr. Polk's father was a Jeffersonian Republican, 
and James K. Polk ever adhered to the same politi- 
cal faith. He was a popular public speaker, and was 
constantly called \\\yo\\ to address the meetings of his 
party friends. His skill as a speaker was such that 
he was popularly called the Napoleon of the stump. 
He was a man of unblemished morals, genial and 



n 



-4^ 

6o 



^ ^^ m <• 



JAMES K. POLK. 



courteous in his bearing, and with that sympathetic 
nature in the joys and griefs of others whichever gave 
him troops of friends. In 1823, Mr. Polk was elected 
to the Legislature of Tennessee. Here he gave his 
strong influence towards the election of his friend, 
Mr. Jackson, to the Presidency of the United States. 

In January, 1824, Mr. Polk married Miss Sarah 
Childress, of Rutherford Co., Tenn. His bride was 
altogether worthy of him, — a lady of beauty and cul- 
ture. In the fall of 1825, Mr. Polk was chosen a 
member of Congress. The satisfaction which he gave 
to his constituents may be inferred from the fact, that 
for fourteen successive years, until 1839, he was con- 
tinued in that office. He then voluntarily withdrew, 
only that he might accept the Gubernatorial chair 
of Tennessee. In Congress he was a laborious 
member, a frequent and a popular speaker. He was 
always in his seat, always courteous ; and whenever 
he spoke it was always to the ix)int, and without any 
ambitious rhetorical display. 

During five sessions of Congress, Mr. Polk was 
Speaker of the House. Strong passions were roused, 
and stormy scenes were witnessed ; but Mr. Polk per- 
formed his arduous duties to a very general satisfac- 
tion, and a unanimous vote of thanks to him was 
passed by the House as he withdrew on the 4th of 
March, 1839. 

In accordance with Southern usage, Mr. Polk, as a 
candidate for Governor, canvassed the State. He was 
elected by a large majority, and on the 1 4th of Octo- 
ber, 1839, took the oath of office at Nashville. In 1841, 
his term of office expired, and he was again the can- 
didate of the Democratic party, but was defeated. 

On the 4th of March, 1845, Mr. Polk was inaugur- 
ated President of the United States. The verdict of 
the country in favor of the annexation of Texas, exerted 
its influence upon Congress ; and the last act of the 
administration of President Tyler was to affix his sig- 
nature to a joint resolution of Congress, passed on the 
3d of March, approving of the annexation of Texas to 
the American Union. As Mexico still claimed Texas 
as one of her provinces, the Mexican minister, 
Almonte, immediately demanded his passports and 
left the country, declaring the act of the annexation 
to be an act hostile to Mexico. 

In his first message. President Polk urged that 
Texas should immediately, by act of Congress, be re- 
ceived into the Union on the same footing with the 
other States. In the meantime. Gen. Taylor was sent 



with an army into Texas to hold the country. He was 
sent first to Nueces, which the Mexicans said was the 
western boundary of Texas. Then he was sent nearly 
two hundred miles further west, to the Rio Grande, 
where he erected batteries which commanded the 
Mexican city of Matamoras, which was situated on 
the western banks. 

The anticipated collision soon took place, and war 
was declared against Mexico by President Polk. The 
war was pushed forward by Mr. Polk's administration 
with great vigor. Gen. Taylor, whose army was first 
called one of "observation," then of "occupation," 
then of " invasion, "was sent forward to Monterey. The 
feeble Mexicans, in every encounter, were hopelessly 
and awfully slaughtered. The day of judgement 
alone can reveal the misery which this war caused. 
It v/as by the ingenuity of Mr. Polk's administration 
that the war was brought on. 

'To the victors belong the spoils." Mexico was 
prostrate before us. Her capital was in our hands. 
We now consented to peace upon the condition that 
Mexico should surrender to us, in addition to Texas, 
all of New Mexico, and all of Upper and Lower Cal- 
ifornia. This new demand embraced, exclusive of 
Texas, eight hundred thousand square miles. This 
was an extent of territory equal to nine States of the 
size of New York. Thus slavery was securing eighteen 
majestic States to be added to the Union. There were 
some Americans who thought it all right : there were 
others who thought it all wrong. In the prosecution 
of this war, we exjjended twenty thousand lives and 
more than a hundred million of dollars. Of this 
money fifteen millions were paid to Mexico. 

On the 3d of March, 1849, Mr. Polk retired from 
office, having served one term. The next day was 
Sunday. On the 5th, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated 
as his successor. Mr. Polk rode to the Capitol in the 
same carriage with Gen. Taylor; and the same even- 
ing, with Mrs. Polk, he commenced his return to 
Tennessee. He was then but fifty-four years of age. 
He had ever been strictly temperate in all his habits, 
and his health was good. With an ample fortune, 
a choice library, a cultivated mind, and domestic ties 
of the dearest nature, it seemed as though long years 
of tranquility and hap]iiness were before him. But the 
cholera — that fearful scourge — was then sweeping up 
the Valley of the Mississippi. This he contracted, 
and died on the 15th of June, 1849, in the fifty-fourth 
year of his age, greatly mourned by his countrymen. 



■^•- 



,t 



TWELFTH PRESIDENT. 





| ^VATOA^l«,^^.U'A^■■^'^■A.'W•t.J;TvA■Awv■v^^x:!^t^vT^■l^J^^A■A^A'lv.:y l■Am ^ ^ 
liilll3 a a3 -\W-MU 'r3Pl?S ?^ 




ACHARY TAYLOR, twelfth 
President of the United States, 
was born on the 24th of Nov., 
1784, in Orange Co., Va. His 
Jio father. Colonel Taylor, was 
a Virginian of note, and a dis- 
.^,^ tinguished patriot and soldier of 
the Revolution. When /achary 
was an infant, his father with his 
wife and two children, emigrated 
to Kentucky, where he settled in 
the pathless wilderness, a few 
miles from Louisville. In this front- 
ier home, away from civilization and 
all its refinements, young Zachary 
could enjo) but few social and educational advan- 
tages. When six years of age he attended a common 
school, and was then regarded as a bright, active boy, 
rather remarkable for bluntness and decision of char- 
acter He was strong, fearless and self-reliant, and 
manifested a strong desire to enter tlie army to fight 
the Indians who were ravaging the frontiers. There 
is little to be recorded of the uneventful years of his 
childhood on his father's large but lonely plantation. 
In t8o8, his father succeeded in obtaining for him 
the commission of lieutenant in the United States 
army ; and he joined the troops whicli were stationed 
at New Orleans under Gen. Wilkinson. Soon after 
this he married Miss Margaret Smith, a young lady 
from one of the first families of Maryland. 

Immediately after the declaration of war with Eng- 
land, in 18 1 2, Capt. Taylor (for he had then been 
promoted to that rank) was put in command of Fort 
Harrison, on the Wabash, about fifty miles above 
Vincennes. This fort had i)een built in the wilder- 
ness by Gen. Harrison, on his march to Tippecanoe. 
It was one of the first points of attack by the Indians, 
led by Tecumseh. Its garrison consisted of a broken 



company of infantry luunbering fifty men, many of 
whom were sick. 

Early in the autumn of 1812, the Indians, stealthily, 
and in large numbers, moved upon the fort. Their 
approach was first indicated by tlie murder of two 
soldiers just outside of the stockade. Capt. Taylor 
made every possible preparation to meet the antici- 
pated assault. On the 4th of September, a band of 
forty painted and plumed savages came to the fort, 
waving a white flag, and informed Capt. Taylor that 
in the morning their chief would come to have a talk 
with him. It was evident that their object was merely 
to ascertain the state of things at the fort, and Capt. 
Taylor, well versed in the wiles of tlie savages, kept 
them at a distance. 

The sun went down ; the savages disappeared, the 
garrison slept uix)n their arms. One hour before 
midnight the war-whoop burst from a thousand lips 
in the forest around, followed by the discharge of 
musketry, and the rush of the foe. Every man, sick 
and well, sprang to his post. Every man knew that 
defeat was not merely death, but in the case of cai> 
ture, death by the most agonizing and prolonged tor- 
ture. No pen can describe, no immagination can 
conceive the scenes which ensued. The savages suc- 
ceeded in setting fire to one of the block-houses- 
Until six o'clock in the morning, this awful conflict 
continued. The savages then, baffled at every point, 
and gnashing their teeth with rage, retired. ■ Capt. 
Taylor, for this gallant defence, was promoted to the 
rank of major by brevet. 

Until the close of the war, MajorTaylor was placed 
in such situations that he saw but little more of active 
service. He was sent far away into the depths of the 
wilderness, to Fort Crawford, on Fox River, which 
empties into Green Bay. Here there was but little 
to be done but to wear away the tedious hours as one 
best could. There were no books, no society, no in- 



-4^ 

64 



ZACHARY TAYLOR. 



tellectual stimulus. Thus with him the uneventful 
years rolled on Gradually he rose to the rank of 
colonel. In the Black-Hawk war, which resulted in 
the capture of that renowned chieftain, Col Taylor 
took a subordinate but a brave and efficient part. 

For twenty-four years Col. Taylor was engaged in 
the defence of the frontiers, in scenes so remote, and in 
employments so obscure, that his name was unknown 
beyond the limits of his own immediate acquaintance. 
In the year 1836, he was sent to Florida to compel 
the Seminole Indians to vacate that region and re- 
tire beyond the Mississippi, as their chiefs by treaty, 
had promised tiiey should do. The services rendered 
here secured for Col. Taylor the high appreciation of 
the Government; and as a reward, he was elevated 
to the rank of brigadier-general by brevet ; and soon 
after, in May, 1838, was appointed to the chief com- 
mand of the United States troops in Florida. 

After two years of such wearisome employment 
amidst the everglades of tlie peninsula, Gen. Taylor 
obtained, at his own request, a change of command, 
and was stationed over the Department of the South- 
west. This field embraced Louisiana, Mississippi, 
Alabama and Georgia. Establishing his headquarters 
at Fort Jessup, in Louisiana, he removed his family 
to a plantation which he purchased, near Baton Rogue. 
Here he remained for five years, buried, as it were, 
from tiie world, but faithfully discharging every duty 
imposed upon him. 

In 1846, Gen. Taylor was sent to guard the land 
between the Nueces and Rio Grande, the latter river 
being the boundary of Texas, which was then claimed 
by the United States. Soon the war with Me.xico 
was brought on, and at Palo Alto and Resaca de la 
Palma, Gen. Taylor won brilliant victories over the 
Me.\icans. The rank of major-general by brevet 
was then conferred upon Gen. Taylor, and his name 
was received with entiiusiasm almost everywhere in 
the Nation. Then came the battles of Monterey and 
Buena Vista in which he won signal victories over 
forces much larger than he commanded. 

His careless habits of dress and his unaffected 
simplicity, secured for Gen. Taylor among his troops, 
\k\t sobriquet of "Old Rough and Ready.' 

The tidings of the brilliant victory of Buena Vista 
spread the wildest enthusiasm over the country. The 
name of Gen. Taylor was on every one's lips. The 
Whig party decided to take advantage of this wonder- 
ful popularity in bringing forward the unpolished, un- 
lettered, honest soldier as their candidate for the 
Presidency. Gen. Taylor was astonished at the an- 
nouncement, and for a time would not listen to it; de- 
claring that he was not at all qualified for such an 
office. So little interest had he taken in politics that, 
for forty years, he had not cast a vote. It was not 
without chagrin that several distinguished statesmen 
who had been long years in the public service found 
their claims set aside in behalf of one *hose name 



had never been heard of, save in connection with Palo 
Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Monterey and Buena 
Vista. It Is said that Daniel Webster, in his haste re- 
marked, " It is a nomination not fit to be made." 

Gen. Taylor was not an eloquent speaker nor a fine 
writer His friends took possession of him, and pre- 
pared such few communications as it was needful 
should be presented to the public. The popularity of 
the successful warrior swept the land. He was tri- 
umphantly elected over two opposing candidates, — 
Gen. Cass and Ex-President Martin Van Buren. 
Though he selected an excellent cabinet, the good 
old man found himself in a very uncongenial position, 
and was, at times, sorely perplexed and harassed. 
His mental sufferings were very severe, and probably 
tended to hasten liis death. The pro-slavery party 
was pushing its claims with tireless energ)' , expedi- 
tions were fitting out to capture Cuba; California was 
pleading for admission to the Union, while slavery 
stood at the door to bar her out. Gen. Taylor found 
the political conflicts in Washington to be far more 
trying to the nerves than battles with Mexicans or 
Indians. 

In the midst of all these troubles, Gen. Taylor, 
after he had occupied the Presidential chair but little 
over a year, took cold, and after a brief sickness of 
but little over five days, died on the 9th of July, 1850. 
His last woids were, " I am not afraid to die. I am 
ready. I have endeavored to do my duty." He died 
universally respected and beloved. An honest, un- 
pretending man, he had been steadily growing in the 
affections of the people; and the Nation bitterly la- 
mented his death. 

Gen. Scott, who was thoroughly acquainted with 
Gen. Taylor, gave the following graphic and truthful 
description of his character: — " With a good store of 
common sense, Gen. Taylor's mind had not been en- 
larged and refreshed by reading, or much converse 
with the world. Rigidity of ideas was the conse- 
quence. The frontiers and small military posts had 
been his home. Hence he was quite ignorant for his 
rank, and quite bigoted in his ignorance. His sim- 
plicity was child-like, and with innumerable preju- 
dices, amusing and incorrigible, well suited to the 
tender age. Thus, if a man, however respectable, 
chanced to wear a coat of an unusual color, or his hat 
a little on one side of his head; or an officer to leave 
a corner of his handkerchief dangling from an out- 
side pocket, — in any such case, this critic held the 
offender to be a coxcomb (perhaps something worse), 
whom he would not, to use his oft repeated jihrase, 
' touch with a pair of tongs.' 

"Any allusion to literature beyond good old Dil- 
worth's spelling-book, on the part of one wearing a 
sword, was evidence, with the same judge, of utter 
unfitness for heavy marchings and combats. In short, 
few men have ever had a more comfortable, labor- 
saving contempt for learnirg of every kind." 





jCoi^^'j^'ix.crZjd 



u. 



THIRTEENTH PRESIDENT. 



67 < L 





^'MILLflRn FILLMnRE.-^ 





ILLARO FILLMORE, thir- 
teenth President of the United 
' States, was born at Summer 
Hill, Cayuga Co., N. Y ., on 
the 7th of January, 1800. His 
^^ father was a farmer, and ow- 
ing to misfortune, in humble cir- 
cumstances. Of his mother, the 
daughter of Dr. Abiathar Millard, 
^\\5 of Pittsfield, Mass., it has been 
said that she [wssessed an intellect 
of very high order, united with much 
l>ersonal loveliness, sweetness of dis- 
position, graceful manners and ex- 
(juisite sensibilities. She died in 
1831 ; having lived to see her son a 
' young man of distinguished prom- 
ise, though she was not permitted to witness the high 
dignity which he finally attained. 

In consequence of the secluded home and limited 
means of his father, Millard enjoyed but slender ad- 
vantages for education in his early years. The com- 
mon schools, wiiich he occasionally attended were 
very imperfect mstitutions; and books were scarce 
and expensive. There was nothing then in his char- 
acter to indicate the brilliant career uixsn which he 
was about to enter. He was a plain farmer's boy ; 
intelligent, good-looking, kind-hearted. The sacred 
influences of home had taught him to revere the Bible, 
and had laid the foundations of an upright character. 
When fourteen years of age, his father sent him 
some hundred miles from home, to the then wilds of 
Livingston County, to learn the trade of a clothier. 
Near the mill there was a small villiage, where some 



enterprising man had commenced the collection of a 
village library. This proved an inestimable blessing 
to young Fillmore. His evenings were spent in read- 
ing. Soon every leisure moment was occupied with 
books. His thirst for knowledge became insatiate; 
and the selections which he made were continually 
more elevating and instructive. He read history, 
biography, oratory, and thus gradually there was en- 
kindled in his heart a desire to be something more 
than a mere worker with his hands; and he was be- 
coming, almost unknown to himself, a well-informed, 
educated man. 

The young clothier had now attained the age of 
nineteen years, and was of fine personal appearance 
and of gentlemanly demeanor. It so happened that 
there was a gentleman in the neighborhood of ample 
pecuniary means and of benevolence, — Judge Walter 
Wood, — who was struck with the prepossessing ap- 
pearance of young Fillmore. He made his acquaint- 
ance, and was so much impressed with his ability and 
attainments that he advised him to abandon his 
trade and devote himself to the study of the law. The 
young man replied, that he had no means of his own, 
no friends to help him and that his previous educa- 
tion had been very imperfect. But Judge Wood had 
so much confidence in him that he kindly offered to 
take him into his own office, and to loan him such 
money as he needed. Most gratefully the generous 
offer was accepted. 

There is in many minds a strange delusion about 
a collegiate education. K j oung man is supposed to 
be liberally educated if he has graduated at some col- 
lege. But many a boy loiters through university hall ; 
Hud then enters a law office, wlio is by no means as 



-4^ 

68 



MILLARD PILLMORE. 



V he 



well prepared to prosecute his legal studies as was 
Millard Fillmore when he graduated at the clothing- 
mill at the end of four years of manual labor, during 
which every leisure moment had been devoted to in- 
tense mental culture. 

In 1823, when twenty-three years of age, he v/as 
admitted to the Court of Common Pleas. He then 
went to the village of Aurora, and commenced the 
practice of law. In this secluded, peaceful region, 
his practice of course was limited, and there was no 
opportunity for a sudden rise in fortune or in fame. 
Here, in the year 1826, he married a lady of great 
moral worth, and one capable of adorning any station 
she might be called to fill, — Miss Abigail Powers. 

His elevation of character, his untiring industry, 
his legal acquirements, and his skill as an advocate, 
gradually attracted attention ; and he was invited to 
enter into partnership under highly advantageous 
circumstances, with an elder member of the bar in 
Buffalo. Just before removing to Buffalo, in 1829, 
lie took his seat in the House of Assembly, of the 
State of New York, as a representative from Erie 
County. Though he had never taken a very active 
part in politics, his vote and his sympathies were with 
the Whig party. The State was then Democratic, 
and he found himself in a helpless minority in the 
Legislature , still the testimony comes from all parties, 
Ihat his courtesy, ability and integrity, won, to a very 
unusual degrc e the respect of his associates. 

In the autumn of 1832, he was elected to a seat in 
the United States Congress He entered that troubled 
arena in some of the most tumultuous hours of our 
national history. The great conflict respecting the 
national bank and the removal of the deposits, was 
then raging. 

His term of two years closed ; and he returned to 
his profession, which he pursued with increasing rep- 
utation and success. After a lapse of two years 
he again became a candidate for Congress ; was re- 
elected, and took his seat in 1837. His past expe- 
rience as a representative gave hmi strength and 
confidence. The first term of service in Congress to 
any man can be but little more than an introduction. 
He was now prepared for active duty. All his ener- 
gies were brought to bear upon the public good. Every 
measure received his impress. 

Mr. Fillmore was now a man of wide repute, and 
his [xjpularity filled the State, and in the year 1847, 
he was elected Comptroller of the State. 



Mr. Fillmore had attained the age of forty-seven 
years. His labors at the bar, in the Legislature, in 
Congress and as Comptroller, had given him very con- 
siderable fame. The Whigs were casting about to 
find suitable candidates for President and Vice-Presi- 
dent at the approaching election. Far away, on the 
waters of the Rio Grande, there was a rough old 
soldier, who had fought one or two successful battles 
with the Mexicans, which had caused his name to be 
proclaimed in tiumpet-tones all over the land. But 
it was necessary to associate with him on the same 
ticket some man of reputation as a statesman. 

Under the influence of these considerations, the 
namesof Zachary Taylor and Millard Fillmore became 
the rallying-cry of the Whigs, as their candidates for 
President and Vice-Peesident. The Whig ticket was 
signally triumphant. On the 4th of March, 1849, 
Gen. Taylor was inaugurated President, and Millard 
Fillmore Vice-President, of the United States. 

On the 9th of July, 1850, President Taylor, but 
about one year and four months after his inaugura- 
tion, was suddenly taken sick and died. By the Con- 
stitution, Vice-President Fillmore thus became Presi- 
dent. He appointed a very able cabinet, of which 
the illustrious Daniel Webster was Secretary of State. 

Mr. Fillmore had very serious difficulties to contend 
with, since the op[X)sition had a majority in both 
Houses. He did everything in his power to conciliate 
the South; but the pro-slavery party in the South felt 
the inadequacy of all measuresof transient conciliation. 
The population of the free States was so rapidly in- 
creasing over that of the slave States that it was in- 
evitable that the power of the Government should 
soon pass into the hands of the free States. The 
famous compromise measures were adopted under Mr. 
Fillnicre's adminstration, and the Japan Expedition 
was sent out. On the 4th of March, 1853, Mr. Fill- 
more, having served one term, retired. 

In 1856, Mr. Fillmore was nominated for the Pres- 
idency by the " Know Nothing " party, but was beaten 
by Mr. Buchanan. After that Mr. Fillmore lived in 
retirement. During the terrible conflict of civil war, 
he was mostly silent. It was generally supjXDsed that 
his sympathies were rather with those who were en- 
deavoring to overthrow our institutions. President 
Fillmore kept aloof from the conflict, witiiout any 
cordial words of cheer to the one party or the other. 
He was thus forgotten by both. He lived to a ripe 
old age, and died in Buffalo. N. Y., March S, 1874. 

^ 







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FOURTEENTH PRESIDENT. 



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^FHflNKLIN PIERCE. 









RANKLIN PIERCE, the 
irteenth President of the 
^"L'nited States, was born in 
Hillsborough, N. H., Nov. 
23, 1804. His father was a 
RevoUitionarj' soldier, who, 
with his own strong arm, 
hewed out a home in the 
wilderness. He was a man 
of inflexible integrity; of 
strong, though uncultivated 
mind, and an uncompromis- 
ing Democrat. The mother of 
Franklin Pierce was all that a son 
could desire, — an intelligent, pru- 
dent, affectionate, Christian wom- 
an. Franklin was the sixth of eight children. 

Franklin was a very bright and handsome boy, gen- 
erous, warm-hearted and brave. He won alike the 
love of old and young. The boys on the play ground 
loved him. His teachers loved him. The neighbors 
looked upon him with pride and affection. He was 
by instinct a gentleman; always speaking kind words, 
doing kind deeds, with a peculiar unstudied tact 
which taught him what was agreeable. Without de- 
veloping any precocity of genius, or any unnatural 
devotion to books, he was a good scholar; in body, 
in mind, in affections, a finely-developed boy. 

When sixteen years of age, in the year 1820, he 
entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me He was 
one of the most popular young men in the college. 
The purity of his moral character, the unvarying 
courtesy of his demeanor, his rank as a scholar, and 




genial nature, rendered him a universal favorite. 
There was something very peculiarly winning in his 
address, and it was evidently not in tlie slightest de- 
gree studied : it was the simple outgushing of his 
own magnanimous and loving nature. 

Upon graduating, in the year 1824, Franklin Pierce 
commenced the study of law in the office of Judge 
Woodbury, one of the most distinguished lawyers of 
the State, and a man of great private worth. The 
eminent social qualities of the young lawyer, his , 
father's prominence as a public man, and the brilliant 
political career into which Judge Woodbury was en- 
tering, all tended to entice Mr. Pierce into the faci- 
nating yet perilous path of jwlitical life. With all 
the ardor of his nature he es|)oused the cause of Gen. 
Jackson for the Presidency. He coinmenced the 
practice of law in Hillsborough, and was soon elected 
to represent the town in the State Legislature. Here 
he served for four yeais. The last two years he was 
chosen speaker of the house by a very large vote. 

In 1833, at the age of twenty-nine, he was elected 
a member of Congress. Without taking an active 
part in debates, he was faithful and laborious in duty, 
and ever rising in the estimation of those with whom 
he was associatad. 

In 1837, being then but thirty-three years of age, 
he was elected to the Senate of the United States; 
taking his seat just as Mr. Van Buren commenced 
his administration. He was the youngest member in 
the Senate. In the year 1834, he married Miss Jane 
Means Appleton, a lady of rare beauty and accom- 
plishments, and one admirably fitted to adorn every 
station with wiiich her husband was honored. Of the 







PRAJSTKLIN PIERCE. 



three sons who were born to them, ail now slee[) with 
their parents in the grave. 

In the year 1838, Mr. Pierce, with growing fame 
and increasing business as a lawyer, took up his 
residence in Concord, the capital of New Hampshire. 
President Polk, u[X)n his accession to office, appointed 
Mr. Pierce attorney-general of the United States ; but 
the offer was declined, in consequence of numerous 
professional engagements at home, and the precariuos 
state of Mrs. Pierce's health. He also, about the 
same time declined the nomination for governor by the 
Democratic party. The war with Mexico called Mr. 
Pierce in the army. Receiving the appointment of 
brigadier-general, he embarked, with a portion of his 
troops, at Newport, R. I., on the 27th of May, 1847. 
He took an imixirtant part in this war, proving him- 
self a brave and true soldier. 

When Gen. Pierce reached his home in his native 
State, he was received enthusiastically by the advo- 
cates of the Mexican war, and coldly by his oppo- 
nents. He resumed the practice of his profession, 
very frequently taking an active part in political ques- 
tions, giving his cordial support to tlie pro-slavery 
wing of the Democratic party. The compromise 
measures met cordially with his approval ; and he 
strenuously advocated the enforcement of the infa- 
mous fugitive-slave law, which so sliocked the religious 
sensibilities of the North. He thus became distin- 
guished as a "Northern man witli Southern principles.'' 
The strong partisans of slavery in the South conse- 
quently regarded him as a man whom they could 
safely trust in office to carry out their plans. 

On the I 2th of June, 1852, the Democratic conven- 
tion met in Baltimore to nominate a candidate for the 
Presidency. For four days they continued in session, 
and in thirty-five ballotings no one had obtained a 
two-thirds vote. Not a vote thus far liadbeen thrown 
for Gen. Pierce. Then the Virginia delegation 
brought forward his name. There were fourteen 
more ballotings, during which Gen. Pierce constantly 
gained strength, until, at tlie forty-ninth ballot, he 
received two hundred and eighty-two votes, and all 
other candidates eleven. Gen. Winfield Scott was 
the Whig candidate. Gen. Pierce was chosen with 
great unanimity. Only four States — Vermont, Mas- 
sachusetts, Kentucky and Tennessee — cast their 
electoral votes against him Gen. Franklin Pierce 
was therefore inaugurated President of the United 
States on the 4th of March, 1853. 



His administration proved one of the most stormy our 
country had ever experienced. The controversy be- 
tween slavery and freedom was then approaching its 
culminating point. It became evident that there was 
an " irrepressible conffict " between them, and that 
tliis Nation could not long e.xist " half slave and half 
free." President Pierce, during the whole of his ad- 
ministration, did every thing he could to conciliate 
the South ; but it was all in vain. The conflict every 
year grew more violent, and threats of the dissolution 
of the Union were borne to the North on every South- 
ern breeze. 

Such was the condition of affairs when President 
Pierce approached the close of his four-years' term 
of office. The North had become thoroughly alien- 
ated from him. The anti-slaver)- sentiment, goaded 
by great outrages, had been rapidly increasing; all 
the intellectual ability and social worth of President 
Pierce were forgotten in deep reprehension of his ad- 
ministrative acts. The slaveholders of the South, also, 
unmindful of the fidelity with which he had advo- 
cated those measures of Government which they ap- 
proved, and perhaps, also, feeling that he had 
rendered himself so unpopular as no longer to be 
able acceptably to serve them, ungratefully dropped 
him, and nominated James Buchanan to succeed him. 

On the 4th of March, 1857, President Pierce re- 
tired to his home in Concord. Of three children, two 
had died, and his only surviving child had been 
killed before his eyes by a railroad accident ; and his 
wife, one of the most estimable and accomplished of 
ladies, was rapidly sinking in consumption. The 
hour of dreadful gloom soon came, and he was left 
alone in the world, without wife or child. 

When the terrible Rebellion burst forth, which di- 
vided our country into two parties, and two only, Mr. 
Pierce remained steadfast in the principles which he 
had always cherished, and gave his sympathies to 
that pro-slavery party with which he liad ever been 
allied. He declined to do anything, either by voice 
or pen, to strengthen the hand of the National Gov- 
ernment. He continued to reside in Concord until 
the time of his death, which occurred in October, 
1869. He was one of the most genial and social of 
men, an honored communicant of the Episcopal 
Church, and one of the kindest of neighbors. Gen- 
erous to a fault, he contributed liberally for the al- 
leviation of suffering and want, and many of his towns- 
people were often gladened by his material bounty. 



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FIFTEENTH PRESIDENT 







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AMES BUCHANAN, tlie fif- 
.teenth President of the United 
States, was born in a small 
frontier town, at the foot of the 
eastern ridge of the Allegha- 
nies, in FrankhnCo., Penn.,on 
the 23d of April, 1791. The j.'lace 
where the humble cabin of his 
father stood was called Stony 
« liatter. It was a wild and ro- 
mantic sjxjt in a gorge of the moun- 
tains, with towering summits rising 
grandly all around. His father 
was a native of the north of Ireland ; 
a iX)or man, who had emigrated in 
1783, with little property save his 
own strong arms. Five years afterwards he married 
Elizabeth Spear, the daughter of a respectable farmer, 
and, with his young bride, plunged into the wilder- 
ness, staked his claim, reared his log-hut, opened a 
clearing with his axe, and settled down there to per- 
form his obscure part in the d-rama of life. In this se- 
cluded home, where James was born, he remained 
(br eight years, enjoying but few social or intellectual 
advantages. When James was eight years of age, his 
father removed to the village of Mercersburg, where 
his son was placed at school, and commenced a 
course of study in English, Latin and Greek. His 
progress was rapid, and at the age of fourteen, he 
entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle. Here he de- 
veloped remarkable talent, and took his stand among 
the first scholars in the institution. His application 
to study was intense, and yet his native powers en- 
-.<• : 



abled him to master the most abstruse subjects with 
facility. 

In the year 1809, he graduated with the highest 
honors of his class. He was then eighteen years of 
age; tall and graceful, vigorous in health, fond of 
athletic sport, an unerring shot, and enlivened with 
an exuberant flow of animal spirits. He immediately 
commenced the study of law in the city of Lancaster, 
and was admitted to the bar in 1812, when he was 
but twenty-one years of age. Very rapidly he rose 
in his profession, and at once took undisputed stand 
with the ablest lawyers of the State. When but 
twenty-six years of age, unaided by counsel, he suc- 
cessfully defended before the State Senate oie of the 
judges of the State, who was tried upon articles of 
impeachment. .\t the age of thirty it was generally 
admitted that he stood at the head of the bar; and 
there was no lawyer in the State who had a more lu- 
crative practice. 

In 1820, he reluctantly consented to run as a 
candidate for Congress. He was elected, and for 
ten years he remained a member of the Lower House. 
During the vacations of Congress, he occasionally 
tried some important case. In 1 831, he retired 
altogether from the toils of his jirofession. having ac- 
([uired an ample fortune. 

Cen. Jackson, upon his elevation loihe Presidency, 
appointed Mr. Buchanan minister to Russia. The 
duties of his mission he performed with ability, which 
gave satisfaction to all parties. Upon his return, in 
1833, he was elected to a seat in the United States 
Senate. He there met, as his associates, Webster, 
Clay, Wright and Calhoun. He advocated the meas- 
ures proposed by President Jackson, of making repri- 



f 



76 



4 



JAMES BUCHANAN. 



sals against France, to enforce the payment of our 
claims against that country; and defended the course 
of the President in his unprecedented and wholesale 
removal from office of those who were not the sup- 
porters of liis administration. Upon this question he 
was brought into direct collision with Henry Clay. 
He also, with voice and vote, advocated expunging 
from the journal of the Senate the vote of censure 
against Gen. Jackson for removing the deixjsits. 
Earnestly he opposed the abolition of slavery in the 
District of Columbia, and urged the prohibition uf the 
circulation of anti-slavery documents by the United 
States mails. 

As to petitions on tlie suliject of slavery, he advo- 
cated that they should be respectfully received; and 
that the rejily should be returned, tliat Congress had 
no power to legislate upon the suljject. " Congress," 
said he, " might as well undertake to interfere with 
slavery under a foreign government as in any of the 
States where it now exists." 

Upon Mr. Polk's accession to the Presidency, Mr. 
Buchanan became Secretary of State, and as such, 
took his share of the resixinsibility in the conduct of 
the Mexican War. Mr. Polk assumed that crossing 
the Nueces by the American troops into the disputed 
territory was not wrong, but for the Mexicans to cross 
the Rio Grande into that territory was a declaration 
of war. No candid man can read with pleasure the 
account of the course our Government [xirsued in that 
movement 

Mr. Buchanan identified himself thoroughly with 
the party devoted to the pc^rpetuation and extension 
of slavery, and brought all the energies of his mind 
to bear agdinst the Wilmot Proviso. He gave his 
cordial approval to the compromise measures of 1S50, 
which included the fugitive-slave law. Mr. Pierce, 
upon his election to the Presidency, honored Mr. 
Buchanan with the mission to England. 

In the year 1856, a national Democratic conven- 
tion nominated Mr. Buchanan for the Presidency. The 
political conflict was one of the most severe in which 
our country has ever engaged. All the friends of 
slavery were on one side; all the advocates of its re- 
striction and final abolition, on the other. Mr. Fre- 
mont, the candidate of the enemies of slavery, re- 
reived 1 14 electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan received 
174, and was elected. The [wpular vote stood 
1,340,618, for Fremont, 1,224,750 for Buchanan. On 
March 4th, 1857, Mr. Buchanan was inaugurated. 

Mr. Buchanan was far advanced in life. Only four 
years were wanting to fill up his threescore years and 
ten. His own friends, those with whom he had been 
allied in political principles and action for years, were 
seeking the destruction of the Government, that they 
might rear upon the ruins of our free institutions a 
nation whose corner-stone should be human slavery, 
tn this emergency, .Mr. Buchanan was hf>i)eicssly be- 
>vildered He could not, with his long-avowed prin- 



ciples, consistently oppose the State-rights party in 
their assumptions. As President of the United States, 
bound by his oath faithfully to administer the laws, 
he could not, without perjury of the grossest kind, 
unite with those endeavoring to overthrow the repub- 
lic. He therefore did nothing. 

The opixments of Mr. Buchanan's administration 
nominal ed Abraham Lmcoln as their standard bearer 
in the next Presidential canvass. The pro-slaverv 
party declared, that if he were elected, and the con- 
trol of the Government were thus taken from their 
hands, they would secede from the Union, taking 
with them, as they retired, the National Capitol at 
Washington, and the lion's share of the territory of 
the United States. 

Mr. Buchanan's sympathy with the pro-slavery 
party was such, that he had been willing to offer them 
far more than they had ventured to claim. All the 
.South had professed to ask of the North was non- 
intervention upon the subject of slavery. Mr. Bu- 
chanan had been ready to offer them the active co- 
operation of the (jovernment to defend and extend 
the institution. 

As the storm increased in violence, the slaveholders 
claiming the right to secede, and Mr. Buchanan avow- 
ing that Congress had no ixjwer to prevent it, one of 
the most [jitiable exhibitions of governmental im- 
becility was exhibited the world has ever seen. He 
declared that Congress had no ix)wer to enforce its 
laws in any State which had withdrawn, or which 
was attempting to withdraw from the Union. This 
was not the doctrine of Andrew Jackson, when, with 
his hand upon his sword-hilt, he exclaimed, " The 
Union must and shall be preserved!" 

SoiLth Carolina seceded in December, i860; nearly 
three months before the inauguration of President 
Lincoln. Mr. Buchanan looked on in listless despair. 
The rebel flag was raised in Charleston; Fort Sumpter 
was besieged ; our forts, navy-yards and arsenals 
were seized ; our depots of military stores were plun- 
dered ; and our custom-houses and post-offices were 
appropriated by the rebels. 

The energy of the rebels, and the imbecility of our 
Executive, were alike marvelous. The Nation looked 
on in agony, waiting for the slow weeks to glide away, 
and close the administration, so terrible in its weak- 
ness At length the long-looked-for hour of deliver- . 
ance came, when Abraham Lincoln was to receive the 
scepter. 

The administration of President Buchanan was 
certainly the most calamitous our country' has ex- 
])erienced. His best friends cannot recall it with 
|)leasure. And still more deplorable it is for his fame, 
that in that dreadful conflict which rolled its billows 
of flame and blood over our whole land, no word came 
from his lips to indicate his wish that our country's 
banner should Iriumph over the flag of the rebellion. 
H*" died at his Wheatland retreat, June i, 1868. 



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-4•- 



SIXTEENTH PRESIDENT. 



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79 




' ABRAHAM > #i>f *^S <i!MLrL> i 




/.'i 3r0.i^ j^..-l<kud 



'^g^^iSaej^^KHEi: 







BRAHAM LINCOLN, the 
sixteenth President of the 
^United States, was born in 
Hardin Co., Ky., Feb. 12, 
1809. About the year 1780, a 
man by the name of Abraiiam 
Lincohi left Virginia vvitli liis 
family and moved into the tlien 
wildsof Kentucky. Only two years 
after this emigration, still a young 
man, while working one day in a 
field, was stealthily approached by 
an Indian and shot dead. His widow 
was left in extreme jioverty with five 
little children, three boys and two 
girls. Thomas, the youngest of the 
boys, was four years of age at his 
father's death. This Thomas was 
the father of Abraham Lincoln, the 
President of the United States 
whose name must henceforth foi-ever be enrolled 
with the most prominent in the annals of our world. 
Of course no record has been kept of the life 
of one so lowly as Thomas Lincoln. He was among 
the [xwrest of the [xjor. His home was a wretched 
log-cabin ; his food the coarsest and the meanest. 
Education he had none; he could never either read 
or write. As soon as he was able to do anything for 
himself, he was compelled to leave the cabin of his 
starving mother, and push out into the world, a friend- 
less, wandering boy, seeking work. He hired him- 
self out, and thus spent the whole of his youth as a 
laborer in the fields of others. 

When twenty-eight years of age he built a log- 
cabin of his own, and married Nancy Hanks, the 
daughter of another family of poor Kentucky emi- 
grants, who had also come from Virginia. Their 
second child was Abraham Lincoln, the subject of 
this sketch. The mother of Abraham was a noble 
woman, gentle, loving, ])ensive, created to adorn 
a palace, doomed to toil and pine, and die in a hovel. 
"All that I am, or hope to be," e.'<claims the grate- 
ful son "I owe to my angel-mother. 

When he was eight years of age, his father sold his 




cabin and small farm, and moved to Indiana. Where 
two vears later his mother died. 

Abraham soon became the scribe of the uneducated 
community around him. He could not have had a 
better school than this to teach him to put thoughts 
into words. He also became an eager reader. The 
books he could obtain were few; but these he lead 
and re-read until they were almost committed to 
memory. 

As the years rolled on, the lot of this lowly family 
was the usual lot of humanity. 'I'hi're were joys and 
griefs, weddings and funerals. Abraham's sister 
Sarah, to whom he was tenderly attached, was mar- 
ried when a child of but fourteen years of age, and 
soon died. The family was gradually scattered. Mr. 
Thomas Lincoln sold out iiis sipiatter's claim in 1S30, 
and emigrated to Macon Co., 111. 

Abraham Lincoln was then twenty-one years of age. 
With vigorous hands he aided his father in rearing 
another log-cabin. .\l)raham worked diligently at this 
until he saw the family comfortably settled, and their 
small lot of enclosed prairie planted with corn, when 
he announced to his father his intention to leave 
hoine, and to go out into the world and seek his for- 
tune. Little did he or his friends imagine how bril- 
liant that fortune was to be. He saw the vahie of 
education and was intensely earnest to improve his 
mind to the utmost of his power. He saw the ruin 
which ardent spirits were causing, and became 
strictly temperate; refusing to allow a drop of intoxi- 
cating licpior to pass his lips. And he had read in 
(iod's word, " Thou shah not take the name of the 
Lord thy God in vain;" and a jirofane expression he 
was never heard to utter. Religion he revered. His 
morals were pure, and he was uncontaminated by a 
single vice. 

Voting Abraham worked for a time as a hired laborer 
among the farmers. Then he went to Springfield, 
where he was employed in building a large flat-boat. 
In this he took a herd of swine, floated them down 
the Sangamon to the Illinois, and thence liy the Mis- 
sissippi to New Orleans. Whatever Abraham Lin- 
coln undertook, he performed so faithfully as to give 
great satisfaction to hi> employers. In this adveii- 



-<*■ 




«► i r ^« 



A 



80 



ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 



eie 
4 I'.oi 



ture his employers were so well pleased, that ujxsn 

his return tiiey placed a store and uiill under his care. 

In 1832, at the outbreak of the Black Hawk war, he 
enlisted and was chosen captain of a company. He 
returned to Sangamon County, and although only 23 
years of age, was a candidate for tlie Legislature, but 
was defeated. He soon after- received from .'\ndrew 
Jackson the appointmentof Postmaster of New Salem, 
His only post-office was his hat. All the letters he 
received he carried there ready to deliver to those 
he chanced to meet. He studied surveying, and soon 
made this his business. In 1834 he again became a 
candidate for the Legislature, and was elected Mr. 
Stuart, of Springfield, advised him to study law. He 
walked from New Salem to Springfield, borrowed of 
Mr. Stuart a load of books, carried them back and 
began his legal studies. \Vhen the Legislature as- 
sembled he trudged on foot with his pack on Jiis back 
one hundred miles to Vandalia, then the capital. In 
1836 he was re-elected to the Legislature. Here it 
was he first met Stephen A. Douglas. In 1839 he re- 
moved to Springfield and began tlie practice of law. 
His success with the jury was so great that he was 
soon engaged in almost every noted case in the circuit. 

In 1854 the great discussion began between Mr. 
Lincoln and Mr. Douglas, on the slavery question. 
In the organization of the Republican party in Illinois, 
in 1856, he took an active part, and at once became 
one of the leaders in that party. Mr. Lincoln's 
speeches in opposition to Senator Douglas in the con- 
test in 1858 for a seat in the Senate, form a most 
notable part of his history. The issue was on the 
;lavery question, and he took the broad ground of 
.he Declaration of Independence, that all men are 
created e(iual. Mr. Lincoln was defeated in tliis con- 
test, but won a far Jiigher prize. 

The great Republican Convention met at Chicago 
on the 1 6th ot June, i860. The delegates and 
strangers who crowded the city amounted to twenty- 
five thousand. .\n immense building called "The 
Wigwam," was reared to accommodate the Conven- 
tion. There were eleven candidates for whom votes 
were thrown. Wilham H Seward, a man wliose fame 
as a statesman had long filled the land, was the most 
urominent. It was generally supposed he would be 
the nominee. Abraham Lincoln, however, received 
the nomination on the third ballot. Little did he then 
dream of the weary years of toil and care, and tlic 
bloody death, to which that nomination doomed him: 
and as little did he dream that he was to render services 
to his country, which would fi\ upon him the eyes of 
the whole civilized world, and which would give him 
a place in the affections of his countrymen, second 
only, if second, to that of Washington. 

Election day came and Mr. Lincoln received 180 
electoral votes out of 203 cast, and was, therefore, 
I'.onstitutionjlly elected President of the United States. 
The tirade of abuse that was poured upon this good 



and merciful man, especially by the slaveholders, was 
greater than upon any other man ever elected to this 
high position. In February, 1861, Mr. Lincoln started 
for Washington, stopjiing in all the large cities on his 
way making speeches. The whole journey was frought 
with much danger. Many of the Southern States had 
already seceded, and several attempts at assassination 
were afterwards brought to light. A gang in Balti- 
more had arranged, upon his arrival to" get up a row," 
and in the confusion to make sure of his deatli with 
revolvers and hand-grenades. A detective unravelled 
the plot. K secret and special train was provided to 
take him from Harrisl.'urg, through Baltimore, at an 
unexpected hour of the night. Tlie train started at 
half-past ten ; and to prevent any possible communi- 
cation on the part ot the Secessionists with theirCon- 
federate gang in Baltimore, as soon as the train had 
started the telegraph-wires were cut. Mr. Lincoln 
reached Washington in safety and was inaugurated, 
although great anxiety was felt by all loyal people. 
In the selection (jf his cabinet Mr. Lincoln gave 
to Mr Seward tlie Department of State, and to other 
prominent opponents before the convention he gave 
important [Kjsitions. 

During no other administration have the duties 
devolving upon the President been so manifold, and 
the responsibilities so great, as those which fell to 
the lot of President Lincoln. Knowing this, and 
feeling liis own weakness and inability to meet, and in 
his own strength to cope with, the difficulties, he 
learned early to seek Divine wisdom and guidance in 
determining his plans, and Divine comfort in all his 
trials, bo'h personal and national. Contrary to his 
own estimate of himself, Mr. Lincoln was one of the 
most courageous of men. He went directly into the 
rebel capital just as the retreating foe was leaving, 
with no guard but a few sailors. From the time he 
had left Springfield, in 1861, however, plans had lieen 
made for his assassination, and he at last fell a victim 
to one of them. April 14, 1865, he, with Gen. Grant, 
was urgently invited to attend Fords' Theater. It 
was announced that they would be present. Gen. 
Grant, however, left the city. President Lincoln, feel- 
ing, witli his characteristic kindliness of heart, that 
it. would be a disappointment if he should fail them, 
very reluctantly consented to go. While listening to 
the play an actor by the name of John Wilkes Booth 
entered the box where the President and family were 
seated, and fired a bullet into his brains. He died the 
next morning at seven o'clock. 

Never before, in the history of the world was a nation 
plunged into such deep grief by the death of its ruler. 
Strong men met in the streets and wept in speechless 
anguish. It is not too much to say that a nation was 
in tears. His was a life which will fitly become a 
model. His name as the savior of his country will 
live with that of Washington's, its father; his country- 
men being unable to decide which is the f;reater. 
, .. .^ 



I 





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u 



SEVENTEENTH PRESIDENT. 



83 



f 




NDREW JOHNSON, seven- 
teenth President of the United 
States. The early life of 
Andrew Johnson contains but 
the record of poverty, destitu- 
tion and friendlessness. He 
/ was born December 29, 1808, 
in Raleigh, N. C. His parents, 
belonging to the class of the 
"poor whites " of the South, were 
V in such circumstances, that they 
could not confer even the slight- 
est advantages of education ujwn 
their child. When Andrew was five 
years of age, his father accidentally 
lost his life while hevorically endeavoring to save a 
friend from drowning. Until ten years of age, Andrew 
was a ragged boy about the streets, supjxirted by the 
labor of his mother, who obtained her living with 
her own hands. 

He then, having never attended a school one day, 
and being unable either to read or write, was ap- 
prenticed to a tailor in his native town. A gentleman 
was in the habit of going to the tailor's shop occasion- 
ally, and reading to the boys at work there. He often 
read from the speeches of distinguished British states- 
men. Andrew, who was endowed with a mind of more 
than ordinary native ability, became much interested 
in these speeches ; his ambition was roused, and he 
was inspired with a strong desire to learn to read. 

He accordingly applied himself to the alphabet, and 
with the assistance of some of his fellow-workmen, 
learned his letters. He then called upon the gentle- 
man to borrow the book of speeches. The owner, 
-^« 



pleased with his zeal, not only gave him the book, 
but assisted him in learning to combine the letters 
into words. Under such difficulties he pressed on- 
ward laboriously, spending usually ten or twelve hours 
at work in the shop, and then robbing himself of rest 
and recreation to devote such time as he could to 
reading. 

He went to Tennessee in 1826, ^nd located at 
Greenville, where he married a young lady who pos- 
sessed some education. Under her instructions he 
learned to write and cipher. He became prominent 
in the village debating society, and a favorite with 
the students of Greenville College. In 1828, he or- 
ganized a working man's party, which elected him 
alderman, and in 1830 elected him mayor, which 
position he held three years. 

He now began to take a lively interest in political 
affairs ; identifying himself with the working-classes, 
to which he belonged. In 1835, he was elected a 
member of the House of Representatives of Tennes- 
see. He was then just twenty-seven years of age. 
He became a very active member of the legislature, 
gave his adhesion to the Democratic party, and in 
1840 "stumped the State," advocating Martin Van 
Buren's claims to the Presidency, in opposition to those 
of Gen. Harrison. In this campaign he acquired much 
readiness as a speaker, and extended and increased 
his reputation. 

In 1841, he was elected State Senator; in 1843, he 
was elected a member of Congress, and by successive 
elections, held that important post for ten years. In 
1853, he was elected Governor of Tennessee, and 
was re-elected in 1855. In all these resixDnsible posi- 
tions, he discharged his duties with distinguished abii- 



V 






84 



ANDRE U ' JOHNSON. 



\ 

t 



ity, and proved himself the warm friend of the work- 
ing classes. In 1857, Mr. Johnson was elected 
United States Senator. 

Years before, in 1845, he had warmly advocated 
the annexation of Texas, stating however, as his 
reason, that he thought this annexation would i)roh- 
ably prove " to be the gateway out of which the sable 
sons of Africa are to pass from bondage to freedom, 
and become merged in a population congenial to 
themselves." In 1850, he also supported the com- 
promise measures, the two essential features of which 
were, that the white people of the Territories should 
be permitted to decide for themselves whether they 
would enslave the colored people or not, and that 
the free States of the North should return to the 
South persons who attempted to escape from slavery. 

Mr. Johnson was never ashamed of his lowly origin: 
on the contrary, he often took pride in avowing that 
he owed his distinction to his own exertions. "Sir," 
said he on the floor of the Senate, " I do not forget 
that I am a mechanic ; neither do I forget that Adam 
was a tailor and sewed fig-leaves, and that our Sav- 
ior was the son of a carpenter." 

In the Charleston-Baltimore convention of 1800, ne 
was the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for the 
Presidency. In 1861, when the purpose of the South- 
ern Democracy became apparent, he took a decided 
stand in favor of the Union, and held that " slavery 
must be held subordinate to the Union at whatever 
cost." He returned to Tennessee, and repeatedly 
imperiled his own life to protect the Unionists of 
Tennesee. Tennessee having seceded from the 
Union, President Lincoln, on March 4th, 1862, ap- 
pointed him Military Governor of the State, and he 
established the most stringent military rule. His 
numerous proclamations attracted wide attention. In 

1864, he was elected Vice-President of the United 
States, and upon the death of Mr. Lincoln, April 15, 

1865, became President. In a speech two days later 
he said, " The American people must be taught, if 
they do not already feel, that treason is a crime and 
must be punished ; that the Government will not 
always bear with its enemies ; that it is strong not 
only to protect, but to punish. * * The people 
must understand that it (treason) is the blackest of 
crimes, and will surely be punished." Yet his whole 
administration, the history of which is so well known, 
was in utter iru-.onsistencv with, and the most violent 

4> 



opiX)sition to, the principles laid down in that speech. 

In his loose policy of reconstruction and general 
amnesty, he was opposed by Congress; and he char- 
acterized Congress as a new rebellion, and lawlessly 
defied it, in everything possible, to the utmost. In 
the beginnirig of 1868, on account of "high crimes 
and misdemeanors," the principal of which was the 
removal of Secretary Stanton, in violation of the Ten- 
ure of Office Act, articles of impeachment were pre- 
ferred against him, and the trial began March 23. 

It was very tedious, continuing for nearly three 
months. A test article of the impeachment was at 
length submitted to the court for its action. It was 
certain that as the court voted upon that article so 
would it vote upon all. Thirty-four voices pronounced 
the President guilty. As a two-thirds vote was neces- 
sary to his condemnation, he was pronounced ac- 
quitted, notwithstanding the great majority against 
him. The change of one vote from the not guilty 
side would have sustained the impeachment. 

The President, for the remainder of his term, was 
but little regarded. He continued, though impotently, 
his conflict with Congress. His own party did not 
think it expedient to renominate him for the Presi- 
dency. The Nation rallied, with enthusiasm unpar- 
alleled since the days of Washington, around the name 
of Gen. Grant. Andrew Johnson was forgotten. 
The bullet of the assassin introduced him to the 
President's chair. Notwithstanding this, never was 
there presented to a man a better opportunity to im- 
mortalize his name, and to win the gratitude of a 
nation. He failed utterly. He retired to his home 
in Greenville, Tenn., taking no very active part in 
politics until 1875. On Jan. 26, after an e.xciting 
struggle, he was chosen by the Legislature of Ten- 
nessee, United States Senator in the forty-fourth Con- 
gress, and took his seat in that body, at the special 
session convened by President Grant, on the 5 th of 
March. On the 27th of July, 1875, the ex-President 
made a visit to his daughter's home, near Carter 
Station, Tenn. When he started on his journey, he was 
apparently in his usual vigorous health, but on reach- 
ing the residence of his child the following day, was 
stricken with paralysis, rendering him unconscious. 
He rallied occasionally, but finally passed away at 
2 A.M., July 31, aged sixty-seven years. His fun- 
eral was attended at Geenville, on the 3d of .August, 
with every demonstration of respect. 





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EIGHTEENTH PRESIDENT. 



87 





ItYSStB 






LYSSES S. GR.\NT, the 
eighteenth President of the 
United States, was born on 
the 29th of April, 1822, of 
Christian parents, in a humble 
home, at Point Pleasant, on the 
banks of the Ohio. Shortly after 
his father moved to George- 
town, Brown Co., O. In this re- 
mote frontier hamlet, Ulysses 
received a common-school edu- 
cation. At the age of seven- 
teen, in the year 1839, he entered 
the Military Academy at West 
Point. Here he was regarded as a 
solid, sensible young man of fair abilities, and of 
sturdy, honest character. He took respectable rank 
as a scholar. In June, 1S43, he graduated, about the 
middle in his class, and was sent as lieutenant of in- 
fantry to one of the distant military posts in the Mis- 
souri Territory. Two years he past in these dreary 
solitudes, watching the vagabond and exasperating 
Indians. 

The war with Mexico came. Lieut. Grant was 
sent with his regiment to Corpus Christi. His first 
battle was at Palo Alto. There was no chance here 
for the exhibition of either skill or heroism, nor at 
Resaca de la Palma, his second battle. .At the battle 
of Monterey, his third engagement, it is said that 
he performed a signal service of daring and skillful 
h6rsemanship. His brigade had exhausted its am- 
munition. .\ messenger must be sent for more, along 
a route exposed to the bullets of the foe. Lieut. 
Grant, adopting an expedient learned of the Indians, 
grasped the mane of his horse, and hanging upon one 
side of the aniro^l, ran the gauntlet in entire safety. 



From Monterey he was sent, with the fourth infantry, 
to aid Gen. Scott, at the siege of Vera Cruz. In 
preparation for the march to the city of Mexico, he 
was appointed quartermaster of his regiment. At the 
battle of Molino del Rey, he was promoted to a 
first lieutenancy, and was brevetted captain at Cha- 
pultepec. 

At the close of the Mexican War, Capt. Grant re- 
turned with his regiment to New York, and was again 
sent to one of the military posts on the frontier. The 
discovery of gold in California causing an immense 
tide of emigration to flow to the Pacific shores, Capt. 
Grant was sent with a battalion to Fort Dallas, in 
Oregon, for the protection of the interests of the im- 
migrants. Life was wearisome in those wilds. Capt. 
Grant resigned his commission and returned to the 
States; and having married, entered upon the cultiva- 
tion of a small farm near St. Louis, Mo. He had but 
little skill as a farmer. Finding his toil not re- 
munerative, he turned to mercantile life, entering into 
the leather business, with a younger brother, at Ga- 
lena, 111. This was in the year i860. As the tidings 
of the rebels firing on Fort Sumpter reached the ears 
of Capt. Grant in his counting-room, he said, — 
"Uncle Sam has educated me for the army; though 
I have served him through one war, I do not feel that 
I have yet repaid the debt. I am still ready to discharge 
my obligations. I shall therefore buckle on my sword 
and see Uncle Sam through this war too." 

He went into the streets, raised a company of vol- 
unteers, and led them as their captain to Springfield, 
the capital of the State, where their services were 
offered to Gov. Yates. The Governor, impressed by 
the zeal and straightforward executive ability of Capt. 
Grant, gave him a desk in his office, to assist in the 
volunteer organization that was being formed in the 
State in behalf of the Government. On the 15 th of 



HK-^ 



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h- 



UL YSSKS S. GRA NT. 



June, 1 86 1, Capt. (Irant received a commission as 
Colonel of the Twenty-first Regiment of Illinois Vol- 
unteers. His merits as a West Point graduate, who 
had served for 15 years in the regular army, were such 
that he was soon promoted to the rank of Brigadier- 
General and was placed in command at Cairo. The 
rebels raised their banner at Paducah, near the mouth 
of the Tennessee River. Scarcely had its folds ap- 
peared in the breeze ere Gen. Grant was there. The 
rebels fled. Their ban^ier fell, and the star and 
stripes were unfurled in its stead. 

He entered the service with great determination 
and immediately began active duty. This was the be- 
ginning, and until the surrender of Lee at Richmond 
he was ever pushing the enemy with great vigor and 
effectiveness. At Belmont, a few days later, he sur- 
prised and routed the rebels, then at Fort Henry 
won another victory. Then came the brilliant fight 
at Fort Donelson. The nation was electrified by the 
victory, and the brave leader of the boys in lilue was 
immediately made a Major-General, and the milit:ir_\- 
district of Tennessee was assigned to him. 

Like all great captains, Gen. Grant knew well liow 
to secure the results of victory. He immediately 
pushed on to the enemies' lines. Then came the 
terrible battles of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, and tlie 
siege of Vicksburg, where Gen. Pemberton made an 
unconditional surrender of the city with over thirty 
thousand men and one-hundred and seventy-two can- 
non. The fall of Vicksburg was by far the most 
severe blow which the rebels had thus far encountered, 
and opened up the Mississippi from Cairo to the Gulf. 

Gen. Grant was next ordered to co-operate with 
Gen. Banks in a movement upon Texas, and pro- 
ceeded to New Orleans, where he was thrown from 
his horse, and received severe injuries, from which he 
was laid up for months. He then rushed to the aid 
of Gens. Rosecrans and Thomas at Chattanooga, and 
by a wonderful series of strategic and technical meas- 
ures put the Union Army in fighting condition. Then 
followed the bloody battles at Chattanooga, Lookout 
Mountain and Missionary Ridge, in which the rebels 
were routed with great loss. This won for him un- 
bounded praise in the North. On the 4th of Febru- 
ary, 1864, Congress revived the grade of lieutenant- 
general, and the rank was conferred on Gen. Grant. 
He repaired to Washington to receive his credentials 
and enter upon the duties of his new office. 



\ 



Gen. (Irant decided as soon as he took charge of 
the army to concentrate the widely-dispersed National 
troops for an attack upon Richmond, the nominal 
capital of tlie Rebellion, and endeavor there to de- 
stroy the rebel armies which would be promptly as- 
sembled from all quarters for its defence. The whole 
continent seemed to tremble under the tramp of these 
majestic armies, rushing to the decisive battle field. 
.Steamers were crowded with troops. Railway trains 
were burdened with closely packed thousands. His 
plans were comprehensive and involved a series of 
campaigns, which were executed with remarkable en- 
ergy and ability, and were consummated at the sur- 
render of Lee, April 9, 1865. 

The war was ended. The Union was saved. The 
almost unanimous voice of the Nation declared Gen. 
Grant to be tlie most prominent instrument in its sal- 
vation. The eminent services he had thus rendered 
the country brought him conspicuously forward as the 
Republican candidate for the Presidential chair. 

At the Republican Convention held at Chicago, 
May 21, 1868, he was unanimously nominated for the 
Presidency, and at the autumn election received a 
majority of the popular vote, and 214 out of 294 
electoral votes. 

The National Couventiou of the Republican party 
which met at Philadelphia on the 5th of June, 1872, 
placed Gen. Grant in nomination for a second term 
by a unanimous vote. The selection was emphati- 
cally indorsed by the people five months later, 292 
electoral votes being cast for him. 

Soon after the close of his second term. Gen. Grant 
started upon his famous trip around the world. He 
visited almost every country of the civilized world, 
and was everywhere received with such ovations 
and demonstrations of respect and honor, private 
as well as public and official, as were never before 
bestowed upon any citizen of the United States. 

He was the most prominent candidate before the 
Republican National Convention in 1880 for a re- 
nomination for President. He went to New York and 
embarked in the brokerage business under the firm 
nameof Grant & Ward. The latter proved a villain, 
wrecked Grant's fortune, and for larceny was sent to 
the penitentiary. The General was attacked with 
cancer in the throat, but suffered in his stoic-like 
manner, never complaining. He was re-instated as 
General of the Army and retired by Congress. The 
cancer soon finished its deadly work, and July 23, 
1885, the nation went in mourning over the death of 
' the illustrious General. 




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NTNETEENTH PRESIDKNT. 



91 








l'l^^t^'^'^'^^^^,;^■■w■l^;'■^;'■^.^^l■^^)'^.'a^'^ivi»jg'^:^ti&'.^:^^■;■H'^>n^r^^ 





UTHERFORl) K. HAVES, 
^ the nineteenth President of 
' the United States, was born in 
Delaware, O., Oct. 4, 1822, al- 
most three months after the 
"^"^ death of his father, Rutherford 
Hayes. His ancestry on both 
the paternal and maternal sides, 
was of the most honorable char- 
acter. It can be traced, it is said, 
as far back as r28o, when Hayes and 
Rutherford were two Scottish chief- 
tains, fighting side by side with 
Baliol, William Wallace and Robert 
Bruce. Both families belonged to the 
nobility, owned extensive estates, 
and had a large following. Misfor- 
tune overtaking the family, George Hayes left Scot- 
land in 1680, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His son 
George was born in Windsor, and remained there 
during his life. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter, mar- 
ried Sarah Lee, and lived from the time of his mar- 
riage until his death in Simsbury, Conn. Ezekiel, 
son of Daniel, was born in 1724, and was a manufac- 
turer of scythes at Bradford, Conn. Rutherford Hayes, 
son of Ezekiel and grandfather of President Hayes, was 
born in New Haven, in August, 1756. He was a farmer, 
blacksmith and tavern-keeper. He emigrated to 
Vermont at an unknown date, settling in Brattleboro, 
where he established a hotel. Here his son Ruth- 
erford Hayes the father of President Hayes, was 



born. He was married, in September, 18 13, to Sophia 
Birchard, of Wilmington, Vt., whose ancestors emi- 
grated thither from Connecticut, they having been 
among the wealthiest and best famlies of Norwich. 
Her ancestry on the male side are traced back to 
1635, to John Birchard, one of the principal founders 
of Norwich. Both of her grandfathers were soldiers 
in the Revolutionary War. 

The father of President Hayes was an industrious, 
frugal and opened-hearted man. He was of a me- 
chanical turn, and could mend a plow, knit a stock- 
ing, or do almost anything else that he choose to 
undertake. He was a member of the Church, active 
in all the benevolent enterprises of the town, and con- 
ducted his business on Christian principles. After 
the close of the war of 181 2, for reasons inexplicable 
to his neighbors, he resolved to emigrate to Ohio. 

The journey from Vermont to Ohio in that day, 
when there were no canals, steamers, nor railways, 
was a very serious affair. A tour of inspection was 
first made, occupying four months. Mr. Hayes deter- 
mined to move to Delaware, where the family arrived 
in i8t7. He died July 22, 1822, a victim of malarial 
fever, less than three months before the birth of the 
son, of whom we now write. Mrs. Hayes, in her sore be- 
reavement, found the support she so much needed in 
her brother Sardis, who had been a member of the 
household from the day of its departure from Ver- 
mont, and in an orphan girl whom she had adopted 
some time before as an act of charity. 

Mrs. Hayes at this period was very weak, and the 



^^ 



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92 



MUTHERFORD B. HAYES. 



subject of this sketch was so feeble at birth that he 
was not expected to live beyond a month or two at 
most. As the months went by he grew weaker and 
weaker, so that the neighbors were in the habit of in- 
quiring from time to time " if Mrs. Hayes' baby died 
last night." On one occasion a neighbor, who was on 
familiar terms with tiie family, after alluding to the 
boy's big head, and the mother's assiduous care of 
him, said in a bantering way, " That's right ! Stick to 
him. You have got him along so far, and 1 shouldn't 
wonder if he would really come to something yet." 

" You need not laugh," said Mrs. Hayes. "You 
wait and see. You can't tell but I shall make him 
President of the United States yet." The boy lived, 
in spite of the universal predictions of his speedy 
death; and when, in 1825, his older brother was 
drowned, he became, if possible, still dearer to his 
mother. 

The boy was seven years old before he went to 
school. His education, however, was not neglected. 
He probably learned as much from his mother and 
sister as he would have done at school. His sports 
were almost wholly within doors, his playmates being 
his sister and her associates. These circumstances 
tended, no doubt, to foster that gentleness of dispo- 
sition, and that delicate consideration for the feelings 
of others, which are marked traits of his character. 

His uncle Sardis Birchard took the deepest interest 
in his education ; and as the boy's health had im- 
proved, and he was making good progress in his 
studies, he proposed to send him to college. His pre- 
paration commenced with a tutor at home; but he 
was afterwards sent for one year to a jorofessor in the 
Wesleyan University, in Middletown, Conn. He en- 
tered Kenyon College in 1838,31 the age of sixteen, 
and was graduated at the head of his class in 1842. 

Immediately after his graduation he began the 
study of law in the office of Thomas Sparrow, Esq., 
in Columbus. Finding his opportunities'for study in 
Columbus somewhat limited, he determined to enter 
the Law School at Cambridge, Mass., where he re- 
mained two years. 

In 1845, after graduatmg at the Law School, he was 
admitted to the bar at Marietta, Ohio, and shortly 
afterward went into practice as an attorney-at-law 
with Ralph P. Buckland, of Fremont. Here he re- 
mained three years, acquiring but a limited practice, 
and apparently unambitious of distinction in his pro- 
fession. 

In 1849 he moved to Cincmnati, where his ambi- 
tion found a new stimulus. For several years, how- 
ever, his progress was slow. Two events, occurring at 
this period, had a powerful influence upon his subse- 
quent life. One of these was his marrage with Miss 
Lucy Ware Webb, daughter of Dr. James Webb, of 
Chilicothe; the other was his introduction to the Cin- 
cinnati Literary Club, a body embracing among its 
r members such men as'^hief Justice Salmon P.Chase, 



Gen. John Pope, Gov. Edward F. Noyes, and many 
others hardly less distinguished in after life. The 
marriage was a fortunate one in every respect, as 
everybody knows. Not one of all the wives of our 
Presidents was more universally admired, reverenced 
and beloved than was Mrs. Hayes, and no one did 
more than she to reflect honor upon American woman- 
hood. The Literary Cluo brought Mr. Hayes into 
constant association with young men of high char- 
acter and noble aims, and lured him to disjilay the 
qualities so louj; hidden by his bashfulness and 
modesty. 

In 1856 he was nominated to the office of Judge of 
the Court of Common Pleas; but he declined to ac- 
cept the nomination. Two years later, the office of 
city solicitor becoming vacant, the City Council 
elected him for the unexpired term. 

In 1 86 1, when the Rebellion broke out, he was at 
the zenith of his professional life. His rank at the 
bar was among the the first. But the news of the 
attack on Fort Sunqjter found him eager to take up 
arms for the defense of his country. 

His military record was bright and illustrious. In 
October, 186 1, he was made Lieutenant-Colonel, and 
in August, 1862, promoted Colonel of the 79th Ohio 
regiment, but he refused to leave his old comrades 
and go among strangers. Subsequently, however, he 
was made Colonel of his old regiment. At the battle 
of South Mountain he received a wound, and while 
faint and bleeding displayed courage and fortitude 
that won admiration from all. 

Col. Hayes was detached from his regiment, after 
his recovery, to act as Brigadier-General, and placed 
in command of the celebrated Kanawha division, 
and for gallant and meritorious services in the battles 
of Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, he was 
promoted Brigadier-General. He was also brevetted 
Major-General, "for gallant and distinguished services 
during the campaigns of 1864, in West Virginia." In 
the course of his arduous services, four horses were 
shot from under him, and he was wounded four times. 

In 1864, Gen. Hayes was elected to Congress, from 
the Second Ohio District, which had long been Dem- 
ocratic. He was not present during the campaign, 
and after his election was importuned to resign his 
commission in the army ; but he finally declared, " I 
shall never come to Washington until I can come by 
tlic way of Richmond." He was re-elected in 1866. 

In 1867, Gen Hayes was elected Governor of Ohio, 
over Hon. .\llen G. Thurman, a popular Democrat. 
In 1869 was re-elected over George H. Pendleton. 
He was elected Governor for the third term in 1875. 

In 1876 he was the standard bearer of the Repub- 
lican Party in the Presidential contest, and after a 
hard long contest was chosen President, and was in 
augurated Monday, March 5, 1875. He served his 
full term, not, h. wever, with satisfaction to h'.s party, 
but his admir'stration was an average v^ - 



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TiVENTIETH PRESIDENT. 



95 




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AMES A. GARFIELD, twen- 
tieth President of the United 
States, was born Nov. 19, 
I S3 1, in the woods of Orange, 
Cuyahoga Co., O His par- 
,_ - -^ y ents were Abram and Eliza 

e\jJ'^V|4) (Ballou) Garfield, both of New 
." . '. 1 England ancestry and from fami- 
lies well known in the early his- 
%, tory of that section of our coun- 
try, but had. moved to the Western 
Reserve, in Ohio, early in its settle- 
ment. 

The house in which James K. was 
born was not unlike the houses of 
poor Ohio farmers of that day. It 
«,ds about 20x30 feet, built of logs, with the spaces be- 
ivveen the logs filled with clay. His father was a 
nard working farmer, and he soon had his fields 
cleared, an orchard planted, and a log barn built. 
The household comprised the father and mother and 
iheir four children — Mehetabel, Thomas, Mary and 
James. In May, 1823, the father, from a cold con- 
tracted in helping to put out a forest fire, died. At 
this time James was about eighteen months old, and 
Thomas about ten years old. No one, perhaps, can 
tell how much James was indebted to his biother's 
toil and self-sacrifice during the twenty years suc- 
ceeding his father's death, but undoubtedly very 
much. He now lives in Michigan, and the two sis- 
ters live in Solon, O., near their birthplace. 

The early educational advantages young Garfield 
enjoyed were very limited, yet he made the most of 
rhem. He labored at farm work for others, did car- 
[jenter work, chopped wood, or did anything that 
would bring in a few dollars to aid his widowed 
mother in he' struggles to keep the little family to- 



gether. Nor was Gen. Garfield ever ashamed of his 
origin, and he never forgot the friends of his strug- 
gling childhood, youtli and manhood, neither did they 
ever forget him. When in the highest seats of honor, 
the humblest fiiend of his boyhood was as kindly 
greeted as ever. The poorest laborer was sure of the 
sympathy of one who had known all the bitterness 
of want and the sweetness of bread earned by the 
sweat of the brow. He was ever the simple, plain, 
modest gentleman. 

The highest ambition of young Garfield until he 
was about sixteen years old was to be a captain of 
a vessel on Lake Erie. He was anxious to go aboard 
a vessel, which his mother strongly opposed. She 
finally consented to his going to Cleveland, with the 
understanding, however, that he should Xvj to obtain 
some other kind of employment. He walked all the 
way to Cleveland. This was his first visit to the city. 
,\fler making many applications for work, and trying 
to get aboard a lake vessel, and not meeting with 
success, he engaged as a driver for his cousin, Amos 
Letcher, on the Ohio &: Pennsylvania Canal. He re- 
mained at this work but a short time when he went 
home, and attended the seminary at Chester for 
about three years, when he entered Hiram and the 
Eclectic Institute, teaching a few terms of school in 
tlie meantime, and doing other work. This school 
was started by the Disciples of Christ in 1850, of 
which church he was then a member. He became 
janitor and bell-ringer in order to help pay his way. 
He then became both teacher and pupil. He soon 
" exhausted Hiram " and needed more ; hence, in the 
fall of 1854, he entered Williams College, from which 
he graduated in 1856, taking one of the highest hon- 
ors of his class. He afterwards returned to Hiram 
College as its President. As above stated, he early 
united with the Christian or Diciples Church at 
Hiram, and was ever after a devoted, zealous mem- 
ber, often preaching in its pulpit and places where 
he happened to be. Dr. Noah Porter, President of 
Yale College, says of him in reference to his religion : 



^ 



96 



JAMES A. GARFIELD. 



" President Garfield was more than a man of 
strong moral and religious convictions. His whole 
history, from boyhood to the last, shows that duty to 
man and to God, and devotion to Christ and life and 
faith and spiritual commission were controlling springs 
of his being, and to a more than usual degree. In 
my judgment there is no more interesting feature of 
his character than his loyal allegiance to the body of 
Christians in which he was trained, and the fervent 
sympathy which he ever showed in their Christian 
communion. Not many of the few 'wise and mighty 
and noble who are called ' show a similar loyalty to 
the less stately and cultured Christian communions 
in which they have been reared. Too often it is true 
that as they step upward in social and political sig- 
nificance they step upward from one degree to 
another in some of the many types of fashionable 
Christianity. President Garfield adhered to the 
church of his mother, the church in which he was 
trained, and in which he served as a pillar and an 
evangelist, and yet with the largest and most unsec- 
tarian charity for all 'who love our Lord in sincerity.'" 

Mr. Garfield was united in marriage with Miss 
Lucretia Rudolph, Nov. 1 1, 1858, who proved herself 
worthy as the wife of one whom all the world loved and 
mourned. To them were born seven children, five of 
whom are still living, four boys and one girl. 

Mr. Garfield made his first political speeches in 1856, 
in Hiram and the neighboring villages, and three 
years later he began to speak at county mass-meet- 
ings, and became the favorite speaker wherever he 
was. During this year he was elected to the Ohio 
Senate. He also began to study law at Cleveland, 
and in i86i was admitted to the bar. The great 
Rebellion broke out in the early part of this year, 
and Mr. Garfield at once resolved to fight as he had 
talked, and enlisted to defend the old flag. He re- 
ceived his commission as Lieut.-Colonel of the Forty- 
second Regiment of Oiiio Volunteer Infantry, Aug. 
14, 1861. He was immediately put into active ser- 
vice, and before he had ever seen a gun fired in aci^ion, 
was placed in command of four regiments of infantry 
and eight companies of cavalry, charged with the 
work of driving out of his native State the officer 
(Humphrey Marshall) reputed to be the ablest of 
those, not educated to war whom Kentucky had given 
to the Rebellion. This work was bravely and speed- 
ily accomplished, although against great odds. Pres- 
ident Lincoln, on his success commissioned him 
Brigadier-General, Jan. 10, 1862; and as "he had 
been the youngest man in the Ohio Senate two years 
before, so now he was the youngest General in the 
army." He was with Gen. Buell's army at Shiloh, 
in its operations around Corinth and its march through 
Alabama. He was then detailed as a memberof the 
General Court-Martial for the trial of Gen. Fitz-John 
Porter. He was then ordered to report to Gen. Rose- 
crans, and was assigned to the " Chief of Staff." 

The military l^Jstory of Gen. Garfield closed with 



his brilliant services at Chickamauga, where he won 
the stars of the Major-General. 

Without an effort on his part Gen. Garfield was 
elected to Congress in the fall of 1862 from the 
Nineteentli District of Ohio. This section of Ohio 
had been represented in Congress for sixty years 
mainly by two men — Elisha Whittlesey and Joshua 
K. Giddings. It was not without a struggle that he 
resigned his place in the army. At the time he en- 
tered Congress he was the youngest member in that 
body. There he remained by successive re- 
elections until he was elected President in 1880. 
Of his labors in Congress Senator Hoar says : " Since 
the year 1864 you cannot think of a question which 
has been debated in Congress, or discussed before a 
tribunel of the American people, in regard to which 
you will not find, if you wish mstruction, the argu- 
ment on one side stated, in almost every instance 
better than by anybody else, in some speech made in 
the House of Representatives or on the hustings by 
Mr. Garfield." 

Upon Jan. 14, 1880, Gen. Garfield was elected to 
the U. S. Senate, and on the eighth of June, of the 
same year, was nominated as the candidate of his 
party for President at the great Chicago Convention. 
He was elected in the following November, and on 
March 4, 1881, was inaugurated. Probably no ad- 
ministration ever opened its existence under brighter 
auspices than that of President Garfield, and every 
day it grew in favor with the people, and by the first 
of July he had completed all the initiatory and pre- 
liminary work of his administration and was prepar- 
ing to leave tlie city to meet his friends at Williams 
College, While on his way and at the depot, in com- 
pany with Secretary Blaine, a man stepped behind 
him, drew a revolver, and fired directly at his back. 
The President tottered and fell, and as he did so tiie 
assassin fired a second shot, the bullet cutting the 
left coat sleeve of his victim, but in.licting no further 
injury. It has been very truthfully said that this was 
" the shot that was heard round the world " Never 
before in the history of the Nation had anything oc- 
curred which so nearly froze the blood of the people 
for the moment, as this awful deed. He was smit- 
ten on the brightest, gladdest day of all his life, and 
was at the summit of his power and hope. For eighty 
days, all during the hot months of July and August, 
he lingered and suffered. He, however, remained 
master of himself till the last, and by his magnificent 
bearing was teaching tlie country and the world the 
noblest of human lessons — how to live grandly in the 
very clutch of death. Great in life, he was surpass- 
ingly great in death. He passed serenely away Sept. 
19, 1883, at Elberon, N. J., on the very bank of the 
ocean, where he had been taken shortly previous. The 
world wept at his death, as it never had done on the 
death of any other man who had ever lived upon it. 
The murderer was duly tried, found guillv and exe- 
cuted, in one year after he committed the foul deed. 




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TWENTY. FIRST PRESIDENT. 



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99 





% 



HESTER A. ARTHUR, 

>0 twenty-first Presir^m of the 

^United States, was born in 

Franklin Cour ty, Vermont, on 

J thefifthofOc'ober, 1830, andis 

the oldest of a family of two 

sons and five daughters. His 

father was the Rev. Dr. William 

Arthur, a Baptistd .rgyman, who 

emigrated to tb.s countr)' from 

\^ the county Antnm, Ireland, in 

his 1 8th year, and died in 1875, in 

Newtonville, neai Albany, after a 

long and successful ministry. 

Young Arthur was educated at 
Union College, S( henectady, where 
he excelled in all his studies. Af- 
ter his graduation he taught school 
in Vermont for two years, and at 
the expiration of that time came to 
New York, with $500 in his ix)cket, 
and entered the office of ex-Judge 
E. D. Culver as student. After 
I being admitted to the bar he formed 
a partnership with his intimate friend and room-mate, 
Henry D. Gardiner, with the intention of practicing 
in the West, and for three months they roamed about 
in the Western States in search of an eligible site, 
but in the end returned to New York, where they 
hung out their shingle, and entered upon a success- 
ful career almost from the start. General Arthur 
soon afterward niarp-^d the daughter of Lieutenant 

A* 



Herndon, of the United States Navy, who was lost at 
sea. Congress voted a gold medal to his widow in 
recognition of the bravery he displayed on that occa- 
sion. Mrs. Arthur died shortly before Mr. Arthur's 
nommation to the Vice Presidency, leaving two 
children. 

Gen. Arthur obtained considerable legal celebrity 
in his first great case, the famous Lemmon suit, 
brought to recover possession of eight slaves who had 
been declared free by Judge Paine, of the Superior 
Court of New York City. It was in 1852 that Jon, 
athan Lemmon, of Virginia, went to New York with 
his slaves, intending to ship them to Texas, when 
they were discovered and freed. The Judge decided 
that they could not be held by the owner under the 
Fugitive Slave Law. A howl of rage went up from . 
the South, and the Virginia Legislature authorized the 
Attorney General of that State to assist in an appeal. 
Wm. M. Evarts and Chester A. Arthur were employed 
to represent the People, and they won their case, 
which then went to the Supreme Court of the United 
States. Charles O'Conor here espoused the cause 
of the slave-holders, but he too was beaten by Messrs. 
Evarts and Arthur, and a long step was taken toward 
the emancipation of the black race. 

Another great service was rendered by General 
Arthur in the same cause in 1856. Lizzie Jennings, 
a respectable colored woman, was put off a Fourth 
Avenue car with violence after she had paid her fare. 
General Arthur sued on her behalf, and secured a 
verdict of $500 damages. The next day the compa- 
ny issued an order to admit colored persons to ride 
on their cars, and the other car companies quickly 




i 



-4^ 



CHESTER A. ARTHUR. 



A 



followed their example. Before that the Sixth Ave- 
nue Conijiany ran a few special cars for colored per- 
sons and the other lines refused to let them ride at all. 

General Arthur was a delegate to the Convention 
at Saratoga that founded the Republican party. 
Previous to the war he was Judge-Advocate of the 
Second Brigade of the State of New York, and Gov- 
ernor Morgan, of that State, appointed hmi Engineer- 
in-Chief of his staff. In i86i, he was made Inspec- 
tor General, and soon afterward became Quartermas- 
ter-General. In each of these offices he rendered 
great service to the Government during the war. At 
the end of Governor Morgan's term he resumed the 
practice of the law, forming a partnership with Mr. 
Ransom, and then Mr. Phelps, the District Attorney 
of New York, was added to the firm. The legal prac- 
tice of this well-known firm was very large and lucra- 
tive, each of the gentlemen composing it were able 
lawyers, and possessed a splendid local reputation, if 
not indeed one of national extent. 

He always took a leading part in State and city 
politics. He was appointed Collector of the Port of 
New York by President Grant, Nov. 21, 1872, to suc- 
ceed Thomas Murphy, and held the office until July, 
20, 1878, when he was succeeded by Collector Merritt. 

Mr. Arthur was nominated on the Presidential 
ticket, with Gen. James A. Garfield, at the famous 
National Republican Convention held at Chicago in 
June, 18S0. This was perhaps the greatest political 
convention that ever assembled on the continent. It 
was composed of the leading politicians of the Re- 
publican party, all able men, and each stood firm and 
fought vigorously and with signal tenacity for their 
respective candidates that were before the conven- 
tion for the nomination. Finally Gen. Garfield re- 
ceived the nomination for President and (ten. Arthur 
for Vice-President. The campaign which followed 
was one of the most animated known in the history of 
our country. Gen. Hancock, the standard-bearer of 
the Democratic party, was a popular man, and liis 
party made a valiant fight for his election. 

Finally the election came and the country's choice 
was Garfield and Arthur. They were inaugurated 
March 4, 188 r, as President and Vice-President. 
A few months only had passed ere the newly chosen 
President was the victim of the assassin's bullet. Then 
came terrible weeks of suffering, — those moments of 
anxious suspense, when the hearts of all civilized na- 



tions were throbbing in unison, longing for the re- 
covery of the noble, the good President. The remark- 
able patience that he manifested during those hours 
and weeks, and even months, of the most terrible suf- 
fering man has often been called upon to endure, was 
seemingly more than human. It was certainly God- 
like. During all this period of deepest anxiety Mr. 
Arthur's every move was watched, and be it said to his 
credit that his every action displayed only an earnest 
desire that the suffering Garfield might recover, to 
serve the remainder of the term he had so auspi- 
ciously begun. Not a selfish feeling was manifested 
in deed or look of this man, even though the most 
honored ixssition in the world was at any moment 
likely to fall to him. 

At last God in his mercy relieved President Gar- 
field from further suffering, and the world, as never 
before in its history over the death of any other 
man, wept at his bier. Then it became the duty of 
the Vice President to assume the responsibilities of 
the high office, and he took the oath in New York, 
Sept. 20, 1 88 1. The position was an embarrassing 
one to him, made doulily so from the facts that all 
eyes were on him, anxious to know what he would do, 
what policy he would pursue, and who he would se- 
lect as advisers. The duties of the office had been 
greatly neglected during the President's long illness, 
and many important measures were to be immediately 
decided by him ; and still farther to embarrass him he 
did not fail to realize under what circumstances he 
became President, and knew the feelings of many on 
this point. Under these trying circumstances President 
Arthur took the reins of the Government in his own 
hands ; and, as embarrassing as were the condition of 
affairs, he happily surprised the nation, acting so 
wisely that but few criticised his administration. 
He served the nation well and faithfully, until the 
close of his administration, March 4, 1885, and was 
a popular candidate before his party for a second 
term. His name was ably presented before the con- 
vention at Chicago, and was received with great 
favor, and doubtless but for the personal popularity 
of one of the opposing candidates, he would have 
been selected as the standard-bearer of his party 
for another campaign. He retired to private life car- 
rying with him the best wishes of the American peo- 
ple, whom he had served in a manner satisfactory 
to them and with credit to himself 



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-4•- 



TIVEN TV -SECOND PRESIDENT. 



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lEPHEN GROVER CLEVE- 
LAND, the twenty- second Pres- 
ident of the United States, was 
lorn in 1S37, in tlie obscure 
town of Caldwell, Essex Co., 
N. J., and in a little two-and-a- 
half-story white house which is still 
standing, characteristically to mark 
the humble birth-place of one of 
America's great men in striking con- 
trast with the Old World, where all 
men high in office must be high in 
origin and born in the cradle of 
wealth. When the subject of this 
sketch was three years of age, his 
father, who was a Presbyterian min- 
ister, with a large family and a small salary, moved, 
by way of the Hudson River and Erie Canal, to 
Fayetteville, in search of an increased income and a 
larger field of work. Fayetteville was then the most 
straggling of country villages, about five miles from 
Pompey Hill, where Governor Seymour was born. 

At the last mentioned place young Grover com- 
menced going to school in the " good, old-fashioned 
way," and presumably distinguished himself after the 
manner of all village boys, in doing the things he 
ought not to do. Such is the distinguishing trait of 
all geniuses and independent thinkers. When he 
arrived at the age of 14 years, he had outgrown the 
capacity of the village school and expressed a most 



emphatic desire to be sent to an academy. To this 
his father decidedly objected. Academies in those 
days cost money; besides, his father wanted him to 
become self-supiwrting by the quickest possible 
means, and this at that time in Fayetteville seemed 
to be a position in a country store, where his father 
and the large family on his hands had considerable 
influence. Grover was to be paid $50 for his services 
the first year, and if he proved trustworthy he was to 
receive $roo the second year. Here the lad com- 
menced his career as salesman, and in two years he 
had earned so good a reputation for trustworthiness 
that his employers desired to retain him for an in- 
definite length of time. Otherwise he did not ex- 
hibit as yet any particular " flashes of genius " or 
eccentricities of talent. He was simply a good boy. 
But instead of remaining with this firm in Fayette- 
ville, he went with the family in their removal to 
Clinton, where he had an opportunity of attending a 
high school. Here he industriously pursued his 
studies until the family removed with him to a point 
on Black River known as the " Holland Patent," a 
village of 500 or 600 people, 15 miles north of Utica, 
N. Y. At this place his father died, after preaching 
but three Sundays. This event broke up the family, 
and Grover set out for New York City to accept, at a 
small salary, the position of " under-teacher " in an 
asylum for the blind. He taught faithfully for two 
years, and although he obtained a good reputation in 
this capacity, he concluded that teaching was not his 



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104 



,t 



S. GROVER CLEVELAND. 



calling for life, and, reversing the traditional order, 

he left the city to seek his fortune, instead of going 

to a city. He first thought of Cleveland, Ohio, as 

there was some charm in that name for him ; but 

before proceeding to that place he went to Buffalo to 

isk the advice of his uncle, Lewis F. Allan, a noted 

stockbreeder of that place. The latter did not 

speak enthusiastically. " What is it you want to do, 

my boy?" he asked. "Well, sir, I want to study 

law," was the reply. " Good gracious ! " remarked 

the old gentleman ; " do you, indeed ? What ever put 

that into your head? How much money have you 

got?" "Well, sir, to tell the truth, I haven't got 

II 
any. 

After a long consultation, his uncle offered him a 
place temporarily as assistant herd-keeper, at $50 a 
year, while lie Could " look around." One day soon 
afterward he boldly walked into the office of Rogers, 
Bowen & Rogers, of Buffalo, and told tliem wliat he 
wanted. A number of young men were already en- 
gaged in the office, but Grover's persistency won, and 
he was finally permitted to come as an office boy and 
have the use of the law library, for the nominal sum 
of $3 or %\ a week. Out of this he had to pay for 
his board and washing. The walk to and from his 
uncle's was along and rugged one; and, although 
the first winter was a memorably severe one, his 
shoes were out of repair and his overcoat — he had 
liOne — yet he was nevertheless prompt and regular. 
On the first day of his service here, his senior em- 
ployer threw down a copy of Blackstone before him 
with a bang that made the dust fly, saying "That's 
where they all begin." A titter ran around the little 
circle of clerks and students, as they thought that 
wjs enough to scare young Grover out of his plans ; 
but in due time he mastered that cumbersome volume. 
Then, as ever afterward, however, Mr. Cleveland 
exhibited a talent for executiveness rather than for 
chasing principles through all their metaphysical 
possibilities. " Let us quit talking and go and do 
it," was practically his motto. 

The first public office to which Mr. Cleveland was 
elected was that of Sheriff of Erie Co., N. Y., in 
which Buffalo is situated; and in such capacity it fell 
to his duty to inflict capital punishment upon two 
criminals. In 1881 he was elected Mayor of the 
City of Buffalo, on the Democratic ticket, with es- 
IX Hiec.ial reference to the bringing about certain reforms 



in the administration of the municipal affairs of that 
city. In this office, as well as that of Sheriff, his 
performance of duty has generally been considered 
fair, with possibly a few exceptions whicli were fer- 
reted out and magnified during the last Presidential 
campaign. As a specimen of his plain language in 
a veto message, we quote from one vetoing an iniqui- 
tous street-cleaning contract : " This is a time for 
plain speech, and my objection to your action shall 
be plainly stated. I regard it as the culmination of 
a mos bare-faced, impudent and shameless scheme 
to betray the interests of the people and to worse 
than squander the people's money." The New York 
Sun afterward very highly commended Mr. Cleve- 
land's administration as Mayor of Buffalo, and there- 
upon recommended him for Governor of the Empire 
State. To the latter office he was elected in 1882, 
and his administration of the affairs of State was 
generally satisfactory. The mistakes he made, if 
any, were made very public throughout the nation 
after he was nominated for President of the United 
States. For this high office he was nominated July 
ri, 1884, by the National Democratic Convention at 
Chicago, when other competitors were Thomas F. 
Bayard, Roswell P. Flower, Thomas A. Hendricks, 
Beniamin F. Butler, Allen G. Thurman, etc.; and he 
was elected by the people, by a majority of about a 
thousand, over the brilliant and long-tried Repub- 
lican statesman, James G. Blaine. President Cleve- 
land resigned his office as Governor of New York in 
January, 1885, in order to prepare for his duties as 
the Chief Executive of the United States, in which 
capacity his term commenced at noon on the 4th of 
March, 1885. For his Cabinet officers he selected 
the following gentlemen: For Secretary of State, 
Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware ; Secretary of the 
Treasury, Daniel Manning, of New York ; Secretary 
of War, William C. Endicott, of Massachusetts ; 
Secretary of the Navy, William C. Wliitney, of New 
York; Secretary of the Interior, L. Q. C. Lamar, cf 
Mississippi; Postmaster-General, William F. Vilas, 
of Wisconsin ; Attorney-General, A. H. Garland, of 
.Arkansas. 

The silver question precipitated a controversy be- 
tween those who were in favor of the continuance of 
silver coinage and those who were opposed, Mr. 
Cleveland answering for the latter, even before his 
inauguration. 






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DAVID BUTLER 






crnor's chair. 



UIE HON. DAVID BUTLER, 

the first Goveniov of the 
State of Nebraska, is to-day 
one of the well-known and 
active business men of the 
State. Oliio has furnished 
the countrj' with some of 
its best leaders in military and 
diplomatic circles and an innumer- 
able number of its most valued 
private citizens. It was the pleas- 
ure of the peojjle of this State to 
honor with their confidence one 
of Ohio's sons in the above- 
named gentleman, who was the 
first called b}- the citizens of the 
newly formed State to the Gov- 
Elccted with enthusiasm in 1866, 
re-elected with eclat at the next election in 1868, 
and at the end of that term once more returned to 
office by an intelligent and satisfied people. 

The town of Lenton, Greene Co., Ohio, claims the 
honor of the birthplace of Gov. Butler, the date of 
his nativity being the 15th of December, 1829. He 
was the eldest of a family of ten children boru to 
his parents, of whom only six now survive. He is 
the son of George AVashington and Nancy (Christy) 
Butler. 

The family of which Mr. Butler is a representa- 
tive and member is not unknown to the annals of 
other States in political positions of honor, and the 
name is one that has been worn by his ancestors, 
and by their successful lives and patriotism they 
have made it a name respected and honored. Thomas 
Butler, the grandfather of our subject, was a native 



of Virginia, and after serving his fellow-citizens in 
various capacities, was called upon to act as a mem- 
ber of the Constitutional Convention of that State 
in 1805. Becoming a pioneer of Ohio long before 
it was a State, he was soon ranked among the prom- 
inent citizens of the district in which he lived, and 
was not infrequently' called upon whenever matters 
of importance had to be considered or decided. The 
maiden name of his wife, a noble woman, who 
shared her husband's life most completeh', being at 
once his closest confidant and counselor, was Maiy 
Rol)inson. She became the mother of a large family, 
her son, George Washington, the father of our sub- 
ject, being the eldest of the family. 

The father of our subject was born in ISOD, in 
Ohio, was reared upon the pioneer farm of his 
father, and grew up amid surroundings that would 
to-day be anything but congenial by reason of the 
primitive condition. He became an enterprising 
and prosperous farmer, and also dealt very extens- 
ively in cattle. He became the husband of Nancy 
Christy, the daughter of Joseph Christy, Esq. J, ike 
her father, she was born in North Carolina, the 
3-ear of her nativitj' being 1811. She became the 
mother of our subject, and her life, character and 
influence were such as to leave a bright and happy 
memory that will remain so long as the powers of 
recollection exist. 

The early life and boyhood of our subject were 
spent amid agricultural surroundings, and such 
education as he obtained was received first in a 
private school, where he was prepared for the pub- 
lic institution, in both of which he made rapid prog- 
ress, and drank as deeply as was permitted at the 
fountain of knowledge. He remained upon the 




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112 



DAVID BLTLER. 



farm until he was twenty-one years of age, but long 
before attaining his majority was a thorough, prac- 
tical farmer, and understoorl all that was necessary 
in regard to the management of stock. In his 
youth he had given promise of powers and intelli- 
gence, and though they lay dormant for many years, 
were bound to make themselves known and felt, as 
had been the case of the Virginian pioneer in Ohio, 
to whom reference was made above. 

Upon reaching man's estate Mr. Butler launched 
into the serious l)usiness of life upon his own ac- 
count b3' taking as his chosen occupation that with 
which he was liest acquainted and in which he felt 
most assured of success, viz., agriculture and the 
breeding of and traffic in stock. The latter depart- 
ment of his business frequently' called him away 
from liome, and he - has traveled far and wide 
throughout the Great West while thus engaged. His 
]ircvious experience, natural ability, iniierent enter- 
prise and American push made him even more pros- 
perous in his dealings and various undertakings 
Ihnn his most sanguine hopes had conceived, but 
he did not halt with the first flusii of his success, 
but continued to go on to even greater. 

In 1852 Mr. Butler embarked in mercantile pur- 
suits, but did not sever his connection from what 
had l)econie a very extensive trade in cattle and 
liogs. Both branches were carried on with a grow- 
ing financial success until the crash of 1857, wlien, 
owing to the failure of the National Bank at Gos- 
port, Ind., he lost a very large sum, and was fur- 
ther crippled financially })y the failure of a large 
number of his creditors to meet their obligations; 
but he was determined no one should be the loser 
u|)on his account. He settled up business satis- 
factorily, paid dollar for dollar of everything held 
against him and interest where it was due. 

In the fail of 1859 Mr. Butler removed to Paw- 
nee Citj', Neb., and tiiere associated himself with 
the Hon. W. B. Raper, and with that gentleman 
embarked again in business; but even here he re- 
tained his interest in the cattle trade, and was very 
shortly gratified to see his earnest efforts rewarded 
and to be able to fill a larger place than iiad been 
possible before his trials in 1857. This partnership 
lasted until 18()1, when Mr. Butler was elected a 
' member of the Territorial Legislature, and was 



after that nominated for Senator liy the Repu'i- 
licans; but there being three candidates already ia 
the field our subject withdrew in favor of Mr. 
Mack. 

In 1863 Mr. Butler was elected State Senator for 
a term of two years, representing the First District, 
which comprised the counties of Richardson, Paw- 
nee, Johnson, Gage, Clay, Jefferson and all the un- 
organized territory lying to the westward. Both 
in the House and Senate Mr. Butler made his 
mark, and did good service for his constituents 
and the State, and it was as a result of the ability 
then manifested and recognized, the personal wortli 
and high character sustained by him, that he was 
nominated and by a large majority vote passed by 
the hand of the people to the highest chair of 
office within the gift of the people. 

Among the services rendered the State by Mr. 
Butler while in the Legislature may be mentioned 
the introduction of a bill for the reapportioning of 
Nebraska, the passage of which he worked very 
hard to procure, but in Legislative halls as in everj' 
other the green eyed monster of jealousy is bound 
to find admittance. It was so in this case, and to 
this was due the failure of our subject in spite of 
his hard work; but upon renewing the fight in tiie 
Senate he was successful and the bill went through 
intact. 

Upon retiring from public life Mr. Butler re- 
turned to his mercantile pursuits with renewed 
ardor and prosperit}', and he has continued to live 
in Pawnee City or its immediate vicinity since. 

Gov. Butler was, in January, 1860, united in 
marriage to Miss Lydia Storej% of Bloomington, 
Ind., and who is the daughter of Harrison Storey, 
Esq. Of this happy union there have been born 
four children, to whom were given the names : 
Violet E., Seth D., Durias and Paul. 

Gov. Butler is a genial, affable gentleman of 
large intelligence, higii character and undoubted 
popularity. Upon the 4th of September, 1888, he 
was nomin.ated for Governor on the Union Labor 
ticket, and is now stumping the State in behalf of 
that movement. In the special order of Odd Fellow- 
ship Gov. Butler is prominent and also ver^- highly 
esteemed. He is affiliated with Interior Lodge 
No, 9, at Pawnee City. 



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»f{OBERT W, FURNAS,-:^ m- 



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ROBERT WILKIN- 
SON FURNAS was tlic 
second gentleman to re- 
ceive from the people of 
the State the high honor 
of being elected Gover- 
nor. He was chosen to fill this i)o- 
sition in the year 1873, and retired 
®^£^&2? tit the close of his term, havin; 



earned the good-will, respect and 
admiration of tiie whole people i)y 
reason of his excellent administra- 
tion. He was born in Tro}', Miami 
Co., Ohio, on the .ith of May. 1 824. 
His parents were natives of South 
Carolina, in which State also the grandfather had 
lieen born. His great-grandfather was a member of 
a good old English family, and was born at Stand- 
ing Stone, in the count}' of Cumberland, England. 
lie was brought np and educated in iiis native place, 
an<l when a young man was there married, and then 
started with his wife for the New World. They 
landed in .South Carolina about the 3-ear 1762. 
Thomas Furnas, the third child of John and Mary 
Furn.as, was born in 1768, six years after the settle- 
ment of his parents in America, as above noted. 
William Furnas was the fifth child and only son of 
Thomas and Esther Furnas. The chosen occupa- 
tion of this interesting famil}' for several genera- 
tions has been that of farming. The chief institu- 
tion, at that time, of the South, in connection with 
all labor, especially field work, was that of slaverj', 
and the members of the early generations of this 
— 



family were most conscientious members of the 
Quaker Church, v,hich looked upon it as an abomi- 
nation. This was the occasion finally of their re- 
moval to Ohio, which they did in 1804, settling in 
the Jliami Vallej-. It was in the home there estab- 
lished that the subject of this sketch was born. He 
is the eldest of a family of three children, and the 
only one now living. His twin brother died in in- 
fancy, and his younger sister at the age of fifteen. 

In 1832 the parents of our subject were stricken 
down by the ravages of that dreaded plague, the 
cholera, which swept over the country at that time, 
taking in its course, old and young, rich and poor, 
without distinction. In this trj-ingtime the natural 
guardians of tiie life of our subject, the directors 
of his footsteps, the instructors of his life, were re- 
moved, and lie was left to struggle and battle in 
the conflict of life unaided bv them. Then, when 
the clouds seemed darkest and thickest, his grand- 
father stepped forward in order to supply, at least 
in some measure, the place thus left vacant, and 
with him he remained until he reached his seven- 
teenth j'ear, working on the farm during the sum- 
mer, and during the winter attending school. He 
seized every opportunity afforded for the increase 
of knowledge, and has ever continued to add to his 
store, and his reputation is that of a well-read, 
thoroughl}' educated gentleman. 

As soon as our subject attained the above-men- 
tioned age, he went to Covington, Ky., and there 
served an apprenticeship to the jirinting business, in 
the office of the Licking Valley lieyister, published 
by Richard C. Langdon. It was at that time one 



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ROBERT AVILKINSON FURNAS. 



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of the most noted newspapers, and its editor, one 
of the first newspaper men in the West or South. 
Young Furnas remained in this office until 1843, 
and acquired a large store of practical knowledge 
of trade, general business, and life, as well as con- 
siderable information upon all ordinary topics, be- 
sides the specific attainment desired in the knowl- 
edge of the business. The benefit of this schooling 
is perhaps clearly traceable even in the present, and 
tlie immediate past. Leaving Covington he pro- 
ceeded to Cincinnati, opened a book and job office, 
and continued in the printing business at that place 
for two years with good success. 

Near the close of that time, and in the 3'ear 1845, 
our subject was united in marriage with Mar}- S. 
McComas, a native of Ohio, and a most excellent 
lad}', one who has the power and ability to assist 
him in life, and fitted to grace any position in so- 
ciety, however high. There have been born of this 
union five children. 

One of the first public engagements entered into 
by our subject when he became a voter was when, in 
company with several other young men, he felt the 
necessity of education as the means necessary to 
power in this life in any of its relations. They 
bound tliemsclves to advocate the building of the 
school-house in Troy, and a lot was reserved for 
that purpose. Older citizens, perhaps not so well 
alive to the progressive spirit of tlie age, thought it 
unnecessary, and threw in the way a thousand ob- 
jections. The young men were defeated at the 
poles the first year, but nothing daunted continued 
the contest, and the next year carried their point 
by a small majority, with the result that a $17,000 
school-house was erected, and has stood a monu- 
ment to the enterprise and foresight of these young 
men. Upon the success of the above undertaking, 
Mr. Furnas was elected one of the School Directors, 
which he continued to be until his removal to Ne- 
braska, when he resigned. 

Our subject was only twenty-three years of age 
when he became proprietor of the Ti-oy Times, an 
organ of the Whig party, of which also he was the 
editor and publisher, and by his trenchant articles 
did much service in the Taylor campaign. In 1852 
he sold this paper, and was engaged first as Freight 
and Ticket Agent, afterward as conductor for the 



Dayton & Michigan Railroad, continuing until 1856. 
In March of that year he eniigrated to this State, 
established him.sclf at Brownvillc, and in Jul}- of 
the same year established the Brownville Adcertiser, 
and entered the arena of political life. He became 
a very zealous advocate of the agricultural and edu- 
cational interests of the State, and in the fall of 
that year was elected to the Territorial Legisl.ature. 
Here the masterly qualities that have since distin- 
guished him before the State were made manifest. 

During his term of office, as noted in the foregoing 
paragraph, our subject originated the school system 
of the Territorj', which was modeled in its general 
features after the system of Ohio. In the year 1858 
he was re-elected and again took his seat in the 
Legislature. In 1861 he was elected Chief Clerk, 
and early in the spring was commissioned Colonel 
in the United States Regular Army, and received 
ordei'S from the Secretarj- of War to organize the 
loyal Indians and have them mustered into the serv- 
ice. He was successful in his mission and raised 
three regiments. These were fully equipped, and 
Col. Furnas commanded them in the Southern ex- 
pedition under Gen. Blunt, which took in the bor- 
ders of Kansas, Missouri, Arkansns and the Indian 
Territory. Resigning his commission after having 
done splendid work with his command, he returneil 
and went to work to recruit, and established the 
2d -Nebraska Cavalry, and added fresh glories to 
the already brilliant record of military achieve- 
ment. With this command he served under Gen. 
Sully in the now renowned "Sully expedition" 
against the Sioux Indians, wherein thej- were pursued 
to British Columbia. 

The next four years our subject was employed 
as Indian Agent for the Omaha and Winnebago 
Indians, which he resigned to take his place at the 
helm of the State as already recorded. Among the 
many honors worn so gracefully, and in such manly 
spirit, arc : Regent of the State University, Presi- 
dent of the State Board of Agriculture, President 
of the State Agricultural Society, President of the 
Stiite Soldiers' Union, Vice President of the National 
Pomological Association, Past Grand Master of 
the I. O. O. F., Past Grand High Priest, and Past 
Grand Commander of the Masonic bodies of the 
State of Nebraska. 




I^ 



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SIIL..A.S O-^IRBEI^ 





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I LAS GARBER. This dis- 
tinguished and well known cit- 
izen of Nebraska served the 
State most acceptablj as its 
Governor for the two terms, 
from 1874 to 1878. He was 
born in Logan County, Ohio, 
21, 1833. There he passed 
his bojhood davs, attending the 
common schools and developing 
into a sturdy and promising joung 
man. At the early age of .seven- 
teen years he was determined to 
strike out for himself and see what 
he could do toward making his own 
living. He was ambitious, yet we 
very much doubt whether the beard- 
less young man who turned his face Westward in 
1850 ever had the remotest idea that ho would 
himself some day be at the head of a great com- 
monwealth, that would be created still further 
toward the setting sun. At that time he came into 
Iowa, which was receiving such floods of emigrants 
from the older settled States. He located in Clay- 
ton County and engaged in agricultural pursuits, 
the occupation which has done so much toward de- 
velo|)ing some of the best men our Nation has 
l)roduced. His life for some years was uneventful. 



yet he was being disciplined and prepared for the 
honorable and useful positions he was to lill in 
after years. He took an .active interest in all pub- 
lic matters, and was a well-informed, hard-working 
young man. 

When the stars and stripes which had so long 
floated above Ft. Sumter were fired upon and the 
little garrison compelled to surrender, the patriot- 
ism of the North was aroused as never before in the 
history of the Cf)untr3'. Thousands of the best 
men of the Nation immediatelj^ volunteered their 
services to aiil in suppressing the monstrous rebell- 
ion, which had replaced the American banner with 
the stars and bars. Among this vast arm}' of pa- 
triotic men might have been found Silas Garber. 
He was mustered into the 3d Missouri Infantrj', 
which was known as the famous Lyon Regiment. 
He served with this regiment for one year, when 
he was mustered out and returned to Clayton 
Count}'. He, however, did not long remain in the 
quiet of that peaceful section, for we soon again 
find him at the front. Now he is First Lieutenant 
of Compan}' 1), 27th Iowa Infantry, which he 
raised. His valiant services soon received recogni- 
tion, and he was promoted to be Captain of the 
company, which i)osition he faithfully and abl}- 
tilled until the close of the war. He participated 
in all the Ijatlles of the Red River campaign, and 



•^^^f-^ 



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120 



SILAS GARllKR. 



■•"^^TT^ 



Pleasant Hill.. La., the battles of Old Oaks. Miss., 
Nashville, Tenn., and others iiner the coiDinand of 
Gen. A. J. Smith. 

U|)on being mustered out of military service 
Capt. tiarbcr returned to Clayton Count}', but soon 
thereafter went to California, where he passed the 
next four years. He came to Nebraska in the early 
part of 1870, and found a suitable location in AVeb- 
ster County, where he still resides, being the oldest 
resident in Red Cloud. He was indeed a pioneer 
of the Great West, for when he located in Webster 
County there were but two settlers in the count}'. 

Upon locating in Red Cloud and ever since Mr. 
Garber has taken a most important part in both 
her business and political affairs. He engaged in 
farming and merchandising, and is to-day Presi- 
dent of the Farmers' it Merchants' Banking Com- 



pany of that city, and also largely identified with 
its material interests. He was cliosen the first 
l^robate Judge of the county, and also represented 
his district in the Legislature, and served for one 
year as Register of the United States Land Office 
at Lincoln. 

Capt. Garber became popular both with the peo- 
ple and the politicians, and was nominated for 
Governor by the Republican Convention, which 
assembled at Lincoln Sept. .j, 1874, and was elected 
by a handsome majority. He served so acceptably 
that he was renominated by the convention which 
met Sept. 26, 1876. He was again endorsed at the 
polls ill November, and served until the close of 
his term in 1878. He then retired to his home at 
Red Cloud, where he has since resided, a highly 
respected and useful citizen. 













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ALBINUS NANCK, 
Foiirtli Governor of the 
Slate of Nebraska, and in 
that connection tiie recip- 
ient of the confidence, ad- 
miration and liighest es- 
teem of the people, not simply of 
Xebraska, but wherever his most ex- 
cellent administration is known. If, 
however, it be but borne in mind 
that Gov. Nance is a descendant of 
a long line of noble representatives 
of a certain Huguenot family, whose 
members were of the stamp and 
stuff of which martyrs and heroes 
are made, and therefore persons of thought, con- 
viction and strength of character, it is not surpris- 
ing that lie should possess the same, which under 
tlie more happy regime of present government and 
liberality of opinion, should Ijring him into promi- 
nence and enable him in his high station to sustain 
a reputation most brilliant. 

The ancestors of (iov. Nance on his father's side 
were of that number driven from France b^' the 
religious intolerance and persecution that followed 
the revocation of tiie Fldict of Nantes. With many 
others .similarly silu.ated they came to the New 
World and formed what became a very prosperous 
community in the Slate of North Carolina, their 
descendants moving North and Westward, ever 



in tiic vanguard of |>rogress, as section after sec- 
tion and district after district were located. 

The subject of our sketch was born on the 30th 
of March, 1848, at Lafayette, Stark Co., 111., and 
he is the oldest son of Dr. Hiram Nance, for many 
years one of the most successful phj-sicians and 
able surgeons in Central Illinois. His settlement 
in that State dates back to 1836. It was the P\ar 
West of that period, and was filled with far more 
of danger, difficulty and hardship, and demanded 
more spirit, bravery and self-denial than is con- 
ceivable in these days, when the bands of steel pass 
by the door of the Western pioneer, and thus 
bring him into almost immediate contact with the 
great world of civilization. The ancestry of Gov. 
Nance upon the maternal side of the family was 
P^nglisb. The maiden name of his mother was 
Sarah R. Smith, who was born in the State of Ohio. 

At the outbreak of the Civil War Albinus was 
but a lad of thirteen, but his patriotic soul was 
fired with loyal enthusiasm, and he chafed severely 
at the restraint of j-ears that prevented him taking 
a more able stand in defense of the Union. At a 
later period of the struggle and when just sixteen 
years of age, he enlisted in the 9th Illinois Cavalry. 
The j'outhful defender and intrepid young soldier 
was mustered in contrary to lioth the wishes and 
continued earnest protests of his parents and friends. 
But he could know no restraint in this matter, ami 
was determined to follow the stars and stripes. 



^ m M » 



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124 



ALBINUfS NANCE. 



I': 



unci to defend them if so needed until the deatli. 

Ho continued in the service until the closeof the 
war, and participated as an active coniliatant in 
the battles of Guntown, Hurricane Creek, Franl<lin, 
Nashville, Tupelo, Spring Hill and Columbia, Tenn. 
He was one in the line that made one of the most 
daring and gallant charges at the battle of Nash- 
ville, and was slightly' wounded in the same. 

The necessity for war being passed. Cavalryman 
Nance returned his saber to its sheath, and when 
the regiment disbanded returned to his home and 
became a student at Knox College, Galesbui-g, 111., 
where he took part of the classic course. Soon 
after leaving college he commenced the stud}' of 
law, and in 1870 was admitted to the bar by the 
Supreme Court of Illinois, after passing in the best 
possible manner a very rigid examination. 

Standing upon the threshold of life, the future 
stretching before him, animated by the grandeur 
of the prospect supplied by hope and ambition, the 
suliject of our sketch was more fascinated and im- 
pressed by the opportunities and inducements held 
out by the newer countrj', and pursuant thereto he 
decided to come to Nebraska, as the most promis- 
ing of all the States and Territories of that mag- 
nificent field. This was in 1871. Ho secured a 
homestead in Polk County, devoting part of his 
time to farming, but the larger part to the practice 
of his chosen profession; but his experience was 
such as almost invariably follows — his ability was 
speedily recognized and his legal work rapidly 
grew upon his hands, and before long he left his 
farm to sow and reap in other fields, at once more 
congenial and lucrative. 

In accordance with the decision leforred to in 
the above paragraph, Mr. Nance removed to Osce- 
ola, the county seat of I'olk County, where before 
ver3' long he was fully established in legal i)ractice. 
In 187.'i his friends submitted his name to the 
Kcpublicau Convention of the Thirteenth Dis- 
trict fur Representative in the State Legislature. 
The counties of Adams, Butler, Clay, Fillmore, 
Hamilton, I'latte, I'olk and York sent their dele- 
gates, and these gentlemen thus representing the 
interests of a large body of citizens in those coun- 
ties, comprised the convention to which his name 
was presented. There were seven candidates in 
-^« 



all, and each candidate had his circle of friends; 
these were diligent in season and out of season to 
advance the interests of the several candidates. 
Natural!}- a long and exciting contest was sjieedily 
commenced, and watched with deep interest by all. 
In order that the reader may appreciate the posi- 
tion occupied by the j'oung lawyer in the estima- 
tion of the people, and the impress his character 
and aliility had already made, we would notice 
that after several ballots had been taken the an- 
nouncement was made that Alliinus Nance had 
received the nomination, and thus began his po- 
litical career with a clear sun and a fair sky. 

The principal opponent of our subject in the 
convention, urged by his friends, and spurred on by 
his own, doubtless, laudable ambition, determined to 
enter the field as an independent candidate, and 
the most strenuous efforts were made to defeat the 
regular candidate of the convention, but without 
success. The election showed a majority of about 
2,000 in favor of the subject of this writing. 

In 1876 Mr. Nance was one of the six delegates 
chosen by the Republican State Convention to 
represent this State at the National Convention at 
Cincinnati, and was by his fellows elected Chair- 
man of the delegation. During that year he was 
renominated for the Legislattu'e, indeed, almost 
without opposition, and at the opening session of 
the Legislative body he was elected Speaker of the 
House. If he had made a reputation and record as 
a member, he more than established it, and added 
fresh luster in his more advanced position, thus 
necessarily bringing himself before the people, who 
at once recognized in him one worthy of additional 
honors. In 1878 the Republican Stale Convention 
nominated him for Governor, and he was elected 
by a large majority. In 1880 he was renominated 
by acclamation and with wild enthusiasm, and re- 
elected b}- a majority greatly in excess of any other 
candidate on the State ticket. 

One of the happiest steps ever taken by Gov. 
Nance was that of his union in matrimony in 1875, 
when he became the husband of Miss Sarah White, 
daughter of Egbert and Mary White, of Farragut, 
Iowa, who presented her husband with a bright and 
beautiful little daughter, who bears the name of 
Nellie. 



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^ James W 






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Dawes. 






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<r^^^ "; AMES AV. DAWKS. This gentle- 
^,' -^ '■ • man was elected Governor in the 
ycjir 1S83, and such was his of- 
ficial deportment that he was 
renominated with enthusiasm, 
and re-elected by an apijrccia- 
tive people. He continued to 
occupy his high position in tlic 
service of the State until tlio 
year 1887, and during the time 
gave every evidence that the 
confidence of those who had 
elected him in his honor, man- 
hood and abilit}', was indeed 
well founded. He was the fifth 
Governor of the State. Gov. 
Dawes was born at JlcConuelsville, Morgan Co., 
Ohio, on the 8th of January, 1845. He went with 
his parents when they removed to AVisconsiu in 
1856. The rudiments and foundation work of his 
education were received in Ohio, but in the Wiscon- 
sin schools the major part of the work was done, and 
from them our subject was graduated with a good 
practical English education, such as would serve in 
the dail^' affairs of life. As he advanced in years and 
was callable of doing more service upon the farm, 
he attended school only in the winters, devoting 
the summers to husbandry-. In October, 1864, he 
was engaged in clerking for G. J. Hansen <fe Co.. 
who were engaged as general merchants at Kilbourn 




City, "Wis., where he continued imtil October, 1868, 
and in these four }cars gained invaluable experience 
of men and business, adding materially to his store 
of information, and, unknown to himself, but none 
the less reall3% preparing for days of larger oppor- 
tunity and more important engagements. 

The nest employment taken up by our subject 
was that of the study of law, which he began and 
carried on with his cousin, Julius II. Dawes, P^sq., 
of Fox Lake, AVis., a prominent and successful 
lawyer. Here our subject devoted every atten- 
tion, and became a careful, persevering and diligent 
student, so much so that his examination, which de- 
termined his admission to the bar, was unusually 
brilliant, and he was accordinglj- admitted with 
congratulations upon tlie 10th of January, 1871, 
and began the practice of his chosen profession, 
which, from its being eminently- congenial and pe- 
culiarly well adapted to one of his ability and 
mental cast, was that in which success in life was 
more completely assured him. 

Not long after the admission of our subject to 
the bar another, and if anything more important, 
event occurred. It was that of his marriage. In- 
stances are far too common where an error of judg- 
ment or a misplaced confidence at such time has 
been fraught with disastrous results to both con- 
tracting parties; results all the more serious because 
of the nature and faults of the contract. It was the 
— 1^ 



r 



_t 



128 



JAMES W. DAWES. 



happiness of Mr. Dawes and the lady of his choice 
to be mutually compatible in disposition, tastes, 
desires, and in fact all the varied points where dif- 
ference of sentiment would in all probability lead, 
sooner or later, to a breach of confidence or worse. 
This union, therefore, has brought a more comi)lete 
iiappiness,amore perfect felicity, into both lives, and 
has made the home all that could be desired. This 
interesting event occurred at Fox Lake, and was 
celebrated on the 11th of Jlay, 1871. 

Our subject located in Crete, of this State, on 
the 5th of September, 1871, with the intention of 
engaging for a time in mercantile pursuits. For 
some years he continued in this line of business 
with an ever-growing success and enlarging [)ntron- 
age. In March of 1877 he transferred his energies 
from commercial pursuits to the legal profession, 
opening a law office at Crete, and has since been 
one of the leading lights ot the Nebraska bar. He 
became a member of the Nebraska Constitutional 
Convention of 1875, and the following 3-ear was 
elected State Senator. During his term of olHce 
he won from all golden opinions of his ability and 
power, and his sojourn in Senatorial halls was, if 
anything, more pleasant than usual, owing to his 
genial, affable and courteous manner, which won 
and retained many much valued friendships, and 
which was the means of affording him larger oppor- 
tunities than miglit have otherwise been possible. 
His record in tiiis connection is upon the books of 
the session, and is well known, and does not there- 
fore call for detailed mention in such a writing as 
the present; suffice it here to remark that it was such 
as to ullinintely lead to his election to the higiiest 
official chair in the State.. 

From May, 1876, to September, 1882, inclusive, 
the subject of this sketch continued to iiold the po- 
sition as Chairman of the Republican State Central 
Committee of Nebraska. The long continuance and 
the number of consecutive terms embraced within 
the above dates speak more clearly and emphaticallj' 
his ability and power tlian anj'thing tliat might be 
said in addition. Mr. Dawes was further honored 
by being elected delegate to the Republican Na- 
tional Convention at Chicago, in June of 1880. 
Tills it will he remembered was the convention that 
nominated the nobk', but ill-fated. James A. Gar- 



field. The delegation of which he was a member 
at this time unanimously named him as a member 
of the National Republican Committee for Nebraska 
for a term of four years, which it was his privilege 
to serve with every satisfaction to all parties con- 
cerned for that period. 

Few men ever felt more the need of education 
for a people who governed themselves than Gov. 
Dawes. The absolute necessity of universal educa- 
tion, wide in scope, complete in curiiculum, ex- 
haustive in detail, practical in its aim and general 
utility, was evident to him, and he was therefore 
deeply interested in educational matters, and his 
sympathies were always assured for matters con- 
nected therewith. He has served in several offices 
connected with this department, the most iniportant, 
perhaps, being those of Trustee and Secretary of the 
Doane College, which is situated at Crete. The 
duties of these offices have engaged his attention 
since the year 1875. 

The crowning glory of the official life and public 
service of the subject of our sketch was that which 
identified him with the chief office of the State. In 
the year 1882 he was nominated b}' the Republican 
party for Governor. His life was well known, his 
character thoroughly understood, his past services 
remembered and appreciated, and accordingly he 
was received with much favor, and elected amid the 
plaudits of the whole people. He entered upon the 
duties of his high office in Januar}', 1883, continu- 
ing to discharge the same throughout the usual pe- 
riod of two years. At the expiration thereof he 
was again nominated by his party and re-elected 
by the people, and for a second term continued to 
discharge his duties as before. Is any further 
proof of his ability, honor, manhood and faithful- 
ness demanded.'' Can any mere verbose compli- 
mentary eulogium express as much as this, especially' 
when it is reinforced by all the accompanying marks 
of confidence and regard of the people ? Gov. Dawes 
will long be remembered, having won a warm place 
in the hearts and memories of the people, together 
with his most excellent administration of affairs, 
which from first to last materially assisted the onward 
march and development of Nebraska as a State, and 
aided in placing her among the very first of all States 
of liie greatest Republic the worlil has ever known. 



I 



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p xJOHM M. "TH AYElPi. 






'i^m- 



-f 



ox. JOHN M. THAYER. 
This clistinguished gentle- 
man, whom 2Cebraska de- 
lighted to honor by the 
gift of the highest office 
in its power to bestow, was 
elected thereto by an overwhelming 
majority in the autumn of 1 886, and 
*^r^^P-^ b^' his wise administration of affairs, 
his excellent executive abilitj-, has 
since fully justified this enthusiastic 
choice. The place of the nativity of 
our subject is Bellingham, Norfolk 
Co., Mass. ;he is the son of Elias and 
Ruth (Staples) Thayer. The chosen 
occupation of the father was farming, and in the 
physical and moral healthful environment of pasto- 
ral life our suliject was brought up. 

The smallest part of man is the physical, that can 
be weighed avoirdupois and measured with a tape 
line; a far greater and nobler is that of stamp di- 
vine — the mind, which is the true "standard of the 
man.'' Having in mind the importance of proper 
instruction, in order to the proper use of this most 
wonderful in.strument, our subject, after the usual 
preparatory' instruction, attended the classes at 
Brown Universit3-, from which institution he was 
graduated in 1 S47. The law was the chosen profession 
of our subject, and at It he worked assiduously un- 
til the }'ear 18.54, still continuing a resident of his 
native State, and at that time he removed to the 
State of Nebraska. 



Omaha, then a rising young town, with a newly 
opened and undeveloped terrritory all around it, 
afforded a good field for a 3'oung man of education, 
enterprise, enthusiasm and energy, to " rise up with 
the country." In the j'ear 1 855 the political arena 
was entered. Mr. Tha^-er became one of four can- 
didates for Congressional honors; a splendid run for 
the office, however, resulted onl}- in defeat, the suc- 
cessful candidate being Fenner Ferguson. The fol- 
lowing year was remarkable as that in which the 
now "grand old p.arty" was organized. The con- 
vention was held at Bellevue, and our subject was 
a candidate for the party nomination, Ijut was de- 
feated by Mr. Dailj-. This experience was repeated 
in every particular in June of 1860. He was suc- 
cessful in receiving the nomination to the Territorial 
Legislature, and served the session of 1860-61. 

Our subject entered the service of the United 
States at the beginning of the Civil War, and re- 
ceived the commission of Colonel of the 1st Ne- 
braska Infantry. In the j-ear 1855 he had been 
elected b)' the Territorial Legislature Brigadier 
General of the Territorial Militia, and afterward 
promoted to that of Major General of the militia. 
AVhile in these positions he was frequently led into 
engagements more or less serious on the frontier, 
the enemies being the aborigines of that section, 
who at that time had not entirely ceased their old 
habits of depredation. The intimate knowledge of 
our subject concerning the Indians, their surround- 
ings, their attitu<lc. their feelings, and their chiefs, 
were all of immense value to him. As a case in 
m^ 



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132 



JOHN M. THAYER. 



4 



point, which we might mention, our subject was ap- 
pointed by Gov. Izard to act in conjunction with 
Gov. O. D. Richardson, to inquire into certain out- 
rages by Pawnees, to meet them in council and ef- 
fect a treaty with them ; in this they were fairly ■ 
successful. But later events proved the lesson was ' 
but poorly learned by the Indians. In 1858, with j 
a command of 194 volunteers, our subject went out 
after the same tribe, certain of their number having 
murdered, maltreated and robbed the settlers. He 
captured the entire tribe after a stubbornly con- 
tested battle, which was fought on the grounds oc- 
cupied by the town of Battle Creek, which derives 
its name from that event. 

As Colonel of the 1st Nel)raska Infantry, our 
subject did good work in behalf of the Union, and 
it was not long before his superior military powers 
attracted attention, and he was promoted to be 
Brigadier General and breveted Major General. At 
Ft. Donelson and Shiloh he commanded a brigade 
in such excellent manner as led to the above honor. 
Tinough the siege of Vicksburg and the capture of 
Jackson, Miss., he also commanded a brigade, and 
for a time a division. The confidence of tiie com- 
manders in him was such that at the assault at 
Chickasaw Bayou, one of the storming columns was 
confided to his care. In this fight he had his horse 
shot under him, and again while leading a charge at 
Arivansas Tost. All the essential features, charac- 
teristics and traits of the successful soldier were 
possessed by him, and this being recognized resulted 
in the Army of the Frontier being given him to 
command. Throughout his service in military life 
he was a true soldier, a favorite with his men, who 
were confident that he would lead them to success 
and victory; respected by his oflicers, who well 
knew his sagacity and military genius, largely the 
result of his long experience on the frontier. 

In political matters our subject was a Democrat 
until the repeal of the Missouri Compromise. He 
sympathized with the Free-Soil movement, but be- 
ing in tlie Territory he could not vote. In the year 
1856 he supported Fremont, and since that time has 
continued a stanch Republican. Upon the admis- 
sion of Nebraska as a State, Mr. Thayer was elected 
United States Senator in the election of 18G6. and 
served faithfully until the close of his term. Ai the 



expiration thereof he was appointed by Gen. Grant 
the Governor of Wyoming Territory. In this office 
the qualities that had made him successful in civil 
life, that had made him a military leader and com- 
mander, the ability that had been developed for the 
handling of large bodies of men, the harmonizing 
of heterogeneous elements, combined to make his 
Governorship one worthy of note, and, doubtless, 
was the cause of the confidence expressed by the peo- 
ple of Nebraska in after da3-s. 

The home of our subject is one that bears in its 
every-day life and happiness a brightness and com- 
pleteness that is more to be desired than the amass- 
ing of riches, the accumulation of power, or the 
right to sway the scepter of authority. He was 
united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Mary 
T. Allen, a lad}^ possessing a disposition, character 
and intelligence, most beautiful, admirable and clear, 
one who has been trained to follow closely the Great 
Exemplar of the true life. She is the daughter of 
the Rev. John Allen, a clergyman of the Baptist 
Church, a native of Massachusetts. 

Gov. Thayer, though not a member of any spe- 
cial denomination, is a firm believer in the Christian 
religion, and always has been. His family adhere 
to the faith of the Baptist Church, of which also his 
parents were members. In that communion, also, 
he was trained and brought up, and he has al- 
ways retained a great desire to lielp forward every 
movement of religious nature; whenever it has been 
possible to elevate the moral standard of the people, 
his active sympathies were engaged. One feature 
of his Governorship has been his evident anxict}' 
that a more general and hearty acquiescence to a 
higher moral and religious standard should obtain, 
and whatever enterprises, projects, societies or asso- 
ciations, looked to this as their aim jud object, wore 
at all times sure of his hearty sympathy and support. 

As noted above, our subject stood before the 
people of Nebraska in the 3'ear 1886 as candidate 
for Governor. He was warmly received, actively 
and heartily supported, and enthusiastically elected 
by a majority of 25,000, in which he ran about 2,000 
ahead of his ticket. His administration has revealed 
the wisdom of this choice, and it is not too much to 
say that the citizens of Nebraska liave at no time 
had occasion to repent of tlieir choice. 



i 



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-*•■ 




GAGE COUNTY, 

NEBRASKA, 




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m IN"rRODUCT:"ORY.»s 








H>t;:HE time has arrived wItcu it 
becomes the duty of the 
people of this county to per- 
petuate the names of their 
pioneers, to furnisli a record 
of their early settlement, 
and relate the story of their 
progress. The civilization of our 
day, the enlightenment of the age 
and the duty that men of the pres- 
ent time owe to their ancestors, to 
themselves and to their posterity, 
demand that a record of their lives 
and deeds should be made. In bio- 
graphical history is found a power 
to instruct man by precedent, to 
enliven the mental faculties, and 
to waft down the river of time a 
safe vessel in which the names and actions of the 
people who contributed to raise this country from its 
primitive state may be preserved. Surely and rapidly 
the great and aged men, who in their ]jrime entered 
the wilderness and claimed the virgin soil as their 
heritage, are passing to their graves. The number re- 
maining who can relate the incidents of the first days 
of settlement is becoming small indeed, so that an 
actual necessity exists for the collection and preser- 
vation of events without delay, before all the early 
settlers are cut down by the scythe of Time. 

To be forgotten has been the great dread of mankind 
from remotest ages. All will be forgotten soon enough, 
in spite of their best works and the most earnest 
efforts of their friends to perserve the memory of 
their lives. The means employed to prevent oblivion 
and to perpetuate their memory has been in propor- 
tion to the amount of intelligence they possessed. 
The pyramids of Egypt were built to perpetuate the 
names and deeds of their great rulers. Tlie exhu- 
'mations made by the archeologists of Egypt from 
buried Memphis indicate a desire of those people 



to perpetuate the memory of their achievements 
The erection of the great obelisks were for th.e same 
purpose. Coming down to a later period, we find the 
Greeks and Romans erecting mausoleums and monu- 
ments, and carving out statues to chronicle their 
great acliievements and carry them down the ages. 
It is also evident that the Mound-bu'lders, in piling 
up their great mounds of earth, had but this idea — 
to leave something to show that they had lived. All 
these works, though many of them costly in the ex- 
treme, give but a faint idea of the lives and charac 
ters of those whose memory they were intended to 
perpetuate, and scarcely anything of the masses of 
the people that then lived. The great pyramids and 
some of the obelisks remain objects only of curiosity ; 
the mausoleums, monuments and statues are crum- 
bling into dust. 

It was left to modern ages to establish an intelli- 
gent, undecaying, immutable method of perpetuating 
a full history — immutable in that it is almost un- 
limited in extent and perpetual in its action ; and 
this is through the art of printing. 

To the present generation, however, we are in- 
debted for the introduction of the admirable system 
of local biography. By this system every man, though 
he has not achieved what the world calls greatness, 
has the means to perpetuate his life, his history, 
ilirough the coming ages. 

The scythe of Time cuts down all ; nothing of the 
physical man is left. The monument which his chil- 
dren or friends may erect to his memory in the ceme- 
tery will crumble into dust and pass away; but his 
life, his achievements, the work he has accomplished, 
which otherwise would be forgotten, is perpetuated 
by a record of this kind. 

To preserve the lineaments of our companions we 
engrave their portraits, for the same reason we col- 
lect the attainable facts of their liislory. Nor do we 
think it necessary, as we speak only truth of them, to 
wait until they are dead, or until those who know 
them are gone: to do this we are ashamed only to 
publish to the world the history of those whose lives 
are unworthy of public record. 

■ » 



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i- 









■♦■ 








j\..s .pj\pdock: 






GAGE COUNTY. 



143 




(on rimipfpwamijf. 






ON. AUiEKNON SIDNEY 
PADDOCK. Every ex- 
pression of life, and even 
tlie veiy secret thoughts 
of the soul, are revealed 
through the light and 
shade and form of the human brain, 
face and figure. We have in this 



f 



'^r^i^i^ instance an expressive, not to say 



speaking, countenance. Through it 
we have a sure and complete reve- 
lation of character. Mr. Paddock 
has a large head, supported by a 
robust, athletic frame. The mass 
of brain occu|)ies the frontal or, in- 
tellectual cavit}'. Broad between the ears indicates 
a degree of hitcceitj" that insures him against all 
unnecessary encroachments; is rather neurotic for a 
man of lymphatic temperament: prefers some noetic 
pursuit to manual labor without a tinge of the 
groutnol; is jocose without being battle, and de- 
spises nugaeity in every form. In disposition he 
is temperate with a liberal degree of jocunditj', 
and is inclined to the sunny side of life; a little 
tinged wiili adiaphorous tendencies, but large per- 
ceptive faculties insure accretive results. ludivid- 
ualit3% eventuality and human nature are strongly 
marked, with scarcely a tinge of the marvelous, 
•and a reverence for only what is right and true. 
His religious professions would be from association 
rather than inclination. He is no political kablah, 



assuming a rccuniljenl [xisitiim ;a the feel of jjolili- 
cal blatherskites. He would .'is soon beg for bread 
as for olHce, and detests the one as he justly loathes 
the other. In life he has but one course, and that 
is indicated by the word manhood. If he obtains 
an ollice it must seek the man. A thick upper !![) 
and full eyes indicate a frank, generous nature; an 
aquiline nose and a well set brow indicate firmness 
and decision. He has a wonderful degree of con- 
fidence in man, and does not believe his condition 
to be as deplorable as represented in the creeds of 
the churches. He interi)rets God by the light of 
nature, and the Bible by the rule of Uuiversalisni, 
although he may be ignorant of the name or tenets 
of that faith, yvl his head and his heart lu-e full of 
it, and outward forms cannot disguise the fact. In 
his mental composition there is a good share of the 
poetry of life; is possessed of good language, and 
a little more self-confidence, with the necessar3' ^^- 
perience, would make him a successful public speaker. 
The magnetism of his [jresence alw.a^s commands 
respect; his earnest expression secures friends, and 
his free and social nature retains them. Opposite 
his name we write "success," be his undertaking 
what it may. 

A. S. Paddock is a native of the Empire State, 
and was born at Glens Falls, Warren County, Nov. 
5, 1830. He is of English ancestry, on his father's 
side springing from the early Puritan colonists of 
Connecticut; on his mother's side he is also of 
Puritan blood, her name being AVells and a dc- 



i 



144 



• ^n ^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



scendant of the Sherman family, being through his 
ancestors remotely connected on one side with Gid- 
eon Wells, and on the other with Gen. W. T. Sher- 
man. Ira A. Paddock, the father of the subject of 
this sketch, was a native of Glens Falls, where his 
father lived for many years, lint removed to the 
(Jreen Mountain State when Ira was a mere lad. 
Growing to manhood he began life for himself, 
settled in Glens Falls, married him a wife, and en- 
gaged in the practice of law as a means of liveli- 
hood, which he followed for thirty years. He was 
a man of marked character and abilitj^ one of the 
most prominent leaders of the old Whig party in 
Northern New York, and assisted in organizing the 
Republican party afterward. He died where he 
had spent the vigor of a lifetime, in August, 1862, 
full of the glory that crowns a royal life. 

Young Paddock entered Glens Falls Academ}' 
at' the age of thirteen j'ears, and pursued the usual 
academical studies until his eighteenth year. During 
this time he paid his own tuition by sweeping and 
keeping otherwise in order the rooms occupied by 
the male department of the academy. He made ar- 
rangements to enter Union College, advanced to 
the senior j'ear, but finally gave it up and turned his 
face westward, locating in Detroit, Mich., to which 
place an elder brother had preceded him, a grad- 
uate of Union College and now a prominent law3'er 
in New York City. In Detroit he assisted his 
brother for eight months in the schot)l-room, and 
then returned to New York and engaged in teach- 
ing in a district school with marked suceees. Dur- 
ing his term of teaching he devoted his leisure time 
to the study of law. He continued his readings for 
over a year, but not with the full intention of en- 
tering ttie pri>fession. In May, 1857, Mr. Paddock 
came to Nebraska and pre-empted a beautiful farm 
at Ft. Callu)un, which be yet retains. He took 
an interest in the growtli and development of 
that town, wjth which he was closely identified for 
several years. In 1850 he worked and voted for 
Fremont for President. lie was also a participant 
in the organization of the Republican part}' in Ne- 
braska, arid has ever been devoted to its policy as 
enunciated by jwrty [jlatforms from time to time. 
Mr. Paddock engaged on the editorial department 
of the Omaha liepuhlican, for which he was a regu- 



lar contributor, doing a liberal share of the edito- 
rial work during a part of the years 1858 and 185'J, 
and for some time afterward. He attended the 
first informal meeting of Republicans in 1859, for 
the purpose of a permanent organization, and was 
a delegate from Washington County in the conven- 
tion for the perfection of the work. This conven- 
tion, held at Bellevue, nominated S. G. Daily for 
Congress, supported him earnestly, canvassing the 
entire North Platte country with him. After the 
certificates of election had been given to Experience 
Estabrook, he superintended the getting of testi- 
mony for a contest, and furnished the means to 
defray the expenses of the same. Mr. Daily was 
successful and obtained his seat. Mr. Paddock 
was a delegate to the Chicago Convention that 
nominated Abraham Lincoln for President in 1800, 
but voted for W. II. Seward on every ballot. After 
the nomination of Lincoln he went to New York 
and spent three months in canvass and work for 
the success of the Republican party. The papers 
were exceedingly complimentary of his efforts in 
the city and northern counties of the. State. 

Through the influence of the members of the New 
York Legislature, United States Senators, Presi- 
dential Electors and Central Committee, he was 
nominated for tlie position of Secretary of Nebraska 
Territory. Tiiis nomination was endorsed by Sec- 
retary Seward, a warm personal friend, and his 
nomination confirmed by the Senate. He entered 
upon the discharge of his duties April 1, 1801. 
He attended faithfully to business, and during the 
frequent absence of Gov. Saunders performed tlie 
duties of Governor. He tooiv an active part in 
the organization of the 1st Nebraska Regiment; 
bonded the Territorial debt, raising the value of 
l)onds from thirty cents to par; obtained orders for 
organizing two companies of cavalry, and after- 
ward the 2d Nebraska Cavalry. In 1864 he re- 
ceived a m.'ijority of votes in the convention for 
nomination as delegate to Congress, but was de- 
feated by a mistake in the counting of votes, which 
was afterward discovered and admitted. He was 
a delegate to the Baltimore Convention, which re- 
nominated Lincoln for the Presidencj'. He took 
an .active part in the canvass for the organization 
of a .State government. The nomination for Gov- 




I 



'^•• 



GAGE COUNTY. 



1 IS 



ernor was unanimously tendered to Mr. Paddock, 
but was declined and Butler placed on the ticket. 
He was the first choice of six votes, and the second 
choice of a majority in the Republican caucus for 
United States Senator, but was finally defeated by 
John M. Tiiayer. The known conservatism of Mr. 
I'addock had much to do with this result. He was 
afterward nominated for Congress, but defeated by 
John Taffe. No supporter of Joliu Taffe, in i)ul)Iic 
speech or otherwise, ever complimented liiui nu^re 
highly* than did Mr. Paddock. Mr. PadiUjck was 
nominated liy President Johnson for Governor of 
Wyoming, but the nomination was withdrawn on 
account of there being no appropriation to defray 
the expenses of a Territorial Government. This 
nomination was confirmed at an extra session of 
Congress in July, 1868, before the withdrawal of 
his name. When Congress met again in Decem- 
l)er, Mr. Paddock wrote to the President declining 
the appointment. In 1868 lie worked for the elec- 
tion of Grant, and for the re-election of Taffe for a 
third Congressional term. He has always been a 
consistent, conservative Republican, doing what he 
deemed to be for the best good of the country, in 
wliose prosperity he felt an abiding interest. 

In the absence of the chief executive of the Ter- 
ritory, it became the duty of the Secretary to as- 
sume the duties of the executive ollice, and in tiiis 
capacity he served during the Twelfth Territorial 
Council, convened at Omalia, Jan. 10, 1867. His 
message to the Legislature was judiciously framed, 
setting forth plainly the varied interests of the 
3'oung Territory. He considered a union of Noi th 
and South Platte of paramount interest, in refer- 
ence to which he said : 

'•The construction of a bridge over the Platte 
River is a much needed improvement. The cross- 
ing of this stream, alwa3's difticult, is at certain 
seasons of the year an utter impossil)ilily, and com- 
munication between two great sections of tiie Terri- 
tory for this reason extremely limited. A journey 
to the Territorial cai)iUil from some of the most 
populous counties south of tiie Platte is considered 
quite as ditfieult to perform, on acuount of the 
dangers and delaj-s in crossing the Platte, as one to 
8 St. Louis, oOO miles distant, and from tlie N(jrth 
X Platte the journey to Chicago is quite as cheerfully 



undertaken as one across the Platte into the rich 
grain-growing districts below it. Such an obstacle 
to commercial intercourse between the two sections 
should be immediately removed, if it is in the power 
of the people to do it. It is not at all strange that 
with such a barrier in the way of travel and com- 
merce, the people of both sections should not only 
lose their active sympathy for and interest in each 
other, but that they should be casil}' led into mis- 
understandings and jealousies, rivalries and strife. 
The whole Territory would be inconceivably bene- 
fited liy this improvement. The people have it in 
their power to accomplisli it witiiout an additional 
dollar of taxation, and I tliink we may, during this 
session, very easily and vcvy properly fix the day 
for the celebration of the union of the two sections 
by a good and substantial free bridge over the 
Platte. I urge upon 3'ou, therefore, the early con- 
sideration of this important subject, with the as- 
surance that you will have the hearty concurrence 
of the Executive in any well considered measure 
which will result in securing this great improve- 
ment to the Territory. In my opinion this bridge 
should be free to all who may desire to use it. If 
we were obliged to borrow money for its construc- 
tion, thereby entailing a debt uijon the Territory 
with annual payment of interest, the case would be 
different; but, having the money in hand, and 
knowing as we do that the interests of all sections 
are involved, I think there can be no good reason 
offered against a free bridge. The revenues from 
Government toll bridges are not infrequently less 
than the expense of collection, and a bridge over 
the Platte, at best, could not be expected to yield 
any considerable revenue; but even if it were sure 
to do so, it would be more in consonance with the 
liberal and progressive spirit of our people to make 
it free to all." 

This lesson is still a necessity, as the causes that 
produced the alienation have not yet been removed, 
although somewhat lessened in degree of antipathy. 
His conservatism may be more readily' under- 
stood by the following extract from the same mes- 
sage. He s.ays : 

"Unhappilj- the Nation has not yet experienced 
the full fruition of |)erfect peace. True, the armies 
of rebellion were long since disbanded, and the 



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ik 146 



GAGE COUNTY. 



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old flag floats over all, the same glorious ensign 
of one Government and one Union, but fraternal 
love does not return to tlie people of tlie two sec- 
tions so recently arrayed against each other in civil 
strife. The kind oflices of the peace-maker avail 
not, and the olive brancliis cast aside, a withered 
and useless thing. How can our beloved country 
he reunited in fact as well as in form.' How can 
the Union be securely re-established in the hearts 
and affections of the peoi)le of all sections.' For the 
patriotic love of the people is the soul of the Union, 
its preservation is essential to llie ver^' life of the 
Nation itself. I do not think this can be done by 
indulging the spirit of crimination and recrimination 
for the errors, the weaknesses, or the crimes of the 
past. I do not believe it can be done by dejiriving 
eleven States of loyal representation in the National 
Congress, when representation is the verj' germ and 
essence of union. It certainly cannot be done by 
extreme and irritating demands on the one side, 
which are sure to be followed by increased contu- 
macy on the other. 1 fear it will never be done by 
constitutional amendments containing what are con- 
sidered impossible requirements by those most 
deeply interested. But, whicliever way it is to be 
done, it must be done speedily. Evils, disasters 
and ruin wait not for the termination of long con- 
tentions in a house divided against itself. The 
energies, the productive industries of the South, are 
paralj'zed by the incertitude of its political situa- 
tion. This unsettled condition of affairs not only 
intensifies the feeling of hatred for tlie Govern- 
ment and for the Union there, but it seriously 
affects the commercial prosperity of the whole 
country. Every motive of patriotism, and every 
consideration of political economy, demand an 
immediate termination of this unhappy condition 
of things. If the constitutional amendment will 
not accomplish this, but if, on the contrary, it 
threatens to perpetuate hatreds, strife and dis- 
cord, it should be abandoned at once, whatever 
sacrifice of cherished political dogmas or partisan 
prejudices are involved. However wise, just and 
necessary the guaranties sought to be obtained by 
this amendment may now appear to be, if thej' can 
only be secured by the entailment upon the Union 
of the eternal hostility of eleven States, they will 
4« 



f 



certainly prove a source of sorrow and trouble to 
the Nation. Only that which will win back the 
hearts of the Southern jieople will give stability and 
enduring peace to the Republic. If the constitu- 
tional amendment will do this, and do it speedily, 
I will cheerfully- unite with you in giving to it a 
cordial and earnest endorsement." 

At the close of the session the council recognized 
the efllcienej- of a faithful officer in the following 
resolution passed unanimously: 

'■'■Resolved, That the thanks of this council be, 
and the same are hereby tendered to the Hon. A. 
S. Paddock, Secretary of the Territory, for his 
uniform courtesy and kindness extended to the 
members of this bod^' in his official communications 
with the members thereof. 

"O. B. Hkwett, Chief Clerk." 

Mr. Paddock was married to Miss Emma L. 
Mack, formerly of St. Lawrence Count}', N. Y., 
Dec. "22, 1809, daughter of Daniel Mack, of Can- 
ton, N. Y., who was a prominent citizen and an 
eminent Mason ; an intimate, personal and politi- 
cal friend of Silas Wright, and a man of great 
worth and intelligence. 



E5i^*tMi 



^^EORGE GALE, of Adams Township, de- 
jll ,— , serves special mention as one of the pioneer 
*^^5) settlers of this county, having come here as 
early as 1858, at the very commencement of its 
development. His has been the career of an honest, 
upright, self-reliant man, who, all his life dependent 
upon his own resources, learned at an early age the 
art of " paddling his own canot," and also to be of 
material service to those less gifted by nature for 
battling with the elements of the world. 

Mr. Gale is the oft'spring of a substantial faniil}' 
of the Empire State, his parents, Alonzo and Phebe 
(Peck) Gale, having been Ijorn in Dutchess County, 
the former in time to take an active hand in settling 
the troubles of 1812. He was of Irish descent, 
while the mother traced her ancestry to England 
and Holland. Alonzo Gale was a farmer b}' oc- 
cupation, and only lived to be middle-aged, his 
death occurring in Salisburj', Conn., when he was 
fort3'-four years old. The mother only survived a 




u 



GAGE COUNTY. 



147 4 



few years, her death taking: place in Eaton County, 
Mich., in 1 854, at the aye of fifty-two. They were the 
parents of seven chiUlrcn, all of whom lived to 
mature j'cars. four sons and three danghtors. Of 
these three arc now living, and arc residents of Ne- 
braska and Michigan. 

The subject of tliis biographj- was the eldest 
child of his parents, and was born May 27, 1828, 
in Columbia County, N. Y.. twelve miles from the 
beautiful Hudson. When about six years of age 
his parents removed to Connecticut, where he was 
reared and educated. He was a youth of sixteen years 
at the time of his father's death, and remained 
thereafter the support of his widowed mother until 
his marriage at the age of twenty-two. Soon after 
this event he emigrated with his young wife to 
Eaton County, Mich., where he rented a tract of 
land, and cultivated it for a term of years. The 
death of his mother occurred at Delta, Eaton Co., 
Mich., in 1854, and George thereafter provided a 
home for his brothers and sisters, who removed 
with him to Kenosha Count}-, Wis., in 1854. 

lu what is now the Badger State Mr. Gale oper- 
ated a small farm for a party there four years, but 
believing he could do better upon the soil of Ne- 
braska he disposetl of his interests in Wisconsin, 
and, with his wife and three children, crossed the 
Mississippi and landed in Nebraska City on the 
14th of November, 1858. lie made his home with 
his brother a part of the time that winter, chopping 
wood, and earned $13 and his board. The people 
of this region had suffered with others the results 
of the panic of 1857, and many were the shifts and 
turns they were obliged to make to keep their 
heads above water; but perseverance with our 
subject met its legitimate reward, and he made 
sure, if slow, progress toward the goal of his am- 
bition, which was to establish in earnest the basis 
of a future home and competence. 

In the fall of 1860 Mr. Gale made his first pur- 
chase of land — forty acres at §1.25 per acre. The 
Homestead Law going into effect about this time 
allowed him an additional 120 acres, the patent 

- being signed by Abraham Lincoln. There was, 
however, with this stroke of fortune the great draw- 
back of the war, which kept the pioneers of .South- 

' ern Nebraska in constant dread of being surprised 

^« 



or overrun by rebels or Indians, one to be dreaded 
about !is much as the other. This period passed, 
however, without the disasters they apprehended, 
and in 18G.'), besides effecting many improvements 
on the property already secured, JMr. Gale added 
forty acres to that which he had ahead}-, and thus 
gradnallj' enlarged the sphere of his labors, to- 
gether with his income. 

The farm of Mr. Gale lies along Nemaha Creek, 
thus being well watered, and producing in abun- 
dance the rich crops of Southern Nebraska. At the 
time of his taking possession there were only a few 
small trees, which have now developed into valua- 
ble timber, and besides these he has planted quite 
a large number which have become an item of value 
on the farm. Besides the family residence Mr. 
Gale has erected a tenement house, barns, sheds, 
and the other siructures necessar}- for the carrying 
on of the modern and well-regulated farm. A fine 
orchard of about seventy trees in good bearing 
condition adds to the enjoyment of the family pro- 
visions, and leaves something over for the market. 
He has also instituted a vineyard of probably 150 
vines. 

One of the most interesting and important events 
in the life of our subject was his marriage, which 
was celebrated in Salisbury Township, March 26, 
1850, with Miss Margaret A. Shaw, who was born 
Oct. 16, 1827. and is the daughter of the well- 
known Stephen F. Shaw, one of the honored pio- 
neers of this county, whose iiistory appears elsewhere 
in this work. 

The 200-acre farm of Mr. Gale, situated in a 
region which at one time was looked upon as lack- 
ing the elements of the fertility of the lanil of Illi- 
nois and Iowa, now yields its full quota of the 
products of either region. Much is due to the 
careful and judicious manner in which it has been 
operated, and the perseverance of Mr. Gale in 
fighting drouth, prairie fires, and the other little 
diversions generously furnished the farming com- 
munity. The harvests of 1862-63 brought in ex- 
ceptionally heavy yields, and their proportionate 
encouragement to the agriculturists of the Nemaha 
Valley. 

Mr. Gale, aside from distinguishing himself as a 
thorough and skillful farmer, has kept pace with the 



!?Ml^^ 



148 



^^►Hl- 



GAGE COUNTY. 






world's progress, and porhaps has collected the 
best array of facts in regai'd to the early settlement 
of this county in existence. In 187C he prepared 
an extensive liistory of Clay County, in the 
shape of an address delivered by him at the cen- 
tennial celebration, July 4 of that year. This em- 
bodied many incidents of great interest and not 
commonly' known. He states that his first experience 
with grasshoppers was in 1866, and the}' visited 
this region also the following year. In 1874 they 
rei)eated their ravages, and were also accompanied 
by a drouth, which incurred great loss to the far- 
mers, and had its effect upon business generally. 

The Indians, also, during the early settlement of 
Mr. Gale in this county, frequently relieved the 
monotony bj' their thievery and general mischief. 
Seven representatives of the Otoe trilje came upon 
one occasion to his farm with the intention of carry- 
ing off something valuable, but their reception by 
our suljject was such that thej' decided discretion 
was the better part of valor, and quietly retired 
before his leveled musket. 

Mr. Gale in 185G voted for John C. Fremont, 
and since that time has lieen a stanch supporter of 
ReiHibliran princii)les, although now identified with 
the Frohibitiiinisls. No man has been more warmly- 
interested in the establishment of schools, churches, 
and the various other institutions calculated for 
the moral and intellectual welfare of the people. 
He has been a member of the School Board of his 
district for a period of twenty years. He was the 
second County Assessor of Gage County, being 
elected to the oflicc in 18(j'.); he has held the same 
oflice in Adams Township. The result of his up- 
right life and his arduous laliors in the communitj', 
wlio have known him to his credit so long and well, 
will shape the course of those who shall come after, 
long after the mortal semblance of this excellent 
njan shall have crumbled into ilust. 

^ I^ILLIAM C. HILL. In the early years 
\/\J// there resided in Eastern Pennsylvania Mr. 
Wi Nathan Hill, who for the benefit of his 
family moved westward to the then developing Ter- 
ritory of Ohio: he suttleil finally in what is now 



Miami County. Here he was one of the first of the 
pioneers and settlers. In the Miami Count}' home- 
stead of this gentleman there was born to him a 
son, who received also the name Nathaniel. As this 
son grew to years of manhood he took bis place 
with his fellows, and became a prosperous farmer 
and merchant. He was united in marriage with a 
most estimable lady, Martha Jones, a native of 
Nashville, Tenn. To them was born a son, who 
received the name William C, and in this sketch it 
will be the endeavor succinctly to state some of the 
more prominent points in his life. 

Our subject was bornin the above-named county 
on the 2Ist of November, 1849. He was educated 
in the usual institution of his native county, .and 
continued with his father in farming until about 
1809, then started in life for himself. In 1873 he 
came to this county, and settled in Blue Springs 
Township, taking up 160 acres on section 18, where 
he engaged in gcner.al farming, and has so continued 
until the present. In August of 1888 he began 
business as a coal merchant, and later also launched 
into the business of a real-estate and loan agent. 
In his coal trade, which h.as become quite extensive, 
he supplies all kinds of anthracite and bituminous 
coal, and also the usual varieties of wood handled 
in connection therewith. 

Our subject was elected County Supervisor in 
1885 and served one year; then, in 1887, was again 
elected. For the past three years he has been 
School Treasurer of Blue Springs, and is at present 
before the people as candidate for their suffrage 
for the olHce of Representative to the Legislature 
from Gage County, and it is confidently expected 
that he will be elected by a very large majority, as 
he is the Republican candidate, which party is very- 
strong in the district. 

Our subject entered into a matrimonial alliance 
with Lula B. McCurdy, the amiable, refined and 
estimable daughter^of James (deceased) and Mary 
McCurdy. This lady was born in Miami County, 
Ohio, Feb. 18, 1852, and made her home with her 
parents until her marriage. Of this union there 
have been born three children, two of whom sur- 
vive, viz: Harry L., aged seventeen years, and 
Leafie F., .aged nine. Harry, who has developed 
ioraewhat of an inclination for commercial life, 



f 










^^^i^^/ 




^^- 



GAGE COUNTY. 



151 



4- 



usually clerks in the bank during; his vacations, and 
has also remained there for one year. 

Besides the 280 acres of land in Bine Springs Mr. 
Hill lias a half-interest in ciglity more, and is the 
owner of 320 acres in Kans.ns. Mrs. Hill has for 
many years been a member of tlie Methodist Ei>is- 
copal communion, and still continues an active 
member of the same. .She is alliliated with tlie 
church at Blue Springs, and is held in highest 
esteem as a most ardenl, friend and earnest sup- 
porter. Our subject is a member of the 1. O. O. F. 
and .also of the Masonic fraternity. In the various 
relations of life he is held in high regard as a man 
of honor, and a friend of good morals. He is quite 
popular in the community, and with his family 
moves in the best circles of society. 



ON. SETH H. CRAIG, M. D. The gentle- 
man whose biograjjliy is herein briefly 
sketched, and whose portrait we present, is 
pj too well known to need an introduction to 
any student of Nebraska's liistor3-, or one at all ac- 
quainted with her politics, he being one of the early 
settlers in and most prominent men of the city of 
Wymore. lie is the son of James Craig, who was 
born in Washington County. Pa., in February, 179;5, 
and coming to |)roper age received a common- 
school education, and then was apprenticed to learn 
the trade of a bailor, which he continued to fol- 
low until he was about twentj'-five years of age, 

' when lie removed to Ohio, and began the study of 
law in the town of Millersburg, in the office of Gen. 
Glasgow. He was diligent and careful in his 
studies, passed a good examination, was admitted 
to the bar before his thirtieth birthilay, began the 
[uacticc of his profession in the same town, con- 
tinuing until 18(2. and for many years had en- 
J03ed a verj' lucrative practice. In that year he 
visited Iowa, anil taking quite a fancy to the Ter- 
ritory removed there with his faniil}'. and engaged 
in the practice of law at Farmington, Van Buren 
- County, and there remained until the death of his 
wife in 185,5, when he removed to Louisville, Ky., 
and St. Joseph, Mo., and lived with our subject and 

r an elder brother, spending the major portion of 



his time with his son Seth, and died in St. Joseph 
in the month of August, 1874. 

.lames Craig was married to Miss Margaret Sla- 
ter, in the year 1814. Their family circle included 
sixteen children, of whom ten c^ame to j'ears of 
maturity, and our subject was the eighth son. Mrs. 
Craig died in the mouth of June, 1855, as noted 
above. She was the daughter of Joseph and Mar- 
garet Slater, and was born near West Alexander, 
Washington Co., Pa., aliout 1794. Her father, 
who was quite prosperous as a farmer, vi'ns unfort- 
unatelj' removed from his family by death while 
still a j'oung man. 

The grandfather of our subject, Alexander Craig, 
was born in the North of Ireland, but was of 
Scottish descent. lie was married to Miss Hannah 
Murry, and they became the parents of seven boys 
and one girl. lie came to America while quite a 
young man, and all his children were born in this 
countrj', but it was their misfortune to lose their 
father when he was about thirty-six j-ears of age. 

Our suliject was l)orn in Millersburg, Holmes 
Co., Ohio, on the 14th of February, 1825, and there 
remained until he was about eighteen years of age, 
received his education in the common school, and 
afterward was initiated into the technique of farm- 
ing. About 1843 he removed with his parents to 
Farmington, Iowa, where his edueation was finished 
in the common school. Our subject enlisted in the 
army July 4, 1847, as a [irivale, Init it was not 
long before he was promoted, and received the 
commission of Lieutenant for exceptional ability 
and distinguished bravery. He served chiefly in 
the Northwest among the Indians, and remained in 
the service until November 12 of the following 
year, when he was mustered out at Ft. Leaven- 
worth. 

AVhilc our subject was residing in Farmington, 
Iowa, previous to his military life, he had studied 
medicine in the ollice of Dr. J. F. Sanford, and to 
these studies he returned when innstered out, and 
remained until the opening of lectures at Rock 
Island, where he attended the course of 1848-49. 
During the vacation he returned to his jn-eceptor, 
and spent the next season in the medical college at 
Davenport, Iowa, from which he was graduated in 
1850. He then returned to Farmington. legallv en 



I 111 



-^•- 



.t 



152 



GAGE COUNTY. 



titled to coraiuence the pr;ictice of inedieine, ami 
soon settled in St. P'rancisville, Mo. 

Before beginning the practice of medicine Dr. 
Craig was united in marriage with Miss Siisau M. 
Dunning, upon the 28th of March, 1850. The lad}' 
of his choice was the daughter of Festes and Caro- 
line Dunning. Their family circle was extended 
at various times until it included six children, five 
of whom are still living. Their names are recorded 
as follows: Clarence F., Herbert D., Charles S., 
Willard C, Frank B., and Edgar L., who died .aged 
two years, about 1859. Clarence is the husband 
of Maggie Winther, of Madison, and is the father 
of four children; he is engaged in the hardware 
business at Wymore. His brother Herbert m.ar- 
ried Miss Katy Wilcox, but h.as no family : the other 
children are still at home. Mrs. Susan Craig 
departed this life on the 15th of November, 1872, 
and nearly ten months afterward, upon the 19th of 
August, 1873, our subject became the husband of 
Mrs. Sarah A. Winther, by whom there have been 
born three children — Sadie L., Clara M. and Hugh 
C. All the older t'hildren have received a good 
practical education, and have given every evidence 
of becoming successful business men and honorable 
citizens, following in the footsteps of their father. 

The practice of medicine established by our sub- 
ject at St. Francisville si)eedily became both ex- 
tended and lucrative, owing to his skill, more 
especially, perhaps, in surgery, as he was the only 
surgeon of marked talent for many miles around 
St. Francisville, but he only remained a little over 
twelve months, when he removed to \'an Bureu 
County, Iowa, and settled upon the farm that he 
had purchased in that district. The farm was al- 
ready imiiroved, and provided with suitable build- 
ings and residence. Leaving his family here, in the 
year 1852 he started upon an excursion to C.alifor- 
nia, traveling by means of an ox-tcam,and occupy- 
ing a little over four months in the journey, which 
was undisturbed by any hostile advances on the 
l)art of Indians or other |)ersons. Sacramento was 
reached on the 1st of September, 1852, and much 
time was spent in the Yuba country, which is be- 
tween the Middle and North Yuba, at Smith's Flat, 
where he was very successful in mining operations, 
coupled with the practice of his profession, which 



was very remunerative, he being the onl}' phj'si- 
cian and surgeon within a circuit of many miles. 
He continued thus successfully engaged until the 
summer of 1853, when he returned to his family 
in Iowa, via the Nicaragua route, of Central America. 
The following year he removed to Keokuk, and en- 
tered into partnership with his former preceptor 
until the fall of 1855, when he gave up the practice 
of medicine. 

Upon retiring from his profession our subject re- 
moved to Council Bluffs and engaged in real-estate 
and mercantile transactions, which resulted very 
favorably to him. Here he vvas appointed to fill a 
vacancy in the Sheriff's office, being afterward 
elected in due form to the same. This was at the 
time of Lincoln's first campaign in 1860, and our 
subject held this office until he resigned in order to 
enlist in defense of the Union. He j(jined the 4th 
Iowa Regiment and was commissioned Captain of 
Company B, and served as such until he was trans- 
ferred to staff duty, and was ordered to the North- 
west, with his headquarters at Ft. Laramie. During 
this time there was considerable trouble among the 
Indians. He remained at this post until Novem- 
ber of 1863, when he returned to St. Louis, resigned 
his commission, and returned to his family, who in 
the meantime had been at Farmington, Iowa. At 
that place he rejoined them and stopped for a short 
time. 

Our subject now purchased a farm in that county, 
and engaged in general farming with abundant 
success for about three years, when he sold out and 
purchased a i)aiH'r-mill at Bentonsport, Iowa, and 
operated this until 1868, during which time the 
business largely increased. In 18G7 our subject 
was elected by the Republican party to the Legisla- 
ture. The election aroused unusual interest, and 
such was his character and popularity that he ran 
far ahead of his ticket and had an overwhelming 
majority. He was in the session of 1867-68, which 
was one of the most important and exciting, be- 
cause of the subject under discussion being the re- 
suming of laud grants and reletting of the land. 
The Legislature finall}' settled the m.atterby resum- 
ing the land and reletting it under additional con- 
ditions. These were accepted by the railroads and 
since fulfilled. Also, because this was the first 
•^ 



i 



GAGE COUNTY. 



'• T. '• 



153 -k 



Legislature to take cognizance of railroad freight, 
transportation and rates, fixing the maximum of the 
rate. Our subject by the same powers which had 
made liim a successful army officer soon became a 
recognized leader of ins bodj-, as many of his col- 
leagues still testify. The above matters, with the 
bills naturally s|)ringing from them, made this ses- 
sion exceedingly important in the liislorv of the 
State. 

Upon returning from the Legislature our subject 
went to Council Bluffs, and engaged in obtaining 
right of waj', depot ])rivilcgos, subscriptions, etc., 
for the St. Joseph & Council Bluffs Railroad 
Company, following this by a similar position for 
what IS now the Wabash Railroad, to the Iowa and 
Missouri State line. The trains of that railroad 
are at present running over the ground thus secured 
bj' our subject. This had brought him on to the 
j'ear 1870, and for about two years he confined his 
work more especially within the usual boundaries 
of the real-estate business. In 1872 he was elected 
Warden of the Iowa Penitentiary at Ft. Madison, 
and continued to hold the same for three terms, 
each of two years, and is held by all to have been 
the best disciplinarian with the minimum of punish- 
ment up to that period of the history of the insti- 
tution. His government was in excellent favor 
among the inmates, and gained for him quite a 
large and favorable reputation throughout the 
State and elsewhere, so much so that many i)romi- 
nent men consulted him regarding his methods; 
among the States thus consulting him were South 
Carolina, Texas, California, Missouri and Indiana. 

Tiie term of our subject as Warden expired in the 
spring of 1878. He then purchased a farm of 240 
acres in Fremont County, Iowa, and engaged in 
general farming, but also gave much tiiought and 
attention to the higher grades of stock, including 
horses, cattle and hogs. The horses were chiefly 
those adapted for general road purposes, and were 
of the Haml)letonian order. His cattle were upon 
the line of the Short-horns and Jerseys, the rest of 
them being registered. This he followed until 
1 883, when he sold out and came to this place to 
live. He had visited it in 1882 and was much pleased 
with the country. Since the above time he has 
made his residence here continuously, and is held 



by the citizens as one of the most prominent and 
honorable citizens. He is often selected to repre- 
sent Wymore in conventions and other gatherings. 
He is at present serving as Supervisor of Wymore 
Township, bping elected in 1886 and re-elected in 
1887. 

Dr. Craig's enthusiastic patriotism and military ex- 
periences lead him to a prominent position in the G. 
A. R., with wiiich he is connected. He is also 
identified with the I. O. O. F., Knights of Pythias, 
and in the Masonic fraternity has taken the degree of 
a Knight Templar. In all these societies our sub- 
ject takes the deepest interest, and is regarded by 
all his fellow-members with unusually high esteem. 

^W NDREW B. PIRIE is the master mechanic 
®lUl fur the Southern Division of the Burling- 
ton & Missouri River Railroad at Wy- 
(^ more. His father, Andrew B. Pirie, Sr., 

was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in the year 182.'3, 
and having learned to take charge of engines and 
machinery, he sailed between the East Indies and 
Scotland with the Peninsula & Oriental Company. 
He remained in the employ of that company until 
the time of his death, in 1879, aged fifty-four years, 
having spent about twenty-five years in the service 
of the company. His wife died when our subject 
was about six years old. 

Our subject was born on the 3d of Januarj', 1818, 
in Aberdeen, Scotland, where he received his edu- 
cation, attending school at Gordon's Hospital, a 
regular High School. He finished his course of 
study, and at the age of sixteen years he began to 
serve an apprenticeship as a machinist, which lasted 
for six years, in that time making a voyage to South 
Africa. Afterward he came to New York City, 
and thence to Chicago and direct to Burlington, 
Iowa, where he began to work for the Chicago, 
Burlington A (^uincy Railroad in 1867. He has 
since that time remained in the employ of this com- 
pany, having frequently l)eon promoted because of 
his competence and ability; going first from Bur- 
lington to Plattsmoutli, Cass Co., Neb., and then 
to Red Cloud, Webster County, vvhen they were 
building the Denverextensionof the road, and then 



-4^ 



154 



GAGE COUNTY. 



coming to Wymore, where he put in all of the 
niachineiy, and started the shops. He has since had 
fliarge of all the locomotives and cars here. 

The Burlington & Missouri River locomotive and 
car shops of the South Division were built in 1881, 
the niaehiner}' of which was put in under the direc- 
tion of our subject. The shop proper is 60x100 
feet, and contains four lathes, planer, one sloating- 
niachine, one drill press, one bolt cutter and two 
circular saws. About 1 10 men are emplo3'ed here, 
who are kept busy repairing the thirtj^-six engines 
of this division. There is also a roundhouse of 
fifteen stalls, ten stalls being built at the same time, 
and afterward an addition of five stalls made under 
the direction of Mr. I'irie last year. This being 
the central point for all this division, there are on 
an average eighteen locomotives here every night. 
It is needless to speak further in praise of Mr. 
Pirie's ability, as the position which he holds is a 
great compliment to it. 

On the 28th of November, 1S77, our subject was 
united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth L. Calder, who 
was born in Arbroath, Scotland, on the 24tli of 
May, 18.')8. She came to America in 1874, and 
went for awhile to Kingston, Canada, thence to 
Plattsmouth, where our subject made her acquaint- 
ance. They are the parents of two children, both 
of whom were taken from them by an early death. 
Both Mr. and Mrs. Pirie arc esteemed members of 
the Episcopal Church. 



-►^l-S^^H 




•^":^?r 



R. EZRA WONDER, practicing piiysician. 
^^ and prominent among the business men of 
Blue Springs, has followed the practice of 
medicine for a period of fourteen years in 
this place, and is in the enjoyment of a good 
l)atronage. He is also conducting a drug-store, and 
is joint owner of the Opera House Block. Dr. 
Wonder came to this county in the summer of 
1874, arriving at VAue Springs on the ICtii of 
August, when there were not more than 150 inhabit- 
ants in the place. Most of these have now dis- 
appeared, having been removed by death or other 
circumstances. lie was called upon that very day 
to attend a patient, altiiough there were four other 



physicians. These soon left the town, and Dr. 
Wonder was thus in possession of the entire field. 
He has made good use of his time and opportuni- 
ties, and is one of the most popular members of 
his profession in Southern Nebraska. 

Seneca County, Ohio, was the birthplace of our 
subject, and where he first opened his eyes to the 
light Sept. 17, 1833. He completed his education 
in the High School of that place, began the study 
of medicine, and subsequently entered the oflice of 
Dr. J. Myers, in Care}', Ohio, under whose instruc- 
tion he remained for a period of four years. lie 
then entered upon a course of lectures in tiie Cin- 
cinnati Medical College, and began the practice of 
his profession at New Riegel, in Seneca County. 
There he remained two years, then returning to 
Carey, became the partner of his former tutor. Dr. 
IVIyers, with wiiom lie remained until the spring of 
18G1. 

Our subject now changed iiis residence from the 
Buckeye State to Wakarusa, Ind., where he so- 
journed for a period of four 3'ears. Thence he 
returned to Carey, Ohio, where he established a 
drug-store and followed his profession successfully 
until 1874. His next removal was to this State, 
where he enjoys a fine reputation and the confi- 
dence of a large patronage in a marked degree. 
Dr. AVonder was married in Carey, Ohio, Oct. 1 , 
1857, to Miss Mary A. Kimball, and they are now 
the parents of six children, the j'oungest of whom, 
Eddie, died at the age of three years and nine 
months. The survivors have reached mature years, 
and are named respectivelj- : Ruah Alma. Nathan 
D., Elmer E., Addie May and Edith M. Mrs. 
Wondei' is the daughter of Capt. Natiian Kiniliall, 
a farmer l\y occupation, and a resident of Care}', 
Ohio. She was born there Feb. 22, 1836, and con- 
tinued under the parental roof until her marriage. 
Capt. Kimball was a native of Maine, and earned 
his military title in the War of 1812. After the 
conflict had ended he settled in tiie Buckeye Stale, 
of whicli he remained a resident until his death. 
The mother, Mrs. Mary Ann Kimball, resides in 
Wakarusa, Ind., in her eiglity-fuurth year. 

Daniel Wonder, the father of our subject, was 
born in I\Iifllin County, Pa., April 12. 1791, and 
upon reaching manhood was there married to Miss 




-•► 



GAGE COUNTY. 



15.-, 



Catlieiine Harpster. Thej- became the parents of 
nine children, and in middle life left the Keystone 
State with their little famil}' and settled amoniz' the 
pioneers of Staric County, (Ihio. The father cleared 
a tract of land, making considerable improvements, 
but seven years later went into Seneca County, and 
entered a quarter-section from the Government. 
From this he built up one of the finest farnas in that 
region, erected a large l)arn and a commodious 
brick house, the latter the first of its kind in that 
region, and the brick of which he manufactured 
himself. This structure is still standing, and is 
often pointed out to tiie passing traveler as one of 
the landmarks of the early days. Daniel Wonder 
became prominent in the affairs of Seneca County, 
holding township offices, and being generallj' inter- 
ested in the enterprises calculated for the advance- 
ment of the people. He was identified with the 
Evangelical Association, and died on the "iOth of 
February, 1887, after reaching the advanced age of 
ninety-five years, ten months and eight daj's. The 
mother died in 18C3. 

Mathias Wonder, the great-grandfather of our 
subject, belonged to the German nobility, and was 
born in the Kingdom of Wurtemberg. He came 
of a very wealthy family, and emigrated to Amer- 
ica when his son Andrew w\as a little lad seven 
j'ears of .age. They made the ocean voyage in a 
sailing-vessel, and were nine months crossing the 
Atlantic. They landed at Philadelphia and settled 
in York County, Pa., where the great-grandfather 
died in middle life when only fort}' j'e.ars old. His 
son An<b'ew was the eldest of the family, and mar- 
ried Miss Catherine Swartz. of Little York, Pa. To 
them were born twelve children. The}- lived within 
five miles of Little York seven years, then removed 
north fifty miles to Chiraoke. Later they went 
into Miftlin County, and afterward lived in differ- 
ent portions of the Keystone State, where Grand- 
father Wonder followed his trade of wheelwright. 
He finally settled in Wayne County, Ohio, and with 
his wife lived to a great age. his death occurring 
when he w.as eighty-four years and six months old. 
He served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War, 
receiving an honorable wound, and thereafter drew 
a pension. 

Among the chihb-en of Andrew and Catherine 



Wonder was Daniel, who became the father of our 
subject. He was born five miles from Little York, 
Pa., April 12, 1792, and w-as a babe of five months 
when his parents settled in Chimoke. When they 
left there he was a lad of nine years. The country 
at'iint time was wild and uncultivated, and in- 
fested with bears, wolves, panthers, catamounts, 
etc., of which the father trapped and shot many. 
The school jirivileges of those d.ays were exceed- 
ingly limited. After going to Mifllin County young 
Daniel was converted to religion through the preach- 
ing of Revs. AUbright and Miller. Six years later 
he removed with his parents across the mountains 
to Lost Creek Valley, where he lived until reaching 
his majority. Then obtaining permission from his 
f.atlier to take his ax and mattock, he left home 
and commenced in earnest the struggle of life on 
his own account. A year later, visiting his parents, 
he found them greatly in need of money, and gave 
them $4 in consideration of the tools which he had 
taken. He thus commenced in life with absolutely 
nothing. Returning to Jackson Valley he com- 
menced making shingles at the rate of fifty cents 
per day in the summer season, and thirty-five cents 
in the winter. Notwithstanding these small wages 
he managed to Lay by a snug sum of money for 
those times, and shortly afterward beg.an the estab- 
lishment of a home of his own by his marriage, 
April 12, 1814, with Miss Catharine Harpster. The 
young people commenced life together in a manner 
suitable to their means and position, and lived in 
the valley six years. There were born to them 
three sons, John, Matthias and George, but not- 
withstanding the increase in the family, wages re- 
mained the same. 

Daniel AVonder, about 1820, removed to Ohio, 
and there were afterward added six children to the 
family circle. His industry and perseverance in 
due time met with their reward, and he was enabled 
to do as he had always desired, viz: devote the 
balance of his life to the spreading of the Gospel. 
He had at an early age identified himself with the 
Evangelical Associ.ition, and remained connected 
with this until his death, which took place in 
1887. 

Dr. Ezra Wonder, in 1 880, put up his business 
block, which is two stories in height, and occupies 




-4^ 

156 



4 



GAGE COUNTY. 




We 



.111 area SSxOO feet. In 18S2 lie erected another 
store building by its side and of corresponding size. 
The upper half of the latter building comprises the 
Opera House. In 18S1 he built a fine residence 
located in the northeastern part of the town, which 
with its gronnds is an ornament to the city. He is 
recognized as one of the most liberal and public- 
spirited men in the place. Politically, Dr. Wonder 
is a stalwart Republican. 

TEPHEN V. SHAW. The subject of this 
siietch, who now owns and occupies a good 
farm on section 21 . Adams Township, came 
to Nebraska witli his parents when a boy, 
and since that time has been closely connected with 
its growth and development. He was the j'oungest 
of a family of ten children, and was born in Dutchess 
County, N. Y., Jan. 4, 1 844. His parents, Stephen 
P. and Ilanna (Hicks) Shaw, were also natives of 
Dutchess County, but removed with their family to 
Litchfield County, Conn., when Stephen V. was a 
child three years of age. 

The first recollections of our suliject therefore are 
of his adopted home in the Nutmeg State. There 
began his primary education, but in ISoO the fam- 
ily left New England, and after a journey' made in 
true emigrant style to the State of Wisconsin, and 
settlement in Somerset Township, Kenosha County, 
lived there from the fall of 1 850 until the spring of 
1857, when thej' again took up their line of march 
for the new and undeveloped Territory of Nebraska. 
Settling upon a squatter's claim, the father tilled 
the soil, and the family lived there amid numerous 
difficulties and hardships until his death, which oc- 
curred April 1, 1803. 

Mr. Shaw was a Ix)}- of thirteen years when he 
made the journey from the Badger State to Ne- 
braska, and being a bright boy and very observant, 
the trip afforded him no end of amusement. They 
passed through the embrj'o cities of Beloit, Wis., 
Rockford, Dixon, Sterling, Moline and Rock Island, 
111., through Davenport, Iowa City, Des Moines and 
Gleuwood, Iowa, and thence south and westward to 
Nebraska City, this State, where they crossed the 
Missouri River on a flatboat. Thence the3' made 



their way up Salt Creek, and proceeded westward 
until they struck the edge of the Nemaha Valley, 
arriving here Jul3' 6, 18.i)7. Young Stephen had 
been blessed with good and sensible parents, who 
realized the advantages of education, and gave to 
the boy the best chance; for schooling which their 
circumstances and surroundings permitted. He 
completed his studies in the school at Nebraska 
City when a youth of sixteen years, and thereafter 
assisted his father on the farm until a short time be- 
fore reaching his majority. In the spring of 1804 
he left home, and making bis way to the central 
part of Colorado, began prospecting and working 
in the silver mines of Gilpin Count}', where he so- 
journed about one year. Upon returning home he 
engaged in various occupations until his marriage, 
in the iiicantirae making preparations for the estal)- 
lishment of a home of his own. 

The maiden selected by our subject for his future 
wife and helpmate, and to whom he was married 
Nov. 8, 186G, was Miss Minerva, daughter of Will- 
iam and Annie (Scott) Hand, who were natives re- 
spectively of New York and Canada. Mr. and 
Mrs. Hand after marriage .settled at Niagara, where 
the father engaged in mercantile business, and 
whence they removed four or live years later to 
Kenosha County, Wis., where young Stephen Shaw 
and Miss Hand made their first acquaintance. The 
Hands in 1857 moved, like the Shaw famil}-, to this 
State, settling near Nebraska Citj', where the father 
pursued the vocation of a farmer, and is now de- 
ceased. The wife of our subject was the only 
daughter in a family of three children, the other 
two being boj's, William H. and Nathaniel. She 
was the second child, and was born at Niagara Falls, 
N. Y., May 24, 1850. She was a little girl about 
four years old when the family removed to Wis- 
consin, and seven years of age when they came to 
Nebraska. She received a common-school educa- 
tion, and was trained bj' an excellent mother in 
those housewifely arts a knowledge of which is so 
essential in one presiding .as the mother of a family. 
To IMr. and Mrs. Shaw there have been born the 
following children : Louis, Katie, Elmira, Ada, Alice 
and Charles. The eldest is twenty, and the young- 
est two 3'cars of age. They form a household 
group in which the parents take p.ardonable pride, 






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4 



GAGE COUNTY. 



159 



and are being fitted out niili a good education and 
the other qualities wliidi will make of them useful 
niembei-s of the eommunit}'. 

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Shaw settled 
in Adams Township, where our subject bad home- 
Steaded 160 acres on section 21, and where he 
has built up a good farm, which the}- still occupy. 
He has a substantial residence, around which stand 
the trees of his own planting twenty years ago or 
more, and which are not only useful in warding off 
the storms of winter and the heat of summer, but 
add greatly to the value and beauty of his property. 
While having his hands full in tilling the soil and 
carrying on the improvement of his farm, Mr. Shaw 
has been in nowise negligent in regard to the wel- 
fare of the people about him, and has ever given 
ready and cheerful assistance to the enterprises cal- 
culated for the general w^elfare. He has served as 
School Director a number of years in the district, 
and with his estimable wife is prominently identi- 
fied with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Adams, 
to which he gives an able support. Sociallj', both 
Mr. and Mrs. Shaw are members in good standing 
of the I. O. G. T. Mr. Shaw voted the Democratic 
ticket in support of Seymour in 18G8, and Tildeu 
in 1876, but his warm interest in the cause of tem- 
perance led him in 1880 to identify himself with 
the Prohibitionists. 



>^V^- 




ARREN M. LaSELLE, senior member of 
the firm of LaSelle, Fiske & Co., grocers at 
Beatrice and also dealers in boots and 
shoes, is numbered among the solid men of the 
cit}'. He was born near Lebanon, in Madison 
County, N. Y., April 7, 1833, and was the eldest 
of eleven children, five sons and six daughters, ten 
of whom are still living. The parents were Mason 
A. and Mary A. (Grosvenor) LaSelle, also natives 
of Madison Count}-, N. Y., the mother being the 
}-oungest daughter of E. G. Grosvenor, who bore 
the honor of being the first settler of that count)'. 
The Grosvenors were of English descent, while the 
,LaSelles trace their ancestry to France. 

The father of our subject was a farmer by occu- 
pation, and after his marriage settled on a farm 
in Madison County, N. V., where he lived until 



1883. Tlien coming to Beatrice with his family, 
he, after a brief sojourn in this citj\ located in 
Cortland, where he engaged in general merchandis- 
ing four j-ears. Then, disposing of a half-interest 
in his business there, he returned to Beatrice, and 
in company with a partner. Mr. P'iske, established 
himself as a general merchant, and they have now 
built up an extensive and lucrative trade. They 
are prompt and relial>le in their business trans- 
actions, and thus have obtained a good standing as 
business men and citizens. 

To Mr. and Mrs. LaSelle there have been born 
four children, one son and three daughters, namely : 
Addie M., now the wife of L L. Fiske; Adelia N., 
Frank G. and Lizzie D. The family residence is a 
neat and comfortable structure, and its inmates are 
surrounded by all the comforts of life, enjoying 
also many of its luxuries. Mr. LaSelle presented his 
son Frank with a share in the business, and the latter 
bids fair to emulate his father in point of business 
principles and ability. They are both ardent sup- 
porters of Republican principles. 

R. JAMES T. ARMSTRONG, Superin- 
tendent of the Nebraska Institution for 
Feeble-Minded Youth, and which is lo- 
cated in the eastern portion of the citj- of 
Beatrice, assumed the duties of his responsible 
position on the 12th of August, 1886, and is dis- 
charging them with much efficiencj'. He is a man 
of fine business and mental capacities, a native of 
Columbiana Countj-, Ohio, and was born near Han- 
overton, Dec. 28, 1856. When a child two years 
of age, his parents came to Iowa, settling on a farm 
in Jefferson County. The father, Titus Armstrong, 
was a native of Ohio, and the mother, Anna M. 
(Stever) Armstrong, was born near Carrolltown, Pa. 
Their family consisted of two children only, our 
subject and his brother Willard. The latter died 
when four years old, and his father died in 1858. 
His mother is living in Washington Count)-, Iowa. 
The subject of this sketch was reared to manhood, 
passing his boyhood and youth after the manner of 
most farmers' sons, and acquiring his early educa- 
tion in the district school. Later he attended the 
academy at Fairfield, Iowa, and then he entered 
Pars<jns' College at that place. After emerging 




■ ► % r <i- 



IGO 



GAGE COUNTY. 



thence he became a stiulent of the State University 
at Iowa Citj', where he continued two years. He 
then tooJc up the study of medicine under the in- 
struction of Dr. O. W. Archibald, of Glenwood, 
and subsequently entered the medical department 
of the State Univcrsitj', from which he was gradu- 
ated March 5, 1879. 

Dr. Armstrong began the practice of his pro- 
fession in Southwestern Iowa, and during his four 
years' residence there luiilt up a good business 
among the people of that region. Afterward chang- 
ing his residence to Omaha, lie practiced there until 
assuming charge of the institution with which he is 
now connected. The buildings of this were com- 
pleted during the year 188G, and Dr. Armstrong 
was installed as its first Superintendent. He main- 
tains a careful oversight of every department, and 
has chosen au efficient corps of assistants, so that 
the domestic arrangements, as well as those relating 
to the education of the inmates, closely approach 
perfection. In the development of the darkened 
intellects under his charge Dr. Armstrong takes 
the keenest interest, and his ingenuity is often 
taxed to the utmost to devise the best methods for 
their well-being, morally, mentally and physically. 

The marriage of Dr. James T. Armstrong and 
Miss Maude Archibald, of Glenwood, Iowa, was 
celebrated at the home of the bride, June 30, 1881. 
Mrs. Armstrong was born in Nova Scotia, and was a 
daughter of E. T. Archibald. The parents of Mrs. 
Armstrong still reside in Nova Scotia. Of this 
union there have been born two sons — Paul C. and 
Osborn A. Mrs. Armstrong departed this life at 
her home at the institution, Sept. 27, 1887, and the 
Doctor's son, Osborn A., died Oct. 19, 1888, aged 
four }'ears and three days. 

Among the representative men of the State we 
are pleased to present the portrait of this well- 
known gentleman. 



ENRY ARLINGTON LaSELLE. The 
name of this gentleman is recognized as 
that of one of the leading business men of 
Beatrice, Neb., of which he has been a resi- 
dent since the spring of 1867. A native of the 



H-^h^: 



Empire State, he was born in Lebanon, Madison 
Co.. N. Y., Aug. 5. 1838. 

Our subject was the third son and fourth child 
of Mason A. and Dorcas (Conant) LaSelle, whose 
family included eleven children, six sons and five 
daughters, viz: W. M. LaSelle, of Beatrice; Cor- 
nelia, now Mrs. Dr. LaSelle Hutchings, of Brooklyn, 
N. Y. ; Webster, deceased ; Henry A., the subject of 
this sketch; Mary, now Mrs. M. E. Richmond, of 
St. Louis; Ophelia, now Mrs. Edwin Oatraan, of 
Lawrence, Neb.; Flora, now Mrs. D. C. Humphrey, 
of Los Angeles. Cal. ; Albert E. LaSelle, of George- 
town, N. Y. ; L. F. LaSelle, of Beatrice, Neb. ; Ellen, 
now Mrs. E. C. Salisbury, of Beatrice; and Frank 
C. LaSelle, of Herndon. Kan. 

Mason A. LaSelle, the father of our subject, was 
born in M.adison County, N. Y., and died at his 
home there March 18, 1875, at the age of sixty- 
seven years. He followed farming his entire life, 
and was a plain, solid, unobstrusive citizen, who 
pursued the even tenor of his wa}', performing 
life's duties creditablj', and living at peace with all. 
The mother, also a native of Madison County, N. 
Y., was the daughter of Deacon Conant, of Eaton, 
N. Y. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject, Josiah 
LaSelle. was a native of Connecticut, and married 
Miss Eunice Webb, of Hartford ; they moved to 
Lebanon, N. Y., in 1802, and consequently were 
pioneers. He was quite a boy when the Revolu- 
tionary' War broke out, and lived to the advanced 
age of ninety-three years, his death taking place at 
Lebanon, N. Ye, in August, 1865, having lived to 
see the beginning and close of every war of the 
United States. 

The parents of our subject soon after their mar- 
riage settled in Madison County, N. Y., and there 
Henrj' A. spent his boyhood and youth on the old 
homestead. He pursued his studies first in the 
district school, and later attended Hamilton Acad- 
emy. At the age of eighteen he went west with 
an uncle, and spent two years in Fayette Count}', 
Iowa, where he taught his first school, and assisted 
his uncle in opening up a new farm ; returning home 
in 1859 he completed his studies at Oneida Confer- 
ence Seminarj', at Cazenovia, N. Y., where he spent 
two years. Soon after, the Civil War being in \nvg- 



>► 1 1^^ 



■•►Hl-^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



161 



ress, he eiilisterl in Company D, I14tli New York 
Stale Volinileers. undt'i- uoiiimanfl of Col. Elislia }i. 
Smith. In the cap.icity of a soldier j-oung LaSelle 
acquitted himself creditably as a non-commissioned 
officer, receiving manj' evidences of the esteem and 
confidence of his superior officers, and was finally 
assigned to detached commissar}' duty at New Or- 
leans, La., having in charge a body of 1,300 men. 
and near the close of the war i-ejoined his command 
in tlic Shenandoah Valley, Va.. under Gen. Hancock, 
and after tile assassination of Lincoln went imme- 
diately to Washington, vvhere his regiment formed 
a part of the grand guard around the city during 
the capture of Booth and the trial of the assassins, 
finally taking part in the grand review of the 
armies of the Union at the close of the war. Capt. 
LaSelle received his honorable discharge at Elmira, 
N. Y., in June, 1865. During his services in the 
war he bore an honorable part in Gen. Banks' expe- 
dition to the Gulf, also in the Teche campaign 
west of New Orleans, was fort3'-two da3's under fire 
at the siege and final capture of Port Hudson ; took 
part in the battle of Donaldson ville, and in the 
Franklin expedition on the Gulf to Sabine Pass, 
and other minor engagements. He was one of the 
fortunate ones of some 300 who were left of the 
114th that went out full 1,000 strong, to reach 
home. The following winter he spent in New 
York City, but in the early spring of 1866 was 
called home to the bedside of his dying mother, 
and in April set his face toward the then Far West. 
Crossing the Missouri River he took up his abode 
at St. Joseph, Mo., where he spent about a year en- 
gaged in real-estate and railroad work, in the mean- 
time visiting Nebraska, then a Territory, for the 
first lime, and entered a quantity of Government 
laud near Beatrice, and settled in Beatrice in the 
spring of 1887, then a small outpost town of about 
twent}' buildings. He secured by homestead and 
by purchase other tracts of land, and also invested j 
a portion of his capital in a stock of general mer- 
chandise, which he opened up in a little log store- 
room near the present track of the Burlington & 
Missouri River Railroad. For a period of fifteen 
years he thus engaged in trade with quite satisfactory 
results, but about 1882, through natural desire for 
change, branched out into the real-estate and loan 



business, and withdrew from merchandising, con- 
fining his attention to his new business, in whicii 
he has also met with success. 

In April, 1875, Mr. LaSelle married a most es- 
timable lady, Mrs. Elizabeth Crawford, of Council 
Bluffs, Iowa. Their marriage took place atPough- 
keepsie, N. Y., where she had taken up her resi- 
dence after the death of her husband, William G, 
Crawford, for the purpose of educating her daugh- 
ter. Mr. Crawford resided for a time in Nebraska, 
iu Territorial <lays, and was a member of the Legis- 
lature during'the term of 1857-58, but soon after 
removed to Council Bluffs, where he became a 
prominent member of the Iowa bar. His death 
took place Nov. 14, 1870, at Council Bluffs. 

Mrs. LaSelle was born in Riple}-. Brown Co., 
Ohio, May 19, 1838, and is the daughter of M. M. 
and Sarah B. (Walker) Campbell, who were natives 
of Virginia, and spent their last years in Iowa and 
Nebraska. Of her first mariiage there was born 
one child only, a daughter, Kittie C, who is now 
the wife of Joseph B. Buchanan, of Beatrice. Mr. 
LaSelle, politically, gives his support to the Repub- 
lican party, and has been quite prominent in local 
affairs. 

Mr. and Mrs. LaSelle are members of the Pres- 
byterian Church. He became identified with the 
Beatrice church at its organization in 186!*, is a 
Trustee and one of its chief [jillars. Socially, he is 
a member of Rawlins Post, G. A. R., and the I. O. 
O. F., having p.assed the chairs in the lodge at 
Beatrice. His familv residence is at No. 623 
North Fifth street, corner of Washington street. 



/^ HRISTOPHER KNOCIIE is widely and fa- 
(/(^.^ vorably known in the county as one of the 
'^^^ progressive and successful farmers and stock- 
raisers of Lincoln Township, where his beautiful 
farm of 160 acres is located on section 16. This 
property is part of the school land which he first 
leased in 1874. and continued under that arrange- 
ment until 1882, wiien he purchased it. and has 
continued to improve it until the present high 
state of cultivation has been reached. His home is 
among the most pleasant, commodious and com- 



»► ■ ^> 



4 



» ► i r^ 



■*►■ 



1G2 



GAGE COUNTY. 



fortable, and his farm buildings are substantial, well 
and fonvenientiy arranged, admirably adapted to 
the various uses and necessities. 

Our subject came to the State and county in 
1872, and for four years rented a farm, and was so 
pleased with the climate, surrounding soil and pro- 
duction, that he deteiniined to make it his home, 
with the above-mentioned result. The secret of his 
success lies in the fact that he thoroughly under- 
stands his work, that he knows both what is re- 
quired, and the best methods by which the purpose 
ma}' be effected, which knowledge, coupled with 
the patience, thrift and large aptitude for industri- 
ous effort, has been productive of the prosperity 
which he to-day enjoj's. and other things being 
equal, like effects will proceed from like causes in 
every instance. 

Mr. Knoche is a native of Germany, and was 
born on the 28th of September, 1835, to Henry and 
Mary (Orendorff) Knoche. The father of our sub- 
ject, who never left his native countr}', followed the 
occupation of a blacksmith, and was considered a 
skilled worker. Our subject came to the United 
States in the year 1850, and was followed some 
years after by his mother, vcho is now residing 
with her daughter, Mrs. Shelhorn, and has reached 
the advanced age of seventy-three years. Mr. and 
Mrs. Knoche, Sr., vi'ere both members of the Lu- 
theran Church, and were brought up in its com- 
munion from infancy. 

Our snliject is the eldest of three .sons and one 
daughter; besides these the family circle included 
one half-sister. With the exception of this lady 
and one brother, all the family have become resi- 
dents of this country. Mr. Knoche was brought up 
in Germany, and there received his education. 
Upon coming to this country he first settled in 
Chicago, 111., and then engaged as a farm hand. 
He was quite careful and saving, and at that time 
engaged in laying the foundation for the success of 
these later years. 

Upon the 17th of .I.anuary, 1859, at Black Walnut, 
which is about thirty miles south of Chicago, 111., 
our subject was united in marriage with Miss Mary 
Hottendorf, who was born at Riepen, May 3, 1836, 
and is the daughter of Fred and Mary Hottendorf. 
She came to this country when about twenty-two 



i* 



years of age, accompanied by her uncle, and lo- 
cated near Chicago, where she met our subject. 
She has presented her husband with eight children, 
whose names are recorded as follows: Sophia, the 
wife of Dan Moshel; Henry, who is the husband 
of Minnie Turner, and whose farm is southwest of 
Beatrice; Mary is the wife of Fred Shimel, of Jef- 
ferson County ; Otto, who is his father's assistant 
upon the farm; Minnie, happily married to Fred 
Yarko, also of Jefferson Count)'; Christ, Joseph 
and Lotta, ail of whom are at home. 

The religious connections of our subject and his 
wife are in the Lutheran Church, of which they 
h.ave been adherents since their confirmation. In 
political matters our subject is in harmony with 
the Democratic party, of which he has for years 
been a supporter. This interesting familj' is much 
respected in the communitj', and our subject is 
among the leading German-American citizens of 
the township. 



^-^- 



^ 



^ OHN AVOLFE was born in Coshocton County, 
Ohio, in White Eyes Plains, on the 12th of 
June, 1839, and is a son of David and Eliza 
Wolfe, who were natives of the same State. 
The father was a son of one of the early pioneers 
of White Eyes Plains, who settled there before the 
War of 1812. and about the time Ohio was admitted 
as a State into the Union. Our subject spent his 
early years on the old homestead which had been 
in the family possession for a great many years. 
During his school days he received the educational 
advantages offered by the common schools, though 
they were but meager, and after that time he as- 
sisted his father in the work of the farm, develop- 
ing physical strength and intellectual abilities as he 
advanced to manhood's years, and thus the time 
passed until the breaking out of the war. 

When our subject was about twenty-two years 
old he enlisted in Company C, 51st Ohio Infantry, 
under Capt. Benjamin F. Heskett, whose place was 
supplied after his death by Carter B. Harrison. He 
participated with his regiment in the battles of 
Stone River and Chickamauga, at the latter place 
being taken prisoner by Longstreet's men, but was 

4^ 



1 



GAGE COUNTY. 




163 



i' 



exchangerl and sent to Columbus. He then par- 
ticipated in tlie battles of Ringgold, Resaca, Peach- 
tree Creek, and in others, distinguishing himself 
for his courage and bravery, and his loy.alty to the 
cause for which so man}' valiant men battled, and 
for which so many perished ; our subject fortunately 
was but slightly wounded at the battle of Chicka- 
mauga. He was honorably' discharged in 1864, 
after which he returned to his home and again en- 
gaged in the duties of a civilian. In March, 1865, 
he moved to Henderson County. 111., where he 
continued the occupation which he had learned 
when a bo3' until 1879, in which year he moved to 
this countj' and made his home on his present farm. 
He now owns eight3' acres of good farming land on 
section 28, Barneston Township, on which he has 
made very many improvements, and which, in re- 
turn for his diligence and the labor expended on it, 
j'ields a fair crop of cereals and general farm prod- 
uce. He also gives some attention to the raising 
of live stock, cattle, horses and hogs, and has been 
generally successful. 

On the 17th of March, 1864, after his return 
from the service as a prisoner of war, our subject 
was united in marriage with Miss Matilda F. Graj', 
a daughter of David J. and Henrietta Gray, who 
also lived in White Eyes Plains, in Ohio. The 
father had enlisted as a Union soldiei' in the late 
war, and was nobly engaged in defending his 
countrj' when he lost his life near Vicksburg, being 
among the large number of valiant soldiers who 
died far from home amid the cruel scenes of the 
battle-field. The mother died in AVhite Eyes 
Plains, Ohio, March 27, 1855. Mrs. Wolfe was 
born in White Eyes Plains on the 4th of Septem- 
ber, 1839, and by her marriage with our subject 
has become the mother of five children, who bear 
the names of Anna L., Gertrude, Clara A., Orvil 
G. .and Elmer E. Anna married Francis E. God- 
frey, of this township, and has one child, named 
Gertrude Iv ; the remaining members of the family* 
are at home. 

The war career of our subject entitles him to an 
honorable membership in the Colman Post No. 
115, G. A R., of Wymore, which is an .active or- 
ganization, and h.is a membership of about ninety. 
While he is interested in the state of politics and 

■<• 



is concerned for the welfare of the country he does 
not take an active part in .advocating the polic3' of 
any one of the parties, though he is a member of 
the Republican organization, and generally votes 
for the candidates of that party. He and his wife 
are esteemed members of the United Brethren 
Church, of Olive Branch, and as progressive and in- 
telligent citizens they are entitled to honorable 
mention among the well-respected families of their 
township. 



^OHN ALSBACH, M. D.. widely and f.avor- 
ably known as one of the most efficient 
surgeons and physicians of Beatrice, was 
/ born in the city of St. Gallen, Switzerland 
March 19, 1827, and is the son of Jacob and Eliza- 
beth Alsbach, who were also of Swiss birth and 
parentage, and whose family consisted of five sons. 
The parents spent theii- entire lives upon their native 
soil. 

At the age of six j'ears oursubject, in accordance 
with the lavvs and customs of his native country, 
was placed in school and pursued his studies until 
a youth of fifteen. He was then required to con- 
fine his attention strictly' to farming, and was thus 
emploj'ed until twenty j'ears old. In the summer 
of 1853, impatient of the restraints which would 
not allow him to branch out as he desired, he set 
sail for America, and after a voyage of forty-seven 
days landed safely in New York Cit^'. Not long 
afterward, however, he proceeded southward .to 
New Orleans, where he engaged in the practice of 
medicine, and lived until the year 1864. During 
the war he was occupied at New Orleans, and after 
its close migrated north to Marietta, Ohio, of which 
he remained a resident for sixteen }'ears,aud occu- 
pied himself at iiis profession. In the year 1873 he 
removed to Lincoln, 111., and in the fall of 1877 
turned his steps still further westward, and coming 
to this count}- located in the cit}' of Beatrice, and 
was soon recognized as one of its most practical 
and skillful physicians. He follows the Old School 
system, and has for his partner his step-daughter, 
Miss Elizabeth Grabe, who possesses fine capabili- 
ties, and seems particularly adapted to the profes- 
sion. The wife of our subject, formerly Mrs. Louisa 



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IGl 



GAGE COUNTY. 



Grabe. was born in Marietta, Washington Co., Ohio, 
in l^!37,anrl was married to Dr. Alsbach atLincohi, 
111., in March. 1S78. Her first husband. August 
Grabe, died at Marietta, Ohio, leaving two daughters. 
The widow, with her children, not long afterward 
moved to Lincoln. III. 

The family residence of our subject is a tasteful 
and substantial structure, located in the eastern 
part of the cit}', and is one of its mo.st attractive 
and comfortable homes. Ur. Alsbach in the winter 
of lcS84-85 took a course of lectures in the College 
of Physicians and Surgeons at St. Louis, Mo., from 
which he was graduated with honors; he is now in 
the thirty-third year of his practice. Miss Elizabeth 
Grabe is a regular graduate of the Woman's Medi- 
cal College, of Philadelphia, Pa., in the class of '84, 
and is a lad3^ of more than ordinary capabilities, 
one who has established herself in a m.arked degree 
in the confidence and esteem of the people, among 
whom she labors in a faithful and conscientious 
manner. Her sister Lorena E. is a compounder and 
pharmacist of the office, and is also a young lady 
more than ordinarily bright, and finely adapted to 
the duties which she lias assumed. 




* ft-ILLIAM W. 
\jj/! years been id 
V^ of Highland 



>ILLIAM W. CLOUGH has for fourteen 
identified with the public affairs 
(1 Township, and has proved 
himself an enterprising citizen of the same. He is 
a native of Venango County, Pa., and was born on 
the 24th of Februar}', 1846, his parents, Horace P. 
and Anna Clough, having been natives of New 
York, who had made their home in Pennsylvania. 
His mother died in the year 18GG, when she was 
fifty-four jears old, and the father is now residing 
in this county, having reached the age of about 
sevent3'-two years. In their family there were nine 
children, of whom the following survive: Marion 
M., in Nemaha Township, this county; Levi D., in 
Cortland, the editor of the Cortland Herald; Hor- 
ace J., also in the same city; Lucy M., the wife of 
R. G. Gilmore, of Highland Township; Otis R.. in 
Peoria, 111. ; William AY., our subject; Josephine, the 
wife of Lee Johnson, of Pennsylvania, and Celeste 
^» 



A., the wife of Enos Barkey, Jr.. of Highland 
Township. 

Our subject spent the first twenty years of his 
life in his native State, after which he took the re- 
sponsibility' of shaping his future course in life into 
his own hands, and thinking that he would take 
advantage of the inducements offered by the rap- 
idlj' developing Western country, he went to Henr}' 
County, 111., where he resided a number of yeais 
and successfujlj- managed a farm which he rented. 
He was married, in Henry County, 111., on the 23d 
of June, 1868, to Miss Frances Welch, who was 
born in Philadelphia, Ohio, on the 15th of June, 
1848, and is a daughter of Zachariah and Anna 
AYelch, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio 
respectively. Her father died in the year 187G, 
when he was about sixty years old, and her mother 
is still residing in Henry County, 111. Bj' tlieir 
marriage our subject and his wife have become the 
parents of seven children, whose names and the 
d.ates of their birth are appended as follows : Claude 
A. was born Nov. 1, 1869; Ella A., June 4, 1872; 
Bessie A., Nov. 13, 1873; Ralph Z., Aug. 27, 1875; 
Harry G., Jan. 6, 1877; Ray, in September, 1878; 
Ira. Aug. 27, 1883. 

In the spring of 1874 our subject brought his 
family to this county, and bought 160 acres of land 
of the Burlington & Missouri River Land Company, 
at $6 per acre, and made his home on it ere there 
had been a furrow turned. He began at once to 
put it in a condition for cultivation, and gradually 
has worked it up to its present splendid condition, 
having made many noticeable improvements which 
could have been accomplished only by much hard 
labor .and industry. He has endured the usual hard- 
ships and self-denials which seemed a necessary 
accompaniment of an early settler's life, although 
he has enjoyed the societj* of many other residents 
who were here before him, and in that respect he 
had a great advantage over the first settlers, who 
came when Indians and wild animals claimed this 
section for their home, and if there were any white 
neighbors the}' were many miles distant. When our 
subject arrived in this countj' he had one wagon and 
team, his household goods, and what money there 
was left of the $25 with which he started. He has 
seen the vast changes which have been wrought in 
^ 



r 



,!- 



GAGE COUNTY. 



1G5 ' ' 




one and a half decades, and he has contributed his 
share of labor and funds toward the public improve- 
ments. He is a Republican in politics, and has 
ahva3's favored the measures by which the good of 
his country and the interests of his community might 
be secured, and is anxious that its advantages, edu- 
cationally and religiously, may rank with those of 
the surrounding coniinunities. 

*— *^»ii>-»^^<=;^- * 

UGUST ZAIILTEN. In the subject of 
this biographical compendium is found a 
worthy representative of that Kingdom now 
absorbed in the German Empire, Prussia, 
that has in the past played no unimportant part in 
the history of Europe. Its people are of Teutonic 
origin, and possess the solid, sterling and unassum- 
ing qualities distinctive of the race. His father, 
Frank Zahlten, was born in Oberschwedeldorf, 
Prussia. The maiden name of his wife was Beata 
Habel, who was born in the same place. Her hus- 
band was by occupation a grocer, and followed that 
business until the 1st of August, 1886. when he 
died at his home. The family of which our sub- 
ject was a member numbered seven sons and one 
daughter, all of whom attained to 3'ears of ma- 
turity. Of these the only member of the family who 
came to the United States was our subject. 

Mr. August Zahlten was born on the 6th of Jan- 
uary, 1846, in Oberschwedeldorf, and continued to 
reside at home until he reached the age of nine- 
teen years, which were occupied from arrival at the 
usual age in the various duties of school, which 
was followed for a period of four years in learning 
the trade of a miller, which he continued to follow 
for about three years. In April of 18G6 he left 
Prussia and came to America, for a time making 
his home in Brooklyn, thence migrating to Algona, 
Iowa, where an uncle was living. With him he 
emained one year, working upon the farm ; he then 
engaged in a flouring-mill, and worked in the same 
for about eight years. 

In 1872 our subject entered into wedlock with 
Mary Sophia Apei, daughter of John Julius and 
Elnora (Burckhart) Apel. Her father was born in 
Germany in 1825, and came to this countr3' when 



fifteen years of age, and was engaged with much 
prosperity in farming until his deatii, April 30, 
1888. His wife, a native of the same country, was 
born upon the 6th of May, 1830, and now lives in 
Arkansas. Their family included eight children, 
seven of whom are now living. Their names are 
recorded as follows: John, a farmer of Thayer 
County, Neb.; William, of Arkansas County, Ark., 
in which place each of the succeeding members of 
the family reside, excepting only Sophia, the wife 
of our subject. These are Nora; Rosetta, now 
Mrs. Uriah Hawkins; Lewis and August, both of 
whom are agriculturists. 

The birth of Mrs. Zahlten occurred upon the 12th 
of March, 1 850, in Crawford Couutj% Ohio, and she 
was married at Algona, Kossuth Co., Iowa, April 
13, 1872. For'two years after this event our sub- 
ject continued to follow his employment at the 
mill, but in 1874 he removed to Saline County, in 
this State, and for three and a half years followed 
the same employment. At the end of that period 
the removal to this county was effected, where he 
leased 200 acresof school land for twenty-five years, 
and commenced farming, making stock-raising the 
special feature thereof. In 1884 he had prospered 
so that he was able to purchase a quarter of section 
24, Sherman Township, paj'ing for the same SI 2 per 
acre. At that time it was all wild, uncultivated 
and undeveloped land, but thanks to his industry 
it is now well improved and brought to a high state 
of cultivation. Upon it he has seldom, if ever, less 
than 100 head of cattle, and from fifty to 100 hogs. 
In 1879 he suffered an exceedingly heavy loss by 
prairie fires, that destroyed everything save only 
his house and buildings, but despite this and every 
other reverse and difficulty, he who but a fewj'ears 
ago had not even sufficient to take him to his 
uncle, .as previouslj' mentioned, has accumulated a 
fair competency and acquired a handsome property. 

In his religious convictions our subject follows 
the teachings of the Catholic Church, of which he 
is a devout member. His wife walks in the light 
of the instructions of the Lutheran Church, in 
which she was brought up. Their family includes 
five children, who are all still at home. Their 
names are as follows: Richard J., born in the year 
1873; Joseph A., Jan. 29, 1876; Ernest A., April 
_ ■» 



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\ H ^ ll ^ 



166 



GAGE COUNTY. 




1. 187S; Bertlia M., May 2, lSSO,'anrl Clara Ame- 
lia, Jan. 3. 1S84. 

P^or a period of nine years Mr. Zaiilten has lieen 
School Treasurer, and also for several years a 
member of the School Board. These offices, en- 
tirely unsought by him, are all he has ever held. 
In matters political he is strictly independent: the 
question of party does not influence him a particle. 
His vote is jjiven only to that candidate who in 
his judgment is capable, and who will best serve 
the interests of the people. 

ENRY C. STOLL. Gage County has few 
more prominent and honorable citizens than 
Henry C. Stoll, whose biography is here pre- 
sented in condensed form. He was liorn in 
Nassau, Germany, on the 23d of February, 1830. 
When sixteen years of age he came to this coun- 
try, and located in New York City, and there made 
his home until 1853, engaged in the confectionery 
business. In AYill County, III., he engaged in farm- 
ing until 1858, and then built a flouring-mill at 
Mokena, 111 This was burnt in 18(10, and resulted 
in a loss to him of $10,700. This swallowed up in 
one conflagration all he had saved, and left him in 
debt at least $1,G00, almost all due to Messrs. Fair- 
banks & Co. This amount he paid in the fall, eioht 
years later. 

From Illinois our subject went to Crawford 
County, Mo., in 18G1. There he engaged in farm- 
ing, but in August of the following year he re- 
turned to niinois. There he took land and followed 
farming, which was supplemented by a creamery 
business, and every year saw him more truly suc- 
cessful. In 1867 he became a stock farmer, and be- 
gan the breeding of thoroughbred hogs, continuino- 
in this line of business until the fall of 1878, enjoy- 
ing every year most gratifying financial success. 
At the end of that period he came to this State, and 
located upon the farm he still occupies. He pur- 
chased the whole of section 17, Riverside Town- 
ship then an unbroken stretch of prairiel and, and 
was most uninviting, but he had faith in the out- 
look, and went to work. To-d,ay it were no easy 
task to find a better cultivated farm, a more com- 



plete set of farm buildings, or more adapted to the 
varied uses desired, than those of our subject. Ref- 
erence to the view of the farm, etc., in this volume, 
will doubtless make this more clear. His dwelling 
is a splendid specimen of the architect's and mason's 
art, and was erected at a cost of not less than ^5,000. 
It is of modern design and style, and is constructed 
of limestone, and the interior finished in hardwood, 
and the whole handsomel}' decorated. 

Our subject has been very careful in thelniilding 
of his stock houses, and has given them his special 
care and personal supervision, both before and dur- 
ing their erection. His pig-pens consist of half-acre 
lots, and one jiig-house stands 24x100 feet, and is 
a stont frame building lined with brick, lathed and 
plastered. This is designed for the accommodation 
of the smaller pigs during winter, and for their 
further comfort this house is he.ited by two stoves 
throughout the more severe months. Each of the 
above referred to pig-pens is provided with good, 
stoutly built and warm sheds, sutHciently large to 
accommodate all the pigs that would be in the pens 
at one time. At feeding time the hogsare provided 
for by a wagon especially designed, and built for 
the purjiose of handling their feed with the least 
possible inconvenience, waste or objectionable feat- 
ure. Our subject raises Poland-China, Chester- 
White, small white Yorkshire, and Black Essex hogs, 
raising not less than 400 head per annum. His 
reputation in this branch of industry is full}^ estab- 
lished in everjMiog market throughout the country, 
and wherever he is known in business his character 
is such that his word is taken in numerous instances 
as a sufHcient guarantee, where usually something 
more tangible is required. 

Although giving attention chiefly to hogs, our 
subject raises quite a number of Holstein and 
high-grade cattle, and the same care and provision 
are given to their requirements as to the smaller 
stock. Water is supplied to the various sheds, 
pens and tanks, and even to his residence, by a very 
powerful windmill pump, that keeiis the farm thor- 
oughly supplied with all the water that is required. 
Without doubt this is one of the best arranged and 
most thoroughly equipped stock farms in the county, 
besides being from the natural situation one of the 
most delightful places for residence. Being Init 



M^H^ 



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u 



GAGE COUNTY. 



1 00 ,v 



two and a lialf miles southwest from Beatrice, it is 
possible to enjo_v fully the various society events of 
that beautiful city. 

Mr. Stoll, while in New York City, was united 
in marriage with Miss Barbara Schieck, April 18, 
1 852. This lady is a native of German}', and came 
to this country in the year 1848, when about thir- 
teen years of age. She was born April 17, 183o, 
in Baden, near Heidelberg; she is the daughter of 
Henry George and Julia .Schieck. They had a fam- 
ily of eleven children, seven of whom grew to ma- 
turity, and in the year 1848 they emigrated to 
America, landing in New York. From there they 
made their way to Will Countj', III., and settled in 
Mokena, that county, where the father bought a 
farm, and continued to farm until his death, which 
took place in 1885, aged a little over ninety years, 
The mother died in 1886, also at the age of ninety 
years. They became well-to-do, and assisted all 
their children in life. Mrs. S. has presented her hus- 
band with seven bright, healthy boys, and five girls, 
equally well endowed. Matilda, now Mrs. Roemer, 
of Kansas City; Charles M., Henry A., Albert F. ; 
Malena J., now Mrs. Cunningham, of Marj'sville, 
Kan.; Louis J., William A.. Ferdinand H., Nettie 
E., Barbary A., Mary H. and Edward J. All of 
these survive. During the past seven years our 
subject has not had a doctor's bill to the amount of 
$5 presented to him on their account. Our subject 
and wife were both brought up in the Lutheran 
Church, and have ever continued their membership 
ill that communion. Their children also are being 
reared in the same faith. The}- are attendants at 
the church at Beatrice. 

Socially, our subject is connected with the I. O. 
O. F., and is a member of Beatrice Lodge No. 19, 
and also of the Encampment No. 16, at the same 
place. As a result of his experiences he has since 
the war been a Republican, although formerly he was 
a Democrat. In Missouri, whither he went after his 
mill burned, he was compelled to trade a $50 gun 
for a sack of meal, in order to keep his family from 
starving until he could get something to do. Such 
■was the public sentiment at that time that he was 
obliged to hide in the brush for over two weeks in 
order to prevent being killed by reliels, who had 
threatened his life. LTi)on another occasion they 

M* 



called ui)on him to help raise a pole on which they 
had put a rebel flag, but he refused utterly, saying, 
"You may put a rope around my neck and pull me 
up to where you put the Hag, but I will not give so 
much as the strength of my little linger in assisting 
to raise that pole or flag." This act of loyalty was 
the occasion of such an outburst as to make him 
leave the State. This, and also numerous other in- 
cidents upon the same line, have made him an im- 
faltering Republican. 

This history of our subject presents many features 
of encouragement to those who are still engaged in 
the upward struggle. Not only was the first start 
in life due to his own effort, but each of the three 
recommencements he has since made; for his mis- 
fortunes have been many, and upon three different 
times he has been reduced to the necessity of prac- 
tically beginning life anew. Then again he has lost 
considerable money at various times by notes he 
had endorsed for friends, who failed to pay the 
same when due. However, his industry, push and 
good management have enal)led him to survive 
every disaster, surmount every obstacle, and attain 
this ultimate unqualified success. Mr. Stoll has a 
section of land in Ilarlan County, this State, where 
it is his intention to start four of his sons in stock- 
raising in the coming season, and their success is 
well-nigh assured, seeing they have manifested the 
same high character and many of the noble per- 
sonal traits possessed by their father. 

One of the most delightful rural views the pub- 
lishers have presented to the public in many years 
is the full-page view of Mr. Stoll's residence, and 
some of the magnificent animals which he makes 
a specialty in raising. 



EMPTSY II. TROWBRIDGE. Among the 
inspiring and elevating influences which 
act upon the soul in this life, few are more 
potent than that of harmony, especially as 
rendered by a well -trained orchestra, or breathed 
from the soul of an organ. The sketch of the 
salient features in the life of the gentleman whose 
name st.ands at the head of this ])aper presents the 
history of the first trained and fully educated 








-A 



170 



GAGE COUNTY. 



nuisician established in Wyraore. Mr. Trowbridge 
has been from his youth up a teacher of instru- 
mental and vocal music, and received his musical 
training from Prof. George F. Root and Dr. Pal- 
mer, both of international reputation. 

Demptsy Trowbridge, the father of our subject, 
was born in Bourbon County. Ky., Nov. 11, 1801. 
In the same place he was reared, received acoinmon- 
sciiool education, and afterward learned the trade 
of a blacksmith, after which he taught school in 
Washington County, Ind., and there became ac- 
quainted with, and finall}' married Miss Edith Skel- 
ton, which event took place Nov. 27, 1823. They 
became the parents of eleven children, six of whom 
were sons. One of their children died in early 
childhood. Our subject was the youngest child of 
the family. During the term of his teaching school, 
the father of our subject was impelled by his relig- 
ious convictions to enter the ministry, and during 
the latter years of his life served in that office in 
the Christian Church. He was a man of large 
pbj'sical power, and well-developed, active brain, 
rapid and accurate in thought. When he had 
reached the age of thirty-eight years he was stricken 
with fever, and after a very brief illness was de- 
feated in the battle of life, and fell under the keen 
sickle of the "Reaper," on the 31st of March, 1839, 
just six d.a3-s before our subject was born, leaving 
his widow and family in a financially destitute con- 
dition. He h.ad become quite prominent as a minis- 
ter, and large things were expected from him should 
he have survived. 

Mrs. Trowbridge, the mother of our subject, was 
born at Wheeling, W. Va., on the 1 2th of October, 
1807. When twelve years of age she went to 
Washington Count}', Ind., with her parents, and 
made her home with them until her marriage. She 
was the daughter of John Skelton, a native of West 
Virginia, as was also his wife. Her father died in 
Owen County, Ind., at the age of sixty-five years. 
Mrs. Trowbridge was thirty-two years of age when 
her husband was taken from her, and was left with 
her ten children, under the circumstances above 
noticed, to face the hard, matter-of-fact world, but 
with the heroism of motherhood she nobl}- faced 
the situation and kept her children with her, feed- 
ing, clothing, educating and preparing them to 



take their places in life's struggle. This alone 
speaks most em[)hatically as to her noljle woman- 
hooil, strength of character, sound judgment and 
affection. It has been her joj- to see all her chil- 
dren enter into life, not simpiv in honorable callings, 
but with that strength and power which come from 
communion with the Divine, which is at once the 
privilege and part of the Christian. All her sons 
at some time in their life have been teachers of 
music; one of them, the subject of this sketch, has 
made it his chosen profession. Two of her daugh- 
ters taught in the public schools, as did also two of 
the boys. In 1857 she, with the youngest children, 
went to Marshall County, 111., and there made her 
home until Oct. 31, 1866, when she died, after a 
widowhood of twentj'-seven years. 

Our subject was born in Washington County, 
Ind., on the Glh of April, 1839, and afterward lived 
in Owen and Morgan Counties of the same State. 
In the two latter he received his education in the 
common schools. In 1857 he went to Illinois with 
his mother, who made arrangements for him to 
enter Eureka University, where he remained for 
one year, after which he tauglit in the public schools 
for five years, and in addition throughout the same 
period giving instruction in music. This was fol- 
lowed bj' his entrance into the cl.asses of the State 
Normal School at Normal, McLean Co., 111., where 
he staid for one year, taking advantage of every 
opportunit}' offered to perfect himself in his pro- 
fession, then he returned to school teaching until 
1869, in that time serving at Washburn. Belle 
Plain and different points in thecountrj-. He then 
attended the Normal School for Music at Janesville, 
Wis., conducted by Profs. Palmer and Root, at the 
end of the term receiving a certificate bearing the 
names of the following renowned musicians: W. 
Ludden, W. S. B. Mathews, C. G. Titcomb, E. H. 
Nourse and H. II. Palmer. During all of this time 
he was a classmate of the world-renowned P. P. 
Bliss, also S. AV. Straub and C. E. Leslie. Al- 
though our subject had taken such a thorough 
course in music he continued under the instruction 
of Profs. Palmer and Root for full}' two years 
longer, with them attending and instructing at 
musical conventions. Coupled with his natural 
talent and love of harmonics, these unusually fa- 



n 



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GAGE COUNTY. 



171 



vorable opportunities to train and mature his ability 
as a teacher insured his success beyond question. 

Ul)on leaving his instructors our subject taught 
at Atlanta, Lincoln, Broad well, Elkhart, of Logan 
Count}', Willinmsville and Springfield in Sangamon 
Count}'. lie spent ten j'cars in Lincoln, 111., and 
in that period gave over 4.000 lessons, for which 
he received between $8,000 and $10,000. He next 
settled in Minonk, AVoodford Co., 111., and made 
it his headquarters for four years, having large 
classes at Metamora, Roanoak, Benson, Rutland, 
Dana and Ancona. In the year 1884 he settled 
in Wymore, and has since taught for nine terms 
his chosen art. He is held in the highest regard 
in the community as a professor of music, both in 
regard to his knowledge and his ability to impart 
instruction, and no less so because he is in every 
relation of life an honorable. Christian gentleman. 

While residing at Minonk. April 13, 1870. our 
subject became the husband of Carrie Leslie, a 
lad}' in every way in harmony with his own tem- 
perament and professional aspirations. This lady 
was born in Madison County, Ky., Sept. 12, 1842. 
She is the daughter of Isaiah Webb, and lived 
with her parents until the date of her marriage with 
Alexander Leslie, and during her widowhood re- 
sided at Lincoln, where she met our subject. To 
Mr. and Mrs. Trowbridge have been born three 
children, whose names are as subjoined: Demptsy 
L., who was born on the 14th of May, 1872; Pearl 
M. E., Feb. 25, 1877, and Elmer Garfield, who 
was born on the 24th of February, 1880. The 
great shadow in the life of our subject, and one 
from which he has never seemed fully to emerge, 
made its presence felt in September, 1881. Upon 
the 20th of that month his daughter Pearl was 
taken by death after a very brief illness with scar- 
let fever, and ten days later his youngest child, 
Elmer, followed her, leaving the parents face to face 
with a sorrow that nothing upon earth can remove. 
The eldest son, Demptsy, was spared to his parents, 
however, and develops a character that promises a 
most honorable career. 

Our subject and wife are both members in good 
standing of the Wymore Christian Church, and are 
among the most .active and consistent members. 
Mr. Trowbridge is also one of the Elders, an office 



which he has filled since the organization of the 
church ill February, 1886. He has been very 
energetic and enthusiastic in Sunday-school work, 
and has held the office of Sunday-school Superin- 
tendent for a like period. The standing of our 
subject and his family in the community is excep- 
tionally high in every relation. 



%r 






IRAM LACY. Among the representative 
11 farmers and stock-raisers of the southern 
part of Gage County no one h.as been more 
successful in his chosen calling than our 
subject, as is denoted by his valuable farm, finely 
located on section 2, Paddock Township, embracing 
240 acres of exceedingly fertile land, all fenced and 
under good cultivation, and well stocked with herds 
of sleek, well-fed cattle and swine. He is one of the 
early settlers of this township, and has been active 
in promoting the development of its agricultural 
facilities. AVhen he began life he had no money, but 
sound, common sense, a good, practical knowledge 
of agriculture and an industrious disposition have 
stood him in good stead, for by the exercise of 
these he has gained an independent competence, 
and can support his family in comfort and ease. 
Mr. Lacy naturally takes much pride in his success 
as a farmer, and he is proud of his fine looking cat- 
tle, which compare favorably with any in the county ; 
he is p.aying attention chiefly to raising cattle and 
hogs, selling about forty head of the former each 
year, and from seventy-five to a hundred of the 
latter, feeding all the grain that he raises. 

Mr. Lacy is a native of Davenport, Iowa, his 
birth taking place in that city April 24, 1850. His 
parents, Hiram and Anna (Workman) Lacy, were 
natives of Kentucky and Tennessee. AVhen our 
subject was five years old they left the city of his 
birth and went to Atchison, Kan., where they lived 
for awhile. The father of our subject subsequently 
died in Henry County, Iowa, in .June, 1857. He 
was a farmer by occupation, and was a man of ster- 
ling worth and sound integrity, commanding the 
respect of all with whom he came in contact, cither 
in a business or in a social way. In 18G1 our sub- 
ject and his mother came to Nebraska and located 



-^•- 



,t 



'ii 172 



GAGE COUNTY. 



in Richardson County, where they lived for several 
years. Mrs. Lacy is now spending the declining 
years of her life in the home of her son John, in 
Colorado, near Colorado Springs. She is the mother 
of five children now living, of wiiom Hiram, of this 
sketch, is the third in order of birth. 

Our subject came to Gage County in March, 
1878, and located on the farm where he now lives. 
To the wife wiio presides over his home and makes 
it comfortable and cozy, he was united in marri.age 
in Falls City, Neb., Sept. 16, 1873. Mrs. Lacy was 
formerly Miss Fannie Johnson, and she is a daugh- 
ter of the late Alexander and Marj' Johnson, natives 
of Kentuck\-. Mrs. Johnson died when her daugh- 
ter was about nine years old; Mr. Johnson died in 
Washington County, Ark., in February, 1888. The 
pleasant household circle of our subject and his 
wife is completed by the seven children who sur- 
vive the nine liorn to them. Mr. Lacy is an inde- 
pendent, capable, self-reliant man, possessing much 
shrewdness and forethought; he is frank and open- 
hearted, and is well liked by his neighbors, as he is 
always obliging and helpful. 



=^EORGE McCLUNG is one of the early set- 
II <^i? '^'"^ *^^ Paddock Township, and hascontrib- 
^^Sl uted his share toward its development and 
improvement. He is activel3' and prosperously 
engaged in agricultural pursuits on his farm on sec- 
tion 34, which he has improved from the wild, un- 
broken prairie to one of the best tilled farms in this 
locality. He is a native of Ohio, first opening his 
eyes to the light of daj' in Jefferson County, May 
2, 1855. His parents, Archibald and Lucinda (Car- 
den) McClung, natives of New York and Ohio, 
moved to Van Wert County, Ohio, when our subject 
was a mere child. From there thej' went to Clinton 
County, Iowa, in 1865, and in 1869 removed to 
Grundy County, in the same State, and there the 
family was bereft of the faithful wife and devoted 
mother, who died Oct. 2, 1876, at the age of fifty- 
two, lamented by man}', as she was a woman of ster- 
ling virtues and of a kindly disposition. In 1878 
the father came with his children to Gage County, 
and purchased his present farm of 160 acres in Pad- 



dock Township, and he has since been a respected 
resident of this township. 

George McClung was reared partly in his native 
State and partly in Iowa, and he grew to be a strong 
and capable lad, and early put his shoulder to the 
wheel to assist his father in carrying on his farm; 
thus he gained a sound, practical knowledge of 
agriculture, which has been of great benefit to him 
since he has had a farm of his own. July 23, 1876, 
he was married to Miss Margaret, daughter of Rob- 
ert and Mary A. (Brown) Dick. Mrs. McClung's 
mother died in Linn Count}', Iowa, in 1869, and 
her father is now living in Dakota. To our subject 
and his wife have been born six children, one of 
whom, Desie, is deceased. The others are Mar}' L., 
Archibald W., Elizabeth J., Emma M. and Agnes A. 

Mr. McClung came to Gage County with his fam- 
ily in 1 878, and bought eighty acres of land on sec- 
tion 34, Paddock Township, comprising his present 
farm; he is now fencing 240 acres, including his 
father's 160-acre farm. He has his land well im- 
proved; he is engaged in general farming, but each 
year confines his attention more and more exclusively 
to stock-raising, in which department he is meeting 
with marked success. When Mr. McClung first 
came here this township was not laid out, and it 
may well be his pride that he has been privileged 
to aid it in its development and to watch its growth. 
He is a shrewd, far-seeing man, of good business 
habits, with a fine reputation, friendly and obliging 
in his relations with his neighbors, and in his fam- 
ily a kind husband and devoted father. He is a 
stroufc Prohibitionist. 



■^^s^- 



sa^^ 



<«?«^H■ 



yfelLLIAM YOUNG. This gentleman is per- 
/ haps one of the largest stock-raisers of 
W^ Highland Township. He resides upon his 
ranch on section 1, where he owns 320 acres of very 
excellent land, admirably suited to his purpose. 
As will be noticed, he is one of the pioneers of this 
county. Mr. Young was born in County Tyrone, 
Ireland, on the 20th of July, 1843, and is the son 
of Edward and Jane Young, both of whom were of 
Scotch descent, but natives of Ulster, North Ireland 





ooCo(^<^ ^ <^^^^^:<^^^i^2i^i^^^>^y'^ 



-4^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



-•»• 



175 



V 



He remainod in his native countiT until 18G2, when 
he removed with iiis parents to Glasgow, Scotland. 
From that city he embarked in 1862, in a sailing- 
vessel, fur America, where he arrived seven weeks 
and three days from the date of starting. 

Landing in New York City, Mr. Young proceeded 
to Philadeipiiia, and lliere resided for several years, 
working as a bricklayer. About 18G8 he came to 
West Lincoln, Neb., and there worked at his trade, 
brickraaking, until 1872, when he came to this 
county and settled T.ipon section 4 of Highland 
Township, where he pre-empted a quarter-section of 
land in its original wild, prairie state. He put in 
agreat deal of hard work during the next few j-ears, 
and brought it to a verj- high state of agricultural 
efficiency. It was a thorough transformation and 
had become, quite a valuable propert}'. During 
this time his father and motlier lived with him on 
the farm, and owing to this he was enabled fre- 
quently to absent himself from the farm in order to 
work at his trade at Lincoln, which under other 
circumstances would have been impossible. 

In 1884 Mr. Young settled upon his present farm 
on section 1, adjoining Cortland, where he was en- 
gaged in stock- farming, although necessaril}' giving 
considerable attention to the raising of corn, grain, 
hay, etc., for feed purposes. His specialty would 
appear to be the raising of Short-horn cattle and 
the breeding of high-grade horses, such as the 
Clydesdale, English thoroughbreds, and the better 
class of American horses. In this occupation he 
has had unusual success, and has built up a very 
large and favorable reputation in connection there- 
with. 

On the 1st of October, 1874, our subject was 
united in marriage with Sarah Calathan, like him- 
self a native of North Ireland. This lady is a 
daughter of James and Margaret Calathan, and was 
ushered into life June 1, 18ol, and made her home 
with her parents until her marriage, coming to the 
United States in the year 1869 with some of her 
relatives, settling in Philadelphia. This union has 
been more complctelj' cemented by the birth of 
nine children, viz: Sarah J., Robert R., Maggie T., 
Fred W., Jay W., Ette, Lora, also Willie and John, 
both of whom are deceased. In political matters 
our subject is independent, always voting according 



« ► 11 ^ ^* 



to the principles of right rather than part}'. Dur- 
ing his residence on section 4 he filled the office of 
School Treasurer for several years, and has also held 
other offices. He is a man who enjoys the fullest 
confidence and respect of the community, as do also 
his family. His history shows what may be done 
by determination, energy and hard work, despite 
poverty of early opportunity. 






\fJULIUS NEUMANN, Mayor of Wymore,and 
engaged in general merchandising, besides 
having other important interests in the city, 
,^,^J^ and whose portrait is herewith presented, is 
one of its most prominent and influential business 
men. Besides his proprietorship in the W^'more 
Rolling Mills, he owns the Neumann Block, a beau- 
tiful residence on Newton street, and other valua- 
ble city property. He holds the warranty deed to 
a fine farm of 160 acres in Pawnee County, and a 
whole section in this State and Kansas. 

The Neumann family is of pure German ancestry, 
William G., the father of our subject, having been 
born July 26. 1790. In 1812 he was drafted into 
the German army. The mother, Mrs. Catherine 
(Kehl) Neumann, was born March 18, 1805,atMeis- 
enheim, and was the daughter of well-to-do parents, 
with whom she was reared, and remained with them 
until her marriage. She became the mother of 
twelve children, nine sons and three daughters, all 
of whom lived to mature years, and of whom our 
subject was next to the youngest. After the return 
of the father from the wars he removed to Meisen- 
heim, where he marric<l, then settled at Langen- 
lonshime, where he held a Government position 
until sixty-eight j'ears of age. 

In the fall of 1857 Mr. Neumann with his family 
emigrated to America, settling first in Henry 
County, III., where he secured a tract of land, upon 
which he followed farming until his death, which 
occurre<l on the 25th of December, 1861. The 
mother survived until Aug. 4, 1880, making her 



J^ 



17G 



GAGE COUNTY. 



home with her son, our subject, the last six years 
of her life. All of their children had been given 
a good education, and with their parents were mem- 
bers of the German Lutheran Church. The sons 
are generalty engaged in merchandising, and hold 
good positions in their community. 

Julius Neumann was born in Langenlonshime, 
July 7, 1848, and there remained until a lad nine 
years of age, when he came with his parents to the 
United States. His education was completed in the 
schools of Henry County, 111.; he was for a time a 
student at the Cambridge High School. Afterward 
he worked on the far'n with his father until seven- 
teen years old, and then started in business for 
himself, establisliing a hardware store at Bishop Hill, 
which he carried on successfully for a period of 
three years. Next he embarked in the dry-goods 
trade at San Jose, 111., and since that time has been 
in this business, having now an experience of 
twenty years. 

Mr. Neumann came to this county in the spring 
of 1882, and that same year put up a fine brick 
block on Niagara avenue. In partnership with A. 
E. Winter he conducted a successful business until 
the spring of 1888, then, desiring a rest, sold out. 
Among the men most largely' engaged in those 
enterprises which have furnished an impetus to the 
business interests of the town, the subject of this 
sketch has occupied no unimportant position. He 
has been a member of the School Board most of 
the time since coming here, and holds the office of 
President, both of the Building and Loan Asso- 
ciation and the Board of Trade. Of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church he has been a generous contrib- 
uting member for j'ears, also holding the office of 
Trustee, and serving on tlie Building Committee 
and in other positions where he could do effective 
work. 

The marriage of our subject and Miss Amelia 
Wellmeyer, of Wapello, Iowa, was celebrated at the 
home of the bride. June 3, 1874. Mrs. Neumann 
was born Sept. 1, 1854, in Iowa, and is the daughter 
of W. H. and Elizabeth Wellmeyer, who were na- 
tives of Germany. Of this union there have been 
born six children: Clarence, who died in 187'J, at 
tlie age of six years; Rawley W., Clarice, Mahlon, 
Gertrude and Wilhemina. The eldest is tvvelve 



years of age and the youngest two. They are being 
carefully trained and educated, and there is every 
reason to suppose will grow up an honor to tiieir 
parents and ornaments to societj'. 

IL^ SIZER BARNUM, proprietor of the Pio- 
neer Livery Stable, is also the owner of a 
t^ fine stockfarm of 120 acres lying two miles 
(!^ north of the city of Blue Springs. He gives 
his attention mostly to the breeding of fine hors'is, 
having two imported stallions, and is a member of 
the Imported Horse Society. There are few men 
who have been more industrious or energetic in the 
building up of this important industr3' in this sec- 
tion. 

Hiram, the father of our subject, was born in 
Trumbull County, Ohio, in 1811. There also he 
was educated, studied law, and upon reaching man- 
hood made his way to Buffalo, N. Y., where he was 
married to Miss Irena H. Howard. They became 
the parents of five children, two of whom died at 
an early age. The father of our subject operated 
as a broker, but left Buffalo in 1838, and returning 
to his native State, lived there for a time in Trum- 
bull County, then removed to Akron, Summit 
County, and was engaged in the practice of law for 
a number of years. He finally returned to his na- 
tive county, and settling down upon a farm there 
spent the remainder of his life, passing awa}" .it the 
ripe old age of seventy-six years. 

Hiram Barnum was a man of fine cap.acities. 
prominent in local and political affairs. He held 
the various offices of his own township in Trumbull 
County, and was widely and favorably known 
throughout that region. His wife, Irena, was born 
in New York in 1807, and is still living at the ohl 
homestead in Trumbull Count}-, Ohio. This tract 
of land was cleared from the wilderness by Eli 
Barnum, the grandfather of our subject, who w.as a 
native of Danbury, Conn. He continued a resi- 
dent of New England until his marriage, then emi- 
grated to Ohio, and in the woods of Trumbull 
County purchased land three miles from any other 
settlers. From this he built up a fine farm and 
erected a flouring-mill on Eagle Creek. Later lie sold 



-4»- 



^ii^K-^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



i; 



a part of this property to a colony called the Trum- 
bull Phalanx. He spent iiislast years in Trumbull 
County, and died at the ripe old age of seventj'- 
five years. The house where he last lived was a large 
frame structure, the first frame house built in Brace- 
ville Township with an '• L," and had within it the 
huge fireplace common to those daj's. It was the 
resort of the people of that region for miles around, 
and witnessed manj' a cheerful gathering. 

The patern.al grandmother of our subject was in 
her girlhood Miss Mary Dibble. She became the 
mother of nine children, all of whom lived to ma- 
ture j-ears. Grandmother Barnum survived her 
husband for a period of ten years, dying at the ad- 
vanced age of eightj'-flve. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Buffalo, 
N. y., Nov. 11, 1837. He was but one j'ear old 
when his parents moved to Ohio, settling in Brace- 
ville Township. His education was continued in 
the schools of Akron, Summit County, and after 
their removal to the farm he became familiar with 
its various labors. He remained with his parents 
until the spring of 1859, then coming West, crossed 
the Missouri River at Nebraska Cit}' on the 20th of 
Ai)ril of that j-ear. He took up his location in this 
county on the 24lh of Ma}' following, thus being 
one of the earliest pioneers of .Southern Nebraska. 
In Blue Springs Township there were then only 
Henry Elliot, with his father and brother, a family 
by the n.amc of Eavener, and another by the name 
of Foff. His nearest neighbor was two miles dis- 
tant from the tract of land which he secured from 
the Government. 

The Indians had not then left this section of 
country, being settled on a reservation, and caused 
the settlers much apjjrehension on account of their 
depredations and hostility to the whites. Wild ani- 
mals also were abundant. For fifteen years Mr. 
Barnum contended with the elements of the soil 
and other inconveniences attendant upon pioneer 
life, then began to realize the fruits of his labors. 
By careful cultivation his land j-ielded abundantly, 
and he erected the buildings necessary for his con- 
venience and comfort. He occupied this home un- 
til 1871. In the meantime, after the outbreak of 
the late Civil War, he enlisted on the 1st of Septem- 
ber, 1861, in the 1st Battalion of Nebraska Cavalry, 



afterward transferred to the 5th Iowa Cavalry, and 
did good service as a soldier in the States of Ken- 
tuck}' and Tennessee until Nov. 11, 1862, when he 
was compelled to accept his discharge on account 
of disability. Two brothers of Mr. Barnum were 
also in the late war. One, Samuel H., was wounded 
at the battle of Chancellors ville, and died soon after 
from his wounds. The daughter Kate is a teacher 
in the grammar school at Blue Springs. 

Mr. Barnum was married April 19, 1863, to one 
of the most estimable ladies of Blue Springs, 
Mrs. Mj'ra H. Rappleye, and of this union there 
were born four children, one of whom died in in- 
fancy; those surviving are Kate, Eli H. and Roza. 
The famil}' in the winter of 1871 left the farm .and 
removed to Blue Springs, where Mr. Barnum put 
up a small house and a haj' stable, and thus inau- 
gurated the business from which he now derives a 
handsome income. He went to Bloomingtou, Neb., 
in 1873, laid the foundations for the second build- 
ing in the town, and also established a livery stable 
there later, which he operated three years. He 
deals largely in Clyde, Norman and Percheron 
horses, and exhibits some of the finest animals in 
Southern Nebraska, of immense size and great 
beauty. His farm furnishes fine pasturage for these 
animals, and he also has convenient stables, and all 
the other appliances necessary' for the successful 
prosecution of his calling. His stables contain some 
high-bred trotting stock, in the care and training of 
which he exercises the most excellent judgment, and 
has gained for himself an enviable reputation 
throughout the State. His brood mare stands sec- 
ond to none in the country. 

Mr. Barnum in addition to his extensive private 
interests has held the various township offices, and 
is everywhere spoken of as one of the liberal and 
public-spirited men of Gage County. Quiet and 
unassuming in his manners, he is one of the few who 
gain hosts of friends who respect him for his good 
qualities alone. He still has in his possession a cer- 
tificate of election to the office of the Register of 
Deeds in Gage County, before its organization, and 
which had to be aeknowleged in Pawnee Count}'. 
This bears the date July 16, 1859, and was signed 
by Julius Tyler, Clerk. It is a document careful!}' 
preserved, and one with which he would not part 



•> J t <• 



■^^ 



178 



GAGE COUNTY. 



for considerable money. In Blue Springs Town- 
ship he has served as Assessor, Supervisor and 
Treasurer of the School Board. 

Mrs. Barnnm was born in Derbyshire, England. 
Her mother was Frances (Hollingwortli) Shelley, 
and the parents emigrated to America when she was 
a young girl of fourteen years. They settled on a 
tract of land In Portage County, Wis., and Mj'ra 
remained under the parental roof until her marriage 
to L. C. Rappleye, who died in 1861. Her father 
followed farming until his death, which occurred 
about 1884. The mother resides with her son, R. 
E. Shelle^', in Holmesville, Gage Co., Neb., and has 
arrived at the ripe old age of seventy-two years. 



^N HRISTIAN C. MOWRY was early identified 
_ with the pioneers of Gage Countjs coming 
i^y here in the very prime of early manhood, 
and devoting his energies to assist in the develop- 
ment of the wonderful agricultural resources of 
this exceedingly fertile and productive region. He 
is an intelligent, enterprising man, of honorable 
character and good business habits, and is vvell de- 
serving of the good fortune that has come to him 
through his persistent toil. He now owns a good 
farm on section 12, Paddock Township, that in cult- 
ure and productiveness compares favorablj- with 
any other farm in the township. 

Our subject was born in Darke County, Ohio, 
Oct. 17, 1844, to Jacob and Susanna (Cring) Mowry. 
His father was a man of good standing in his com- 
munity, both as a man and as a citizen, and his 
death, in 1857, was felt to be a loss beyond the 
home circle. The mother of our subject, an esti- 
mable, capable woman, now lives in Blue Springs, 
this eount3'. Christian C. was twelve years old 
■when his parents removed from the place of his 
birth to make their home in Sandusky County, 
Ohio, and there the remaining years of his boyhood 
were passed. There he was living quietly when 
the Rebellion broke out, a youth of sixteen years, 
too young to enlist, but he watched with intense in- 
terest the course of the contending armies, and at 
length the longed-for opportunity to take an active 



part in the conflict offered, and he gladly seized the 
chance to go as a substitute, becoming a member 
of the Ohio National Guards, May 2. 1864, and 
served with the regiment about 100 da3-s. In Feb- 
ruary, 1865, he enlisted in Company B, 195th Ohio 
Infantry, and was a member of that company until 
the close of the war. He was on guard duty until 
about Christmas, 1865, and proved himself to be 
a capable, trusty soldier. 

Mr. Mowry was united in marriage to Miss Lu- 
cinda Haupster, Feb. 27, 1868, and he owes much 
of his present prosperity to her wise and readj' help. 
Her parents, Thomas and Catherine Haupster, of 
Richardson Count}', Neb., came to Gage County' 
the next spring after she and her husband settled 
here, and her father died here in 1884. Her mother 
now makes her home in Falls City, Neb. The union 
of Mr. and Mrs. Mowry has been blessed to them 
by the birth of seven children, namely : William 
H., Charles A., Effa E., Sarah L., twins who died 
in infancy, and John F. Mrs. Mowry is a valued 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Blue 
Springs. 

In the fall of 1868 Mr. Mowry decided to make 
his home in Nebraska, where he thought he could 
establish a comfortable home for himself and his 
young wife in this new and rapidly' growing State, 
and be able sooner to gain a competence than in the 
older and more densel}- populated States in the 
East. After his arrival he located about three 
miles north of Blue Springs, in this county. Ne- 
braska was not then what it is now; it had but re- 
cently been admitted into the Union, and gave but 
little indications of its present wealth and high 
standing among its sister States. Gage County 
was then but sparsely inhabited, there were but 
few houses in Blue Springs, and Beatrice was but a 
village; its pioneers had scarcely more than entered 
upon the development of its resources; the sur- 
rounding country was in a very wild condition ; In- 
dians were here in great numbers, and wild game, 
such as deer, antelope, wild turkej', etc., was abun- 
dant. In March, 1880, Mr. Mowry came to Pad- 
dock Township and purchased his present farm, and 
he thus became one of the early settlers of tbis 
township. His farm comprises 120 acres of land, 
on which but few improvements had been made 



EBRA5KA FaRM &. 

^PROVEMENT COS. 

ECDiNG Farm 
'3220 Ac R £5,) IN I 

lAGE&JEFFERSONCof/ 

Nebraska. 

'ILPATRICKBRO.'/' 

Proprietors 
HQDUCZD //v 

^0000 BU. 
orn^Oats. 




Sec.35 




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Corn. 



Corn 



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Corn. 








OH School-land 5cc.3G. 



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Feeding Farm of. Nebraska Farm &. Improvement Co =KilpatrickBro's,Propr's 




5. 25. 26. 35.36.(1.4. RA.) Jefferson Co,&.5ec's.19.30.&3I.Gage Co, Nebraska 



-<^ 



,t 



\ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



when he became tlie possessor of it. He now has 
it iiixler :i high state of cultivation, and iiis patient 
labors are rewarded by abundant harvests. A part 
of his farm is devoted to pasturage and mowing 
land, as he pays much attention to raising stoclv. 



IlL^ILPATRICK BROS. As a firm of railroad 
(3<\ contractors, that of Kilpatrick Bros, is one 

iii^l^ of the largest in the countrj', and has an 
^^ unsullied reputation for business integrity, 
honor, efHeiency and promptness. These qualities 
■ have brought them after eighteen j'ears of busi- 
ness life to the front rank in their line. The firm 
consists of four brothers, sons of Samuel and Rachael 
Kilpatrick, who came originally from Ohio, and set- 
tled in the western part of Gage County in June, 
1859. Here they resided upon the home farm pur- 
chased at the time of settlement until February, 
1873, when Samuel Kilpatrick died; since that time 
his widow has continued to make her home there. 
They were the parents of six sons, viz: John D., 
Henry C. William H., Robert J., Samuel D. and 
Joseph M. The first four sons were born in Jasper 
County, Mo.; Samuel in Iowa, and the youngest in 
this county. They have followed continuously, and 
with s|)lendid success, stock farming and railroad 
construction. 

The originator of the firm was the eldest son, who 
began his life as a railroad contractor in I8G7, by 
working on the Union Pacific Railroad for two 
years. This was followed in 1869 b}^ a contract to 
build part of the Texas it El Paso Pacific, thence 
he went to work on the New Orleans, Jlobile & 
Chattanooga. The following 3ear found him at 
work under contract on the International & Great 
Nortiiern Railroad, and after two years he began to 
build sixty-three miles of the Galveston, Colorado 
<fc Santa Fe, and 1879 found him back in Nebraska 
laying the steel l)ands from IMarysville to Beatrice. 
Thus the business grew continuously with the widen- 
ing circle of its influence, and enriching its circula- 
tion. 

The partnership was a*anged, and work begun 
under its provisions in 1881, and without doubt 
there is not a more united and inntually loyal firm 



in the countr}'. From April, 1882, to the close of 
1883, the firm w.as engaged in constructing the 
railroad in Idalio and Oregon; iu 1883 they began 
to work on w'hat is known as the High Line of the 
Denver ik South Park Railroad, between Frisco and 
Leadville. During 1884 and 1885 contracts were 
filled iu the States of Wisconsin, Dakota and Kan- 
sas, and from that on they have been constantly and 
fulh' employed in Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, 
AVyoming, Idaho, Washington Territory and Ore- 
gon. The commercial standing of this firm with 
the chief railroad corporations of the countr3' is 
the ver}- highest, and they are now at work upon 
contracts for some of the largest and wealthiest of 
these. Since the firm was established they have 
constructed not less than 3,000 miles of railway, 
beside erecting a large number of buildings, and 
carrjing on their extensive real-estate interests. 
They are the owners of a farm in Gage County, con- 
sisting of over 3,000 acres in pasture and under cul- 
tivation. This propert)' is a veritable model farm, 
complete in all points of its equii)racnt. One corn 
field is of the modest extent of 1,200 acres. Upon 
tiieir farm they fatten from 300 to 500 head of 
steers for the Eastern market every year, and dur- 
ing the winter months take care of from 200 to 300 
mules; these and some 300 horses are at other sea- 
sons kept fully employed in their railroad work. 
The brothers also own an extensive horse and cattle 
ranch in Ch.ase Count}-, Neb., known as "the quar- 
ter circle W." It comprises a large tract of land, 
and much of it has been cultivated, and crops of 
millet, cane and corn, successfully raised. Upon the 
ranch are between 3,000 and 4.000 head of cattle, 
and about 350 head of well bred horses. Thej' are 
breeding largelj- of the Norman stock. In this re- 
spect they are pioneers in the western part of the 
State, in that they are opening up and developing 
a new counUy, thereby encouraging emigration to 
that jtart of the State. 

Several' years .ago the brothers erected a very 
comfortable modern residence, pleasant in situation 
and convenient in arrangement, which was designed 
for the especial use of their mother, who is held in 
most affectionate veneration by her sons, who con- 
sider nothing too good or too beautiful for her 
use. Athough aged, she is still a bright, active and 



«► ir^ 



1^2 



GAGE COUJSTY. 



healthful lacl_y, retaining possession of all her pow- 
ers and faculties, and jnstly proud of her sons, to 
whose interests she is enlirel}- devoted, and whose 
confidant she has been for so many j'ears. John 
D., Henry and Robert are each married, and have 
families of their own; Joseph makes his home upon 
the farm, which is under his care and supervision. 

The homes of John and Robert Kilpatrick are 
among the finest in the city of Beatrice, and their 
architectural elegance is well set off by the ex- 
tensive well-kept lawns that surround them. The 
firm is at present erecting a three-story brick build- 
ing in one of the best business localities of the eitj', 
their own offices being situated in a fine stone build- 
ing on the corner of Court and Fifth streets. These 
aie splendidly arranged and well fitted, no conveni- 
ence or healthful arrangement seemingly having 
been omitted. The Kilpatrick brothers are Repub- 
licans in politics. 

We invite the reader's attention to the splendid 
double-page engraving of the fine stock farm be- 
longing to these gentlemen. Some specimens of 
the fine stock they own are also shown. 



4: 



/p^ AMUKL D. AVRIGHT, A. M., LL. B., one 

^^;^ of the most cultured men of Gaije County, 
m^)j) endowed with more than ordinary capabili- 
ties and a fine intellect, has been identified 
with tlie business interests of Blue Sin-ings since the 
winter of 1887-88. He is engaged in the grocery 
trade, having a large and fine store building, and 
carrying a full assortment of everything pertaining 
to this line of merchandise, including queensware 
and the other articles most extensively used, both 
in tlie farm and village household. In addition to 
his store and stock he has a neat and tasteful farm 
residence situated on a fine tract of land three miles 
noitheast of Blue Springs, and comprising eight}' 
.acres under a thorough state of cultivation. Here 
he lives with his family, driving to and from the 
city morning and evening. 

JMr. Wright is a native of Van Buren County, 
Iowa, where he was born Jan. 9, 1847, and where 
he lived until 1865. Then, a youth of eighteen 
years, and his father having sold the farm, he re- 



paired to Mt. Pleasant, and entering the Iowa 
Wesleyan Universitj-. was a student of that institu- 
tion for a period of five 3'ears, at the expiration of 
which he was graduated with the degree of A. B. 
Soon afterward he was tendered the position of 
teacher in the High School of that place and was 
thus occupied one year; then, entering the Iowa 
State University at Iowa Cit}', he was graduated a 
year later with the title of LL. B. 

The year following, 1872, Mr. Wright left his 
native place and repaired to Osage County, Kan., 
locating in Burlingame, vvhere he commenced the 
practice of his profession, and was thus occupied 
there for a period of eight years. In the mean- 
time he was made Prosecuting Attorney for that 
countj- a number of terms and held various citj' 
offices. In 1880 he came to this State, sojourning 
two years in the city of Lincoln, and in the mean- 
time looking about for a different location. He 
finally drifted into the stock business, having his 
headquarters in Richardson County. At the time 
of the sale of the Indian Reservation he purchased 
a quarter-section of land in Barneston Township, 
and since that time he has been a resident of this 
county. He has brought his laud to a fine state of 
cultivation, erected neat and substantial buildings, 
and has a residence which, with its surroundings, 
forms one of the finest homes in this region. At 
present his stock consists mostly of draft horses, to 
which he pays i^articular attention, and has some of 
the choicest animals in Southern Nebraska. 

In January. 1888, Mr. Wright invested a portion 
of his capital in a stock of groceries, from which 
he has built up a profitable and extensive trade. 
His i)romptness in meeting his obligations and his 
straightforward methods of doing business have 
secured him the esteem and confidence of the best 
jjeople of the county, who are his vvarni friends as 
well as being his generous patrons. Amid the 
mutii)licity of his business cares he has alwaj's found 
time to keep himself posted upon current events, 
and has followed a thorough and instructive course 
of reading, and as a conversationalist is more than 
ordinarily intelligent and interesting. In 1882 he 
was chosen as a candidate of the Republican part}' 
to represent Richardson County in the Nebraska 
Legislature, but was defeated on .account of his 



-^^ 



■•► 



GAGE COUNTY. 



183 



strong Pi'ohiliition piinfiplcs, principally by the 
German clonicnt. 

At the age of twenty -seven years Mr. Wright 
establisiieil domestic ties of liis own l)y liis marriage, 
.Sept. 10, 11S7;5, with Miss Ella Johnson, of Henry 
Count}', Iowa. Of this union tliore were born four 
children, three living, viz: Carrie B., Dillon E. and 
Joseph G. Lewis, a bright boy nine j^ears of age, 
died March 12, 1883. The other children still re- 
main under the iiome roof, receiving the advan- 
tages of a good education and careful parental 
training. Mrs. Wrigiit was born in Pennsylvania, 
June 9, 1850, and when quite young removed 
with her parents to Iowa, where she was reared to 
womanhood, acquiring a fair education in tiie com- 
mon schools. Her father, Lewis Johnson, was also 
a native of tlie Ke3-stone State, and a farmer by oc- 
cupation. He is now retired. The mother, Mrs. 
Mary A. (Patteison) Johnson, is still living. The 
parental household included five children, two only 
of whom are living. 

The father of our subject, "William S. Wright, 
was born in Washington County, Pa., Feb. 8, 1809, 
where he was reared and educated in the common 
schools. Upon approaching manhood he served an 
apprenticeship as a brickmasoti and later operated 
as a contractor. Finally abandoning his trade he 
engaged in mercantile business at Bloomington, 
Ind., of which he became a I'esident at an early 
da}'. He sold out in 1840, and crossing the Missis- 
sippi cast his lot among the pioneers of Van Burcn 
County, Iowa, during its Territorial days. Taking 
up a tract of land he superintended the cultivation 
of the soil, from which was built up an extensive 
farm, the latter being managed mostly by his sons. 
He became interested in stock-raising, and also 
bought and shipped large numbers of cattle to the 
Eastern market. Tliis latter business he followed 
until his death, wliich occurred in Iowa in Jiuie, 
1865. Ilis last illness was contracted while on his 
journey to Garden Grove, Iowa, for the purpose of 
looking after an extra large herd of cattle. 

The mother of our subject, who in her girlhoo<l 
. was Miss Margaret S. llitc, was born in Kentucky. 
April 14, 1814. and removed with her parents to 
Indiana about IH'24. Of her marriage with Will- 
iam S. Wright there were born thirteen children, 



seven sons and six daughters, and twelve of them 
lived to mature years. The mother is now deceased. 
The subject of this sketch, always a thoughtful and 
serious lad, at the age of eighteen years identified 
himself with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
transferred his membership to the Blue Springs 
Society in 1884. He is now accounted one of its 
most prominent and useful members, serving as 
Steward, and ever laboring earnesti}' in the building 
up of its best interests. Near his residence he has 
established a Sunday-school, in which he ofliciates 
as Superintendent, and is a general favorite with 
both young and old. Socially, he belongs to the 
Masonic fraternity, and was formerl}- a Knight of 
Honor. 

The maternal grandfather of our subject spent 
the last years of his life with the latter, dying at 
the advanced age of ninety-three years. He had 
served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and pos- 
sessed many excellent qualities. Grandmother 
Hite was a lineal descendant of Chancellor Kent, 
whose name is familiar to all readers of history and 
theology. Joseph A. Wright, a paternal uncle of 
our subject, was during the late Civil War Gover- 
nor of Indiana, and did efficient service in ])romot- 
ing the principles of union and freedom throughout 
that State, probably more than any other man in 
the State at that time, although during his early 
manhood he had been a supporter of the Democratic 
party. He was at one time appointed Minister 
Plenipotentiar}' to the court of Russia, by Presi- 
dent Buchanan, and re-appointed by President 
Lincoln. George G. Wright, another uncle, was a 
Judge for a long period of the Supreme Court of 
Iowa, and United States Senator. He is now a 
resident of Des Moines, Iowa, where he is often 
visited liy his nephew, Samuel D., of this sketch. 



^fJAMES E. POWELL. In the present bio- 
graphical sketch it will be the endeavor suc- 
cinctly to present an outline of the life of 
the genial and popular Clerk of Nemaha 
Township, who is also the owner of a fine farm on 
section 11, where in general farming and stock- 
raising he is rapidly bcct>n)ing one of the leading 



^ 



>► i r^ 



184 



GAGE COUNTY. 






farmers. He is the son of Henry and Marg.iret 
(Austin) Powell, natives of Virginia and ilarjland 
respectively. Horatio Powell, the grandfather of 
our subject, was likewise a Viiginian. The jiarents 
of our sulijeet were married at Moline, 111., in the 
year 1854. where Mr. Powell was interested in the 
lumber trade, b^ing part owner of one of the saw- 
mills on the banks of the Mississippi, .and was also 
engaged as a sawyer. His death was the result of 
an unfortunate, and to his familj' terrible, accideut, 
and occurred as the result of a severe blow upon 
the thigh, received from a bounding scantling. 
He onl}' lingered two or three days, and then died, 
being at the age of about thirtj'-fonr j-ears. This 
sad event occurred in 1858, leaving his widow with 
three children, who were named as follows: James 
E., Mary E. and Sarah B. His widow, the mother 
of our subject, still lives at Grand Island, Neb., 
and is aged fifty-five years. 

Our subject was born at Moline, and his earl}' 
recollections gather round that place, although, be- 
ing but four years of age when his father met his 
death, his memory supplies no entableture of him. 
After the death of his father our subject lived for 
a short time with his grandparents, and when his 
mother married again he returned home. From 
the age of eighteen he resided with his grandparents 
until 1880. During this time he had received a 
practical, common-school education. Upon leavino' 
them he went to Bedford, Iowa, and farmed for 
one 3'ear, and from there went to Conway, where 
his mother came to keep house for him, her second 
husband having died. She was accompanied b}' the 
four children born of her second marriage, whose 
names are as here recorded : Anna R. Goldsberry, 
Romance, John and Flora. 

At Conwaj', Iowa, Mr. Powell purchased a farm, 
which was afterward sold and another purchased. 
This process was repeated two or three times dur- 
ing his residence in that place. In Sei)ten)ber, 
1883, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary 
Chiles, a daughter of Henry and Dica (Kennedj-) 
Chiles, both of whom were natives of the Eastern 
States. Mr. Chiles was assassinated in Texas by 
political opponents, he being a strong Republican 
and anti-slavery man, neither of which would serve 
as favorable credentials there at that time. His 



widow is still living at Conway, and is aged sixty 
years. She became the mother of eight children, 
five of whom are living, Mrs. Powell being the 
youngest. She was born Sept. 14, 1862, at Paris, 
Tex. ; her father's death occurring so soon after, she 
has no recollection of him whatever. Shortly after 
the death of her husband Mrs. Chiles returned with 
her children to Illinois, and settled in Knox and 
Mercer Counties, and in 1881 removed to Iowa. 
Mrs. Powell, who received a good education in the 
Illinois schools, made the acquaintance of our sub- 
ject there; this friendship was renewed subsequently' 
iu Illinois, and under such circumstances that its 
rapid growth demanded satisfaction in the more 
complete union of wedded life. They have one son, 
Claude, born in the year 1884. 

Shortly after his marriage our subject came with 
his wife to this count}-, and took up 120 acres of 
land on section 1 1 of Nemaha Township. This 
removal has been shown by the results to have been 
the right step, for success has smiled upon them 
from the first. Additional purchases have been 
made from time to time, of 200 acres. The atten- 
tion of our subject is chieflj' given to stock-raising, 
and besides his regular stock and herds he has a half- 
interest in the well-known stallion, "Westland 
Chief,'' of English shire strain. 

In 1887 our subject was elected Road Supervisor, 
and the following year Clerk of the township and 
School Director; at the same time he is by no means 
an office-seeker. In his political tendencies our 
subject is a decided Democrat, but always gives 
his vote to the candidate in his judgment best quali- 
fied to fill the ofHce, without regard to party lines. 
Socially, he is connected with the I. O. O. F., and 
is regarded as one of its most faithful and praise- 
worthy members. 

Our subject is an illustration of American West- 
ern life and success. Owing, perhaps, to the en- 
thusiasm and far-sight of certain lecturers who are 
interested in schemes of immigration, the idea seems 
to have got abroad that in the West nothing is 
required excepting to take up land and supervise 
the work of Nature, who almost supplies the capital 
and raises the crop; the actual facts in the matter 
are diametrically opposite; AVesteru farming requires 
just as much or more intelligence, energy, irre- 

— — — — ^ . 4^ 



u 



GAGE COUNTY. 



\ 



pressible courage and patient cnlbiisiasra, as any 
other place on earth, and wherever there is success 
these qualities must be possessed. Whether our 
subject would have been as successful, or in any 
such measure prosperous, without the cora|)anionship 
of his estimable wife, is questionable. He who 
said "It is not good for man to be alone," knew the 
creature He had formed better than the creature 
could possibly know himself, and He had so ar- 
ranged His plans and effected Flis work as to make 
the wife the complement of her husband, and those 
lives are the most beautifully complete and happily 
successful that are in harmon3^ with this law of 
being, as in the case before us. 

^ -^.^ ^ 



'.t 




=^\ AMUEL KIESS is a son of Leonard aud 
Elizabeth Kiess, both natives of Williams- 
port, Pa., at which place they were reared, 
married, and gathered about them a familj', 
and at which place they died. The father was en- 
gaged in farming, and he died in the year 1858, at 
the age of fifty-one years. The mother died in 
June, 1863, she and her husband having been mem- 
bers of the Allbright Church. There were nine 
children in their family, seven of whom are still 
living, our subject being the third child. The 
grandparents of our subject were natives of Ger- 
many, his paternal grandparents having come to 
America in about the j-ear 1790, and located in Lj'- 
coming Count}', Pa., when that country was an un- 
broken forest. They remained in Pennsj'lvania 
until their death, and at the death of the grand- 
father there was a posterit}' of sixtj'-three grand- 
children living, six others being deceased. 

The maternal grandparents of our subject were 
also natives of Germany, who came to America 
about the year 1790, and located in Lycoming 
County, Pa. The}' were among the earliest settlers, 
and took ai^ active part in developing that countrj', 
Williamsport at that time consisting of only a few 
log houses, a little log house doing duty for a 
court-house. Almost a century of years has passed 
since that time, and couhl the former inhabitants of 
that section of the country' be permitted to visit 
their old home, they woulil doubtless be .astonished 



beyond all measure at the appearance which it now 
presents 

On the 17th of November, 1863, the subject of 
our sketch was married to Miss Sallie Burkard, of 
Crawford County, Ohio, a daughter of Tobias and 
Christina (Kiess) Burkard. The parents came from 
Pennsylvania in 1848, and lived in Ohio until their 
death, that of the father occurring in August, 1876, 
at the age of eighty-one years, and that of the 
mother taking place on the 1 1 th of January, 1 887, at 
the .age of eighty-thi'ee years. They had a famil}^ 
of seven children, of whom six survive, Mrs. Kiess 
being the fourth child. To our subject and wife 
have been given a family of six children, namely: 
Daniel W. ; Jacob, who died on the 3d of August, 
1869, at the age of two years; David T., Edward 
T., Thomas S. and Elizabeth R. 

Mr. Kiess came to Nebraska on the 1st of May, 
1833, and located in Richardson County, where he 
remained about tweut}' months, and then came to 
the farm on which he now lives. His farm consists 
of 160 acres of well-improved land on section 27, 
Sicily Township, on which there is a good house, 
barn and other buildings. The farm is well fenced 
into fields, and is in a high state of cultivation, and 
on it is a nice fish pond and plenty of running 
water for the stock. Our subject has a beautiful 
home and is in every way admirably situated. He is 
a member of no political party, but invariably votes 
for the man whom he thinks to be best qualified for 
office, regardless of the party to which he belongs. 
Mrs. Kiess is an esteemed member of the Evangeli- 
cal Church. 

Our subject has quite a rare collection of bric-a- 
brac, which is of very great value to a lover of relics 
as he is. He has a Bible, the former property of a 
German in New York, that was printed in the year 
1668, and for which he has been offered §3,000, re- 
fusing to take that amount. It is about seventeen 
inches long, ten and a half inches wide, and six 
inches thick, and is bound in what is supposed to be 
leather made from the skin of a hog, with heavy 
brass corners and clasps, and was printed in Frank- 
fort, Germany. Our subject also has a fine col- 
lection of ancient coins and currency, among which 
is a three cent piece issued by the West Branch Bank 
of Williamsport, Pa., on the 1st of January, 1863; 

•► 



f 



-4«- 



l.sG 



GAGE COUNTY. 



a ten-pent piece from Williams County, Ohio, and 
also some from the State Bank of Ohio, bearing an 
early date. 

Another of the valnal)le relics owned by our sub- 
ject is a badge worn by some one who fought in the 
battle of Waterloo, when Napoleon I was conquered, 
for which he has been offered i;100. He has trav- 
eled over a great extent of the country, making a 
distance of at least 22,000 miles by rail through the 
States of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Dela- 
ware, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, Iowa, 
Missouri, Arkansas, Indian Territory, Kansas and 
Nebraska, and has taken two trips to Canada. He 
has had ample opportunity to indulge in his love of 
relic hunting, and has made good use of the oppor- 
tunitj' thus afforded, besides making the acquaint- 
ance of a large part of the country. 



-^-^-i-^^^^fH-^- — 



EV. GERHART PENNER has for a num- 
yy ber of years been closely identitied with 




-^ 



the Mennonite Church, which was also the 
^) church of his father, and in which both of 
them have been ordained ministers. The Mennon- 
ite Church derived its name from Menno Sj-mons, 
who was born in Frieslaud in 1496. Menno was a 
Boman Catholic priest, and a m.an of studious char- 
acter and great learning, but he left his mother 
church and devoted himself to theological studies, 
publishing his book of doctrine in 1539. The fol- 
lowers of his teachings are sometimes called the 
later school of Anabaptists. After the taking of 
Muenster and the execution of the leaders of the 
Anabaptists, Menno Symons gave himself to the 
winning of the remnants of those deluded people 
from the lawless fanaticism into which they had 
fallen, or had been led, and with older and purer 
elements united them in the Netherlands and in 
North Germany, and these .adherents of his views 
were known henceforth as Mennonites. They were 
carefully organized after what was regarded as the 
primitive congregational model, having ministers 
and deacons, and following a ver^' strict discipline. 
They take the Scripture as their only rule of faith, 
think that the terms person and trinity ought not to 
be applied to the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, that 

< • 



there is no original sin, and that infants ought not 
to be baptized. They maintain also that Chris- 
tians sliould not take oaths or serve as soldiers. 

In 18G7 they lost their privilege from military 
service, and the alternative was given them be- 
tween conscription anfl emigration, and they were 
allowed ten years to decide. They chose the latter, 
and in 1^73 their first body left Prussia, and from 
there proceeded to New York, whence they went to 
Kansas and Nebraska and made a settlement. The 
exodus became so great that the Emperor was com- 
pelled to change his order to stop the movement. 
Before this time, however, manj' Mennonites had 
emigrated to the United States, and thrifty societies 
had been established. Upon the invitation of Will- 
iam Penn in 1683, many came over and founded a 
settlement at Germantown, near Philadelphia. They 
have since made their homes in many States, and 
there are now six of their ministers in this count}'. 
They have but one church, but sometimes they hold 
services in the city of Beatrice. There are sixty- 
nine families, which form a membership of 320 in 
this church. No better citizens are to be found in 
any community than those connected with this de- 
voted religious body. Fidelity to promises and 
obligations, coupled with ceaseless industry, strict 
honesty, the quiet and gentle spirit, and the highly 
commendable disposition to leave the business of 
others alone, make them desirable neighbors and 
profitable and worthy citizens. Among these people 
our subject has been engaged in the spreading of 
religious truths and principles, and he is a gentle- 
man worthy to be admired. 

Mr. Penner resides on section 29, Midland Town- 
ship, where he has a farm of 750 acres, and owns 
besides another farm of 400 acres, both of which 
are devoted to farming and stock-raising. He is a 
native of Prussia, Germanj", and was born on the 
14th of July, 1836 ; his parents, Gerhart and Agatha 
Penner, were also natives of the same countrj'. The 
family were engaged in agricultural pursuits, and 
the father was also a brewer and the owner of a 
mill. The mother died in 1875 in her native country, 
and two years later the father came to the United 
States and made his home in Nebraska, where he 
died in the following year. There were three chil- 
dren in their famil}-, of whom Henry still resides ia 
•► 



T 



t 



GAGE COUNTY. 



187 



Prussia, and owns the hrewery whicti formerly be- 
longed to liis father; Gerhart and John are resi- 
dents of tiiis comity. 

In the year 1876 eighteen families emigrated 
from Prussia to the United States, and cast about 
for a pleasant location in which they could make 
their future home. They stopped for awhile at 
Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, but after looking farther thej' 
chose this county as one offering the greatest in- 
ducements, and thus, in 1877. they all came to this 
place. Our subject spent his earlj' life on a farm, 
and when he grew to manhood he and his brother 
Henry were engaged in buying and selling grain. 
On his arrival in this county he purchased about 
600 acres of land but slightly improved, paying $2.5 
per acre for 280 acres, and $12.50 per acre for the 
remainder. He has erected a good residence and 
farm buildings, and has m.ade many improvements 
on the home place now containing 7.50 acres. 

Our subject was married, on the 13th of June, 
1867, to Miss Anna Froese, who was also from 
Prussia, and was born on the 13th of December, 
1846. They became the parents of eight children, 
two of whom are deceased, and the remaining six 
are named Cornelius. Henry, Louis, Agathe, Anna 
and Marie. The father of our subject was a min- 
ister of the Mennonite Church, and for twenty-eight 
years he was engaged in spreading the truths and 
principles of that religion. Our subject grew up 
under that religious influence, and as he had re- 
ceived a very good education, he also consecrated 
his life to the work of the church, ami after coming 
to the United States he became a minister. He is 
an intelligent, enterprising gentleman, surrounded 
in his home by the refinement of wealth ; is pleas- 
ing and aff.able in manner, and the center of a circle 
of warm and admiring friends. 

^IBA S. YARNALL, Esq., is a representative 
citizen of Highland Township, residing on 
section 4. He was born in Harrison County, 
Oliio, Aug. 28, 1841, and is a son of Aaron and Har- 
riet Yarnall, the former of whom was a native of 
Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. The paternal 
ancestors came to America from Scotland previous 



i' 



to the Revolutionary War. and the m.iternal ances- 
tors were from Wales. Our subject was the second 
son and tiiird child in his father's family, and he 
spent his early life on a farm, engaged in the various 
duties of a rural life, and received a good academic 
education. The time passed quickly until he be- 
came about twent}' j'ears old, at which time the 
war began, and he enlisted, on the 19th of Decem- 
ber. 1861, in the 6th Ohio Independent Light 
Artillery. He participated in tlie battles of F'arm- 
ington. Mo., Island No. 10, New Madrid, the bat- 
tle of Farmington near Corinth, Miss., Stone River, 
McMinnville, Tenn., and Chickamauga, where he 
received a wound in the left leg, which disabled 
him so much that he was obliged to have it ampu- 
tated in 1882; He was honorably discharged on the 
18tli of November, 1864, after having given proof 
of a valiant and courageous spirit. 

After his release from the service of iiis country, 
our subject returned to Harrison County, Ohio, 
where he was married, on the 6th of September, 
1866, to Miss Martha Logan, a daughter of Samuel 
and Eliza Logan, who was born in Pennsylvania on 
the 28th of May, 1830. By their marriage they 
have become the parents of four children, of whom 
we have the following record: Mary is the wife of 
Henry M. Heustis, of Chase County, tliis State; 
John B. and Hattie N. are at home; William T. is 
deceased. In the spring of 1867 our subject re- 
moved to Marion County, Iowa, where he resided 
until the fall of 1871, when he removed to Powe- 
shiek County. There he remained until the fall of 
1883, when he once more changed his residence and 
came to Gage County, making his home on his 
present farm on section 4. The home farm con- 
tains eighty acres of land, which has been well im- 
proved and yields abundant harvests of cereals and 
general farm produce. 

Our subject is prominently connected with the 
G. A. R., Monitor Post No. 184, of Cortland, and is 
now serving as Senior Vice Commander, liis honora- 
ble war record entitling him to a prominent place in 
the order. lie and his wife and family are mem- 
bers of the Congregational Church, and are active 
members of society, respected by all who know 
them. During his residence in I'owcshiek County 
he served for three years as Justice of the Peace, 



h 



-•► 



188 



GAGE COUNTY. 



anfl is now servino; liis third term of the same 
office in Highlanri Township. He has serverl as a 
Sciiool Director, and is now serving his second 3'ear 
as Treasurer of his sciiool district. In recompense 
for his sei'vice in behalf of the countr}' he receives 
from tlie Government a pension of S30 per month, 
which, altliongh it by no means compensates him 
for the loss of so valuable a member of the bodj', 
is yet a mark of appreciation which should not be 
withheld from any wounded sohlier. He is a Re- 
publican in politics, and one of the leading citizens 
of his township. 

Mrs. Yarnall is a native of Allegheny County, 
Pa., of which State her parents, Samuel and Eliza 
Logan, are also natives. Her paternal grandfather, 
John Logan, was a native of North Ireland, of 
Scottish ilescent, who came to America and settled 
in Kenluck}' about the time Daniel Boone made 
his residence there. He was one of a military com- 
pany who went out with the intention of driving 
away the Indians who had proved very troublesome, 
but unfortunately all the compan}' were killed with 
the exception of two men, one of whom was the 
grandfather of Mrs. Yarnall. Hc'subsequentjy re- 
moved to Pennsylvania, and to him does this bVanch 
of the Logan family trace their ancestry-. The 
maternal grandfather of Mrs. \arnall, James Ful- 
ton, was a n.ative of the United States, but his 
father was a native of Ireland and of Scotch de- 
scent. Her mother's uncle, William Fulton, was a 
soldier in the Revolutionary War, and was killed in 
the battle in which Gen. Harmer was defeated. Her 
mother's brother, Samuel Fulton, was a soldier in 
the War of 1812. and yet still farther has this fam- 
ily been distinguished by the possession of military 
heroes, her great-great-great-grandfather having 
been a soldier under William, Prince of Orange, 
and fought at the battle of the Boyne (so tradition 
says), and was a Scotchman by birth. Her brothers, 
Harvey and Bennington Logan, were soldiers in the 
late War of the Rebellion, as were also two brothers 
of Mr. Yarnall, named James and John. 

When she was about twelve years old Mrs. Yar- 
nall, with her parents, moved to Harrison County, 
Ohio, where they remained until their death, that 
of the father occurring in 186,5, at the age of sixty- 
three years, and thatof the mother in the year 1877, 

.^ 



when she was seventy-four years old. Of ten chil- 
dren born in their family seven survive, and of 
them we have the following'i'ecord : Alexander re- 
mains in Harrison County, Ohio; Martha, the wife 
of our subject: Lucinda, wife of J. M. Ross, of 
Smith County, Kan. ; William D., of Tuscarawas 
Count}', Ohio; Harvey, of Cowlej' County, Kan.; 
Bennington T.. of Muskingum Countj'. Ohio, and 
Sarah, also in Tuscarawas County. The three mem- 
bers of the famil}' who are deceased bore the names 
James, John and Thompson. 



-^1^'« J»ti> 



«^*s^-»^^*f— 



^j UGUST STRUCKMEIER, one of the ear- 
liest settlers of ClatoniaTo\vnship,"is pleas- 
antly located on section 24, where he owns 
(§y a fine body of land which he developed 

from the primitive soil into one of the most desir- 
able farms of this region. A native of Germany, 
he was born Sept. o, 1843, and is the son of Henry 
and S()phia Struckmeier, who were also of pure Ger- 
man ancestrj'. 

Our subject was the third son of his parents, and 
received the excellent education usually bestowed 
upon the German youth. He lived amid the scenes 
of his boyhood until a man about twenty-eight 
j'ears old, then resolving upon a change, took pass- 
age on a steamer bound from the port of Bremen 
to New York City. After an ocean voyage of 
thirteen daj's he set foot on American soil, and pro- 
ceeding directly westward, came into Otoe County, 
this State, and secured employment as a farm la- 
borer. He worked thus about two years, in the 
meantime saving what he could of his earnings, and 
in 1873 pre-empted 160 acres of land on section 30, 
in Highland Township, this county. This was in a 
wild, uncultivated state, a furrow never having 
been turned, and not the least indication of any 
improvement whatever. Upon this Mr. Struck- 
meier labored until 1883, when he sold out to a 
good advantage, and secured his present property 
in Clatonia Township. His farm now comprises 
240 acres, all of which he has brought to a good 
state of cultivation. In his labors he has been ably 
assisted for the last fifteen years by the lady who 
became his wife in 1873. The maiden name of 




i 




r<N 











Va^' 




■^•- 



GAGE COUNTY. 



191 , , 1 



]Mrs. Strnekmeier was Katie Albert, and she is the 
sister of Eberhart Albert, a well-to-do fanner of 
Clatoiiia Township, a sketch of whom will be found 
elsewhere in this volume. 

To our subject and his wife there have been bf)rn 
eight children, seven living, namely: Ella, Jlinnie, 
Ilenrj-, Otto, Anne, Lydia and a babe unnamed. 
Mr. Struckmeior many years ago identified himself 
with the Reiniblican part}-, which he still supports, 
and he is a member in good standing of the German 
Methodist Church. As an agriculturist he has been 
thorough and skillful, and as a member of the cora- 
munit}'. is numbered among its most valued men. 
He takes a genuine interest in everything pertain- 
ing to the progress of his adopted countrj-, appre- 
ciating her free institutions and being proud to be 
numbered among her worthy and valued representa- 
tives. None are more worthy of a place in a work 
of this kind than the German pioneers who have 
contril)uted so largely to the development and 
prosperity of the Great West. 



■••■'^j^^d^^^T'^s* " 



rfp^ AMUEL WYMORE. The gentleman whose 
^^^^ life is herein sketched is the founder of the 
ll\/_ll| city bearing his name, and has done more 
for its .advancement than .any other one in- 
dividual, and in recognition of his service in that 
regard, unsought for by him, the citj' received its 
name in his honor. He is the owner of a large 
farm adjacent to the citj', which is operated upon 
the line of general farming and st6ck-raising. The 
residence of our subject overlooks the cit^-, and is 
a very fine modern building erected as recentl}^ as 
1883, one in every way worthy the founder of so 
beautiful and prosperous a place. In addition to 
his farm and residence he is the owner of a large 
amountof improved property, over 100 city lots, and 
has a large interest in the Touzalin Hotel, the finest 
in the .State outside of Lincoln and Omaha. lie was 
one of the leading promotere of the city railroad, 
and was the first to drive a ear over the newl3' 
laid track. He has oivned and subdivided about 
340 acres into town lots, all of which, with the ex- 



ception of those above mentioned, have been sold 
and occupied. 

Our subject w-qs born on the 20th of November, 
183.0, on Cole Creek Prairie, near the line between 
Park and Montgomery Counties, Ind. Not very 
long after his birth his parents removed down to 
Sugar Creek in the same State. There he lived un- 
til 1 844, when his parents went to Mahaska County-, 
Iowa, and lived there until the spring of 18.5,5, then 
he went to Atchison County, Kan., and remained 
for about one }'ear. B3' this time he had reached 
his majority and made his preparations to start in 
the world for himself. With this in view he went 
to Davis Count3', Mo., and there was married to 
Isabella L. Scott, upon the Glh of August, 1856, 
then returned home and worked with his father for 
another 3'ear. 

Upon Sunday evening. April 24, 18.58, our sub- 
ject and wife drove to Johnson Creek near Paw- 
nee, in Pawnee County, Neb., took up land, and 
pressed forward with the improvements as rapidly 
as possible. Their log cabin was built witiiin a 
week, during which time they lived in their wagon. 
His wife was busy putting in the garden while 
our subject was erecting their dwelling. During 
the first year he worked out sufllcienlly to enable 
him to purchase his breaking-plow, with which he 
broke about twelve acres, and had everything ready 
by fall to allow them to return to Missouri and 
winter. In coming out to Johnson Creek he had 
driven an ox-team, a team of Texas steers and 
stag, also a drove of yearling heifers, a cow, and a 
pair of two-year-old steers, all hitched ahead of 
one wagon. These he took back with him to win- 
ter in Missouri. 

Upon returning to his claim in the spring Mr. 
Wymore found trouble, for where his house had 
stood and his hay had been stacked, was nothing 
but black, charred, fire-consumed heaps. He then 
purchased a house of his uncle and put it up, and 
about one week after he began to occupy it this 
was also burned, and with it all the property of our 
subject contained therein. These losses made their 
circumstances very complicated, and but for their 
mutual companionship and encouragement would 
probably have overwhelmed them, but although 
hampered and straitened, our subject was not dis- 



■^^ 




a 



192 



GAGE COUNTY. 



\ 



heartened; inspired and airled b)' his faithful wife 
he gave ttattle to adversity and liecame victor over 
all. Among the great trials of life is that of en- 
forced loneliness, and her sisters will be enabled to 
sympathize with Mrs. Wymore in the lon(!liness of 
her life at this time, so far as the companionship of 
her own sex is concerned, for while upon the claim 
she did not see the face of a white woman for 
seven months. In 1861 our subject sold this farm 
and went down to Kansas to assist his father, his 
brothers having gone into the array. There he re- 
mained one j'ear, then returned to the vicinity of 
his former property, and bought land upon the west 
branch of the Pawnee, improved this and lived 
upon it for a little over two years, and then sold it 
and removed to Missouri, but first came to this 
place, purchasing 270 acres of land now covered by 
the city of Blue Springs, with the exception of 
seventy acres that lie half a mile east of Wymore. 
Upon returning to Missouri he purchased a farm 
and lived upon it for about two years, then came 
back to "Wymore and became the owner of the 
southwest quarter of section 21, and lived upon 
the same for one yeai-, then took up a homestead 
where Wj^more now stands. This was in the year 
1868. There were then but three houses this side 
of Bills Creek. Our subject lived upon this home- 
stead for eight years, occupying himself with the 
usual farm work and necessary improvements; then 
he removed and went to his land in what was then 
Wymore Township. About that time he bought 
sufficient land to bring the total of his possessions 
up to 438^ acres. This he kept until 1877, when he 
sold thirty-eight and a half acres that had cost him $3 
per acre, and received in exchange 900 acres. The 
remaining 400 of his original property he now 
made his home, and improved until the year 1880. 
AVhen the town of Wymore was [jlatted our subject 
owned 160 acres, all of which was within the city 
limits, and was of course laid out with the rest. 
In this is included about three-quarters of a mile 
of Main street, running north and south, upon 
which stands the Touzalin Hotel, and both railroad 
depots. There was quite a large demand for town 
lots, and our subject, of course, increased his wealth 
by the demand. 

Recognizing at once from the sale the irapor- 



tance of having property in the vicinity, our sub- 
ject in company with Mr. William Ashb}' purchased 
another 180 acres, laid it out in town lots, and held 
them for sale. Together they erected quite a num- 
ber of dwellings, and the sale of these largely in- 
fluenced that of lots in their neighborhood. From 
the commencement of the city's growth our subject 
has been prominent in every movement for its ad- 
vancement. Among the more promising of these 
might be known his efforts which were finally suc- 
cessful in procuring for the town the Burlington & 
Missouri River Railroad, and this company sug- 
gested the name of the town and station after our 
subject. The street railroad, which was built in 
1885, the erection and fitting of the Hotel Touzalin, 
were other matters in which he was very active. 
He also did much for the establishment of the Wy- 
more Building Association, and from the year 1884 
to 188G was President of the Blue V.alley Bank, and 
at the time owned all the stock, but has since sold 
out. At present Mr. Wymore owns 500 acres and 
one half -section in Norton County, Kan., eightj^ 
acres in Greenwood County, of the same State, 160 
acres in Hodgman County, and three-quarters of a 
section in what was formerly Hodgman County, 
likewise in Kansas; and 160 acres in Wichita 
County, a total of 1,800 acres. 

To Rlr. and Mrs. Wj'more there have been born 
seven children, of whom three still live. These are 
Mary Scott, Matilda M. and Samuel, Jr. Those 
deceased were named Nancy Ann, Sallie, James H. 
and Somcrfield. Mrs. Wymore was born in UeWitt 
County, III.. Oct. 14, 1837. When about five years 
of age, her parents removed to Mahaska County, 
Iowa, but after a short residence returned to Illi- 
nois, where they remained about two years, and 
again went to Iowa, where they made their home 
until 1855, and then with her mother and brothers 
she removed to Davis Count}^ Mo. It was while 
living there that she met our subject, and was 
flnallj' united with him. Her courage, womanly 
tact, enthusiasm and affection have been largely in- 
strumental in enabling our subject to make the 
brilliant success which he to-day enjoys, and kept 
him from giving up under the many trials and losses 
of his earlier history. She has lived to see her 
children occupying honorable positions in society. 



1 ' 



I 



^•►Hh-^ 



CxAGE COUNTY. 



193 



Mary S. W}'more, the eldest daugliter of our sub- 
ject, has become the wife of 'Williani O. Nicholls, of 
(Sherman Countj-, Kan., and has become the mother 
of one child. Her brother and sister are still at 
home in W}'more. 

Among the social fraternities of Wymore our 
subject is prominent only in one, the Masonic, and 
if his reputation and character attest anything, it 
is that be has not stood in the illumination of the 
lights beside its altar without having fullj' realized 
the mysteries inculcated, and having given them a 
place in his daily thought and pr.actice. The monu- 
ments to his diameter, manhood and patriotism are 
all around him in Wymore, and will speak louder 
and more effectively than any mere complimentary 
notice. It is, perhaps, therefore preferable to leave 
them to voice these sentiments. 

None of the portraits of the esteemed and well- 
known people presented in this volume will be re- 
ceived witii greater favor than those of Mr. and 
Mrs.. Wymore. which we give in connection with 
this sketch. 



^^EORGE W. ZUVER, whose farm is situated 
III (— -, on section 15 of Hooker Township, is one 
^^JjJ) of the representative citizens of the county 
in all that goes to make the American gentleman, 
and not excluding that feature which is peculiarly 
incidental to this country, that is, the fact that he is 
a self-made man, having commenced life for liim- 
self at the age of sixteen years, with nothing but 
his education as a fulcrum, and his ambitious, irre- 
pressible energy and good physique as the lever. 

Our subject is the son of Solomon and Julia 
Zuver. (See sketch of B. P. Zuver). His father 
was a merchant in Canaan, Ohio, and was one of the 
prominent business men of the place, but by reason 
of an over confidence in the people among whom 
he lived he became financially embarrassed, and 
moved to Iowa in 1 856, settled at Mason City, and 
there kept the Farmers' Hotel, which was liberally 
,p.atronized, and also after a time w.as the owner of a 
valuable farm. Tiieir family numbered five chil- 
dren, whose names are recorded as Byron P., .Sarah 
S., John H. (deceased), our subject, and Henry 



(deceased). The wife and mother was laid away to 
her rest in Ohio, her death occurring when she was 
thirty years of age. 

Mr. Zuver made his entrance upon the stage of the 
terrestrial on the 7th of December, 184G, at Ker- 
nan, Ohio, and began his schooling at the age of 
nine years, when his father had removed to Iowa. 
At fifteen years of age be began to work upon the 
farm, and remained on it for about one year, and 
then made his w.ay to Idaiio City in the Territory of 
that name. He crossed the plains in company with 
his father and several j'oung men from Iowa, start- 
ing by the overland route in May, 1864, reaching 
Idaho City on August 15. He continued one year 
in the gold mines of tliat State, making §4 per diem. 
In the summer of 1866, with |)ick, shovel and fry- 
ing-pan, he started on a prospecting tour through 
the mountains, and opened up a place known as 
Diamond Gulch, and here found that which repaid 
him for his toil,' labor and danger. He remained 
here one year, and then returned to Waterloo, Iowa, 
with a harvest of $2,000. 

Upon returning to Waterloo our subject bought 
an interest in the Valley House Hotel, which was 
run under the firm name of Solomon Zuver & Son, 
then entered the Western College, Linn County, 
and attended there for a short time, but after his 
life in Idaho it became somewhat irksome, and in 
July of 1867 he once more smarted West, and 
stopped to prospect at Brownville in this State, in 
company with his brother Byron. The following 
August he came on to Gage County .and filed a 
claim upon his present farm, and as soon as he at- 
tained his m.ajority he homesteaded it, and has since 
by continued labor marvelously improved it. 

In 1870 our subject was united in marriage with 
Miss Martha J. Hildman, June 5. This lad}' is the 
daugliter of John and Eliza Jane Hildman, and was 
born on the 5th of Jauu.ary, 1 850, in the State of 
Pennsylvania. Her parents moved to Iowa when 
she was about five years of age, and she has obtained 
a fair education. She has presented her husband 
with five children, who have been named as follows: 
James Byron, Julia E., Phronia R., Sarah and 
Clarence. 

Mr. Hildman was born in New York State, and 
was a prosperous farmer there; be removed to Iowa 

•^ 



f 



-4•- 

194 



a 



GAGE COUNTY. 



in 1856. and three j^ears latter settled in Nebraska, 
and upon his homestead in Gage Countj' in 1861. 
His wife was a native of Pennsylvania, and was 
born about the year 1819. She became the niotlier 
of fourteen children, Mrs. Ziiver being the seventh. 
She died in June, 1882, aged fifty-four years. Mr. 
Hihiman, who is still living, is seventy-four j'ears 
of age. 

In 1884 our subject removed to Garden Plains, 
Sedgwicl{ Co., Kan., and speculated there and in 
Missouri for a time. In Garden Plains he engaged 
in the liver^' business, which was afterward traded 
for a farm, which was presently exchanged for 
horses, and these later for the Avondale Hotel, and 
not long after this was exchanged for a farm in 
Hariison County, Mo. Tlienc.e he returned to liis 
present home, in addition to which he owns the 
farm in Missouri, properly valued at S2,000 in 
Wichita, and other real estate. Although quite a 
young man he is well-to-do, and takes his place 
.among the leading citizens. 

The School Treasurer's office has been filled b}^ 
our subject for one term, to the satisfaction of all 
concerned. He is deeply interested in the political 
economy of the nation and all the questions arising 
therefrom, and is usually found with the Republican 
party in the campaigns. He is a man possessed of 
large reserve force, business push and enterprise, 
and continuously lends his heartiest .assistance to 
those projects that promise the progress of affairs 
moral and temporal. 



fALENTINE MEYERS belongs to that class 
of German citizens who have proved most 
loyal and enterprising, and an honor to any 
community. As a boy he was full of life and vigor, 
and as a man he has won distinction by his well- 
applied energy and self-reliance. He is engaged in 
agricultural pursuits on section 22, Rockford Town- 
ship, and is widely and favorably known as a suc- 
cessful business man. His parents, Valentine and 
Catharine Meyers, were natives of German}-, the 
father having been born in Hesse-Darmstadt, and 
the mother in Weinheim. They were married in 
their native country, and lived there until the death 



of the mother. In 1849 the father came to Amer- 
ica with his second wife and famil}-, the mother of 
our subject having died in 1847, after having a fam- 
ily of seven children, named: Pitta, Philip, Len- 
hardt, Annie, Lizzie, Andrew and Valentine. 

Our subject, the youngest of his father's family, 
was born on the 14th of June, 1825, in Weinheim, 
Germany, where he attended school from the age 
of six to fourteen years. He learned the black- 
smith's trade, and for a time engaged in work, but 
having long had a wish to come to America, he 
gratified it in 1842 by starting out on the long voy- 
age when but seventeen years old. He bade fare- 
well to his father, brothers and sisters, and sailed 
on the loth of March, placing his foot on Ameri- 
can soil on the 2d of May. His destination was 
Lyons, 111., and after he arrived in that city he 
started to work at his trade, which he continued 
for one year, and tlien went to Canada, where he 
worked for four years. 

In 1847 our subject returned to the States, and 
made his home in Wisconsin, where he was married 
to Miss Rosina Schwartz, who was also a native of 
Germany, and was born on the 25th of November, 
1827. She was twenty-two years old when she 
came to America with her brothers and sisters. Our 
subject followed blacksmith ing, and was very com- 
fortably located in his home in Milwaukee when 
his parents came in 1849. The father made his 
home with him until the time of his death, which 
occurred in 1852, at the age of sixtj'-six j'ears. In 
1850 our subject removed eleven miles northwest 
of Milwaukee, where he purchased a farm and con- 
tinued his former vocation in connection with his 
farm work. He remained there until 1871, when 
he came to Nebraska, stopping at Nebraska Citj' 
for three or four weeks, after which he came to his 
present farm. He bought 120 acres, of which only 
twenty acres had been broken, and beginning at 
once to make improvements, he worked industri- 
ously, and now has the whole farm in a splendid 
state of cultivation. He has built convenient and 
substantial farm buildings, all of which are in fair 
order. 

Tlie family of our subject and his wife comprises 
twelve children, bearing the names — Philip, Eliza, 
John, Carrie, Charlie, Teressa, Lizzie, Annie, Susie, 



*f 




<^f^2.<n 




t. 



■^•■ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



195 



\r 




AVilliam, Hattie aiirl Barbara. In 187.5 the father, 
accompanied by John an<l Teressa, visited Califor- 
nia, and during the time of their visit the father 
engaged in worlc at his trade, by which they not 
only paid the expenses of the visit, but cleared §47 4 
in six months. In 1877 the father, accompanied b}' 
his son .John, made a trip to Oregon for the purpose 
of looking up u location, but came back satisfied to 
remain in Gage County. In 1 887 our subject made 
a visit to Colorado, where his daughter Teressa is 
living. He has long been identified with the Re- 
publican party, and voted for John C. Fremont. 
He and his estimable wife belong to the Evangelical 
Church, of HolmesviUe, and are the center of a 
host of warm and admiring friends. 



!)HOMAS YULE, a gentleman in comfortable 
circumstances and a resident of the citj' of 
Beatrice, makes a specialty of abstracts and 
loans, while at the same time he is prominentl3' iden- 
tified with its other leading business interests. He 
was born in Northumberland County, England, on 
the •20th of October, 1832, and ten or twelve years 
later his parents, George and Elizabeth (Huggett) 
Y'ule, removed from his native village and there- 
after lived in different places in England. The 
father was a civil engineer by profession, and for 
some time occupied a responsible position with the 
Northeastern Railroad Company, of England. 

In 1853 our subject, accompanied by his parents 
and his j'oung wife, emigrated to America, and all 
took up their abode in Columbia County, Wis. 
The father and son engaged in farming, and the 
family made their home there until the death of 
the former, which occurred in 1871, at the age of 
sixt^'-seven years. The mother survived her hus- 
band six years, and died at the age of seventy-three, 
after having seen four of her children well launched 
into life, the two others having died in infancy. 

Our subject was the fourth child of his father's 
family, and .is he grew to manhood was educated in 
the schools of his native England. When twenty- 
one years old he was married, March 15, 1853, to 
Miss Mary Todd, of his native count}', and who 
was the daughter of John and Mary Todd, also 

<• 



natives of Northumberland. Soon afterward Mr. 
Y'ule and his young bride emigrated, as above 
stated, to America with his parents. Thomas for a 
time farmed with his father, but later removed to 
the village of Lodi, Wis., where he engaged as a 
contractor and builder until the outbreak of the 
Civil War. 

Our subject now left his pleasant home and fam- 
ily to engage in the service of his adopted country, 
enlisting on the loth of August, 18ti2, in the 23d 
AVisconsin Infantry-, which was assigned to the Army 
of the West under Gen. A. J. Smith, this being the 
14th Army Corps, under command of Gen. Sher- 
man. Mr. I'ule with his comrades traveled through 
Kentuck}', Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, and 
participated in the first battle of Yicksburgin 1862. 
In the engagement at Arkansas Post on the 11th of 
January, 1863, he received a wound which resulted 
in the loss of his right leg, that useful member be- 
ing carried awaj' by a solid shot. He was then 
placed in Lawson Hospital at St. Louis, where he 
remained until March following, when he was honor- 
ably discharged and returned to his home in Lodi, 
Wis. Afterward in recognition of his service as a sol- 
dier he was appointed Provost Marshal for that dis- 
trict. He was also elected Justice of the Peace and 
Town Treasurer, which offices he held until Januarj-, 
1867, when he was elected Recorder of Deeds of Co- 
lumbia County. For eight successive years he held 
that office, which speaks well for his efficiency. 
Previous to his retirement he purchased a complete 
set of abstract books of that county, and subse- 
quently became associated with Miles T. Alverson 
in the abstract and loan business, which they con- 
tinued until April, 1879. 

In the 3'ear above mentioned Mr. Y''ule sold out, 
and coming to Nebraska established himself in Bea- 
trice and engaged in money loaning, while at the 
same time lie began writing up, in company with his 
son John T., a set of abstract books from the original 
records of this county. They now do a large business 
in this line in tlie States of Nebraska and Kansas; 
they have a fine office in the First National Bank 
building, which is well equipped with all the appur- 
tenances of a thriving business. Our subject has 
served one term as Mayor of Beatrice, and one term 
as City Treasurer, in both of which offices he gave 



i 



•^^ 



196 



^•►Hh-^ 



gagp: county. 



general satisfaction to the public. He is now serv- 
ing his thinl term as Supervisor of the city and his 
second term as Chairman of the County Board of 
Supervisors. He is also one of the Directors of the 
canning factory, and a member of the Board of 
Directors of the Beatrice Street Railway. 

To Thomas and Mary (Todd) Yule there were 
born four children, two sons and two daughters, of 
whom we have the following record : Bessie J. is 
the wife of L. E. Walker, of Beatrice; Jolm T. is 
in partnership with his father; Alliert G. died in 
1H66; Mary Grace is now a student in Brownell 
Hall at Omaha. The motiier of tiiese children died 
in 1881. Mr. Yule in 1884 married his present 
wife, who w!is Mary H. Burke, a native of Canada, 
but at the time of her marriage a resident of Bea- 
trice. The family residence, pleasantly situated, is 
a neat and comfortable structure, occupying No. 
803 North Seventh street. 

Mr. Y'ule has been a member of the Masonic fra- 
ternity since 1858, and as a man who has given 
much of his time to the service of the public, he is 
entitled to more than a passing notice. In politics 
he has been a stanch Republican since the formation 
of the party, and his influence is sensibly felt in the 
ranks of his party, not onl}' in the county, but in 
this part of the State. His portrait, iu connection 
with this sketch, will be looked upon with interest 
by a large number of his friends and compeers as 
that of a man closely identified with the best inter- 
ests not only of the city of Beatrice, but the entire 
county. 



^^^HADDEUS WILLIAMS is the present enter- 
prising and energetic Supervisor of Logan 
Township, who has distinguished himself by 
his ardent efforts in behalf of the public. His 
father, William Williams, was born in Nelson 
County, Kj\, in 1812, and was a contractor, a mer- 
chant and a farmer. In 1853 he moved to Illinois, 
thence, in 1873, to Hamburg, Iowa, where he now 
resides. The mother of t)ur subject is Elizabeth 
(Blunt) Williams, who was born in (iallatin County, 
Ky., in 1819, and is also living, having reared a 
family- of six children, of whom our subject is the 




second. He was born in Gallatin County, Xy., on 
the 2(Jth of January, 1843, and spent his youtli 
under his father's roof, receiving a good common- 
school education. In 1863 he crossed the plains, 
stopping at Idaho City, where he followed mining 
for two years, thence to California, and returning 
to Sangamon Count}', 111., hj' way of New York 
City, taking a steamer from the Pacific Coast. 

Our subject was engaged in farming, which work 
he varied by a period of three years devoted to 
the mercantile business, and in 1880 he removed 
to Logan Township, this county, and settled on his 
present farm on section 28. He made all the im- 
provements that have been made, set out a fine 
fruit orchard and groves of native timber, and in 
various ways increased the value of his farm by 
labor and industry. On the 21st of Deceml)er, 
1870, he was united in marriage, in Sangamon 
Count}', 111., to Miss Mary L. Koscialowski, who 
was born in Jacksonville. 111., on the 8th of August, 
1848. Her father. Napoleon Koscialowski, was 
born in Warsaw, Poland, in 1812, and was a mili- 
lai'y man, his private profession being that of an 
architect. In 1834, at the breaking out of the 
Polish insurrection, he was exiled, and came to this 
country, making his home in Jacksonville, 111., his 
death afterward occurring in Washington City. 
Her mother, ISIarj' (Chenoweth) Koscialowski, was 
born in Nicholasville, Ky., in 1821, and after be- 
coming the mother of six children, she died in 
Jacksonville, 111. 

By their marriage our subject and his wife are 
the parents of six children, on whom the}' have 
bestowed the names of Leon W., Robert Hitt, 
Edith C, Edward T., Roy T. and Harry D. Our 
subject has taken an active part in public enterprises, 
chief among which was his assistance in the build- 
ing of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Prairie 
Chapel, for which he gave a great deal of his valu- 
able time in soliciting money as well as contributing 
his share toward the funds. His wife is a member , 
of that ciiurch, and is a well-educated and talented 
lady, ilisplaying her love for the beautiful, and her 
refined and exquisite taste in the adornments of her 
pleasant home. Our subject has held his present 
office of .Supervisor for three years, and lias been 
for a like period the School Director of his towu- 

•►■ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



197 



ship. While living in Illinois he filled the office of 
Assessor for three years, witii much credit to him- 
self and general satisfaction to the public. He is 
a member of the order of the A. F. & A. M., Blue 
Lodge No. 29. of Beatrice, and is a warm and able 
advocate of the Democratic party in politics. To 
the labors of such men as our subject is the town- 
ship indebted for its rapid progress, and the ample 
strides which it has made toward perfection. 



"QTji-rs-^^ 



•^^^TTTarx^- 



^^ EORGE B. P 

jl I g-, the leading h 
^;:^ England birt 



,^^ EORGE B. PHELPS, proprietor of one of 
hack lines of Beatrice, is of New 
rth and parentage, having first 
opened his eyes to the light in Monroe, Franklin 
Co., Mass., Jan. 5, 1838. The eldest of ten chil- 
dren, three sons and seven daughters, he is the son 
of Francis and Abigail (Fosgate) Phelps, who were 
also natives of the Bay State. Of their family only 
five are now living. The paternal grandfather, 
Daniel Phelps, was of English ancestrj', and a na- 
tive of Vermont. He spent his last years in Mon- 
roe, Mass., dying about 1850. The Fosgates were 
of English and Irish extraction. 

The male members of the Phelps family for sev- 
eral generations were farmers by occupation, and 
Francis Phelps, the father of our subject, was no 
exception to the rule. Both he and his estimable 
wife lived and died in Massachusetts. George B., 
our subject, spent his boyhooii and youth in his 
native town, attending the public schools and work- 
ing on the farms adjacent to the city. In this 
manner he gained a good insight into the general 
methods of agriculture, and when twenty-one years 
of age started out for himself, commanding good 
wages both at farming and teaming. 

Young Phelps about 1869 left the Bay State and 
went South into Tennessee, where he carried on 
farming in the vicinity of Howard Springs for a 
period of six years. The spring of 1875 found him 
west of the Mississippi, and he was for two j'ears 
thereafter employed on a farm in this county, eight 
miles south of Beatrice. Finally he took up his 
residence in the cil\', establishing an omnibus and 
ti'ansfer line, and was tinis occupied until 1885, 



when he sold out his transfer business, but con- 
tinued his hack line. He keeps several horses and 
vehicles, and gives employment to quite a number 
of men. The public are pleased with his prompt- 
ness in answering their demands, and extend to him 
a generous patronage. 

George B. Phelps was united in marriage to Edna 
C. Dunham Nov. 2, 1867, the fall liefore his thir- 
tieth birthday, at Florida, Mass. Mrs. Phelps was 
born Feb. 20, 1848, in Adams, Mass., and is the 
daughter of Charles and Caroline Dunham, and the 
niece of Jarvis N. Dunham, President of the Spring- 
field Fire Insurance Corapan3' of Massachusetts; 
also of Henry J. Dunham, a prominent lawyer of 
Stockbridge, Mass. Of this union there have been 
born five children, two daughters and three sons, 
three of whom survive — Gertrude L., Russell A. 
and Charley A. One daughter and a son died in 
infancy. Mr. Phelps, polilicallj', is a stanch Re- 
publican. During the late war he enlisted in Com- 
pany H, 2d Vermont United States Sharpshooters, 
and sliortly after going to the front was taken ill 
with measles, which settled in his system, produc- 
ing rheumatism, which practically ended his career 
as a soldier, he being obliged to accejit his discharge 
after being confined in the hospital at Brattleboro, 
Vt., witli no prospect of immediate recovery. 



^€S)' 



f OHN B. LYONS, of Adams Township, al- 
though one of the youngest pioneers of this 
county, has probably passed through as 
many thrilling experiences as any of its older 
men. He came to this region with his parents 
when but a little lad of seven j'ears, but has had his 
encounters with Indians and other wild "game." 
and is not afraid to say that he came out "first best" 
and master of the field. When about eight years of 
age he assisted his father to release a whole herd of 
cattle from the thieving redskins without the shed- 
ding of blood — accomplished mainly b}- that firm- 
ness of nerve which is often more potent than 
firearms. He has also fought grasshoppers and the 
drouth, together with the various other scourges 




t 



198 



GAGE COUNTY. 



that were years ago apportioned to one of the most 
beautiful sectionsof the United States, and has lived 
to see this great commonwealth come out victorious 
over all her foes, and transformed into the abode of 
a peaceful and prosperous people. 

The Lyons family have borne no unimportant 
part in the task of bringing success to this part of 
Nebraska especially, having been represented here 
during the period of its earliest settlement. John 
and Almira (^Sliaw) Lyons, the parents of our sub- 
ject, were natives of Massachusetts and New York 
State respectively. A sketch of them will be found 
on another page of this volume. After marriage 
they settled in Litchfield County, Conn., where 
their son, our subject, was born in Canaan Town- 
ship, Nov. 8, 1850. When he was a child of eight- 
een months they emigrated fi-oni New England to 
Kenosha County, Wis., where they sojourned for a 
period of six years. Then thej- once more changed 
their location, this time to the Territory of Ne- 
braska. 

The journey from the Badger State to this region 
was performed after the manner of those days, 
overland with a wagon drawn by two yoke of oxen. 
They cooked and camped by the wa3-side wherever 
night overtook them, and had some cows along, 
whose milk, never '-watered," was in that respect 
better than that afforded in the civilized luxury of 
to-day. The sister of our subject, now Mrs. Homer 
J. Merrick, written of elsewhere in this work, was 
then a little girl of five years. The family landed 
in Nebraska City, or the beginning of it, on the 
22d of November, 1857, and settling in Adams 
Township, lived there a year, then returned to the 
"city" and staid five j^ears, until the country 
should be better settled up, and agriculture more 
profitable. John B., in the meantime, improved 
his opportunities for schooling, and was quite well 
advanced in his studies for a boy of thirteen when 
the family returned to the farm. The father home- 
steaded land on section 28, and our subject made 
himself useful in assisting to till the soil and tend 
the cattle, of which his father kept a herd sometimes 
of 300 head. 

Young Lyons continued a member of the parental 
liousehold until tvvent3--four years of age, when, 
thinking he would be justified in establishing a 



home of his own, he was united in marriage, Sept. 
10, 1874, with Miss Lucy L. FoUett. then a resi- 
dent of Adams Township. Mrs. Lyons was born in 
the State of Minnesota, Aug. 21, 1854, and is the 
daughter of Panlon and Sarah FoUett. She came 
to Nebraska when a maiden of sixteen years to visit 
her sisters, and then made the acquaintance of our 
subject, and was persuaded that it would he a good 
plan to remain here. 

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Lyons has been blessed 
by the birth of eight children : Ida JL, Charles 
(deceased), Wyllis E., Clarence W., Effie B.. Mary 
O., John F. and one unnamed. The eldest of these 
is thirteen j'ears of age. and the 3-oungest six 
months, and all are at home with their parents. The 
homestead, of which they took possession when the 
land was in its wild state, now embraces 120 acres 
of thoroughly cultivated land, with all modern im- 
provements, embracing a commodious dwelling, 
good barns and outhouses, sheds, an orchard of 250 
bearing apple trees, and a fine assortment of the 
smaller fruits, including cherries and apricots. In 
addition to general farming Mr. Lyons has been 
quite extensively' engaged in the -breeding of live 
stock, raising principally cattle and hogs, and from 
these has realized ample returns. For a compara- 
tively young man he has a fine start in life, and the 
prospect of a competency in his old age. His has 
been a rich experience of pioneer life, and one from 
which he has learned well. He values his home and 
the advantages of civilization which have grown up 
around him, and ma}' properly feel that in the per- 
severance and industry which have inaugurated one 
of the most desirable homes within its borders, he 
has been no unimportant factor in bringing his 
county to its present status. 

Mr. Lyons assisted in the erection of the first 
school building in Adams Township, in which the 
first person to officiate as teacher was Miss Silver- 
nail, a sister of his mother, and under the roof of 
which 3'oung Lyons afterward completed his edu- 
cation. He has been a firm supporter of educational 
institutions, and has served as Director in his dis- 
trict for the last four years. Politically, he votes 
the straight Republican ticket, and although inter- 
ested in the success of his party, has no aspirations 
to be an office-holder. 
.^ 




z 




■^^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



4 

201 a 



*, .« ARION M. CLOUGII is the senior partner 
of the firm of Ciotigh & Leopold, well- 




known raiicii and stock men. He resides 
on section 29. Iscmalia Township, where lie 
has 720 acres of land devoted to farming and stock- 
raising. Aside from liis snccessfnl business he de- 
serves iiunorahle mention as one who h.as worn a 
share of the honors of his country while engaged in 
her defense, having a war record of which he may 
well feel proud. His father, Horace P.. and mother, 
Ann (Brown) Clough, were natives of New York, 
the former having his nativit3^ in Chautauqua and 
the latter in Delaware County. His grandfather, 
Horace Clough, was born in New Hampshire. 

The parents of our subject made their home in 
Pennsylvania, wliere the father was engaged in ag- 
ricultural pursuits until the j-ear 1863, when they 
came to Henry County, III. The mother died in 
1867, aged fifty-four 3'ears, and in the following 
j'ear the father returned to Pennsj'lvania, where he 
remained until 187.T, and then came to Nebraska. 
In 1876 he was united in marri.age with Mrs. Win- 
ters, who died in February, 1888, and he is now 
spending his remaining days with his eldest daugh- 
ter. Mrs. Lucy M. Gillmore, in Highland Township, 
having reached the advanced age of seventy-two 
years. B}' his first marriage he was the father of 
nine cliildren, viz: Marion M., Levi D., Horace J.. 
Lucy M., Otis R.. Willi.am W., Josephine A., Ce- 
lesta A., and Wendle B., deceased. 

Our subject was born on the 3d of March, 1834, 
in Canal Township, Venango Co., Pa., and he spent 
his early boyhood principally on his father's farm, 
deriving his education from the common schools. 
He began to learn the carpenter's trade at the age 
of fifteen, and when he reached the age of twenty 
years his fattier allowed him to use at his own discre- 
tion the proceeds of his labor. He was among the 
large number of 3'oung men who thought there were 
better opportunities for business enterprise '-out 
West," so in 1854 he came as far as Henrj- Countj^ 
111., and worked at his vocation until 1859. He 
then went to .S|)arta, Monroe Co., AVis.,and engaged 
in the lumber business, making a contract to furnish 
pine logs to the Dammon Mills. In that business 
he continued for one and a half years, when the call 
came from Abrnliam Lincoln for 300,000 men. 



With a loyal heart our subject responded to the 
call, and in August, 1861. he was among the first 
to enlist in Company A, 3d Wisconsin Cavalry, and 
was mustered into service at Janesville after having 
been drilled at Camp Barstow. In February, 1862, 
he departed for St. Louis, where he entered the 
Arm}' of the Frontier, and with which he partici- 
pated in the battles of Cane Hill, Prairie Grove, 
and tlie Price raid into Missouri, which called for a 
ten days' fight. He was otherwise extensively en- 
gaged in skirmishes, his principal duties consisting 
of bushwhacking, in which he had his horse shot 
under him. Fortunately he was never taken pris- 
oner or wounded, never sick or in the hospital. 
When his company was organized he was given the 
rank of Corporal, and in 1862 he was promoted to 
the rank of Sergeant, but before the close of the 
year he was advanced to the rank of Orderly Ser- 
geant, at Ft. Scott, and served in this capacity 
throughout tlio war. He was mustered out at 
Madison, and honorably discharged in February, 
1865, after having taken his |)lace in the ranks as 
one of the bravest soldiers. 

After he was relieved from his service in behalf 
of the country, our subject engaged in the freight- 
ing business on the plains, hauling ^joods and sup- 
plies for one year from Ft. Leavenworth to Denver. 
In the following 3'ear lie engaged very successfully 
and extensively in the farming and stock business 
in Southwestern Missouri, and while in that part of 
the State he made the acquaintance of the lady 
Whom he afterward made his wife. He was mar- 
ried, on the 2d of December, 1865, to Miss Ellen H. 
Dodge, a daughter of Edward and Phoebe (Austin) 
Dodge, who were natives of New Hampshire, and 
had both come unmarried to I\Iissouri in 1821. The 
maternal grandfather, Daniel Austin, was one of 
the original founders of the Harmon}' Mission for 
the Osage Indians, and the family was piominent 
among the early pioneers of Missouri. 

Mrs. Clough was born on the 2d of July, 1847, 
at Little Osage, Vernon Co., Mo., and after her 
marriage witli our subject the}' continued to reside 
in that State until 1873, when the health of the lat- 
ter having been impaired by malaria he was ad- 
vised by his physicians to try a Northern climate. 
In 1873, with his wife and one child, he came to 



•^1^^ 



■•► 



4 



•202 



GAGE COUNTY. 



Nebraska anrl took out a claim of eighty acres in 

IliglilaiKl Tovviisliip, it being the hist one in the 
township. He began to improve his cLaim, and in 
1884 he gave liis attention to stock-raising, which 
proved to be lucrative, and in 188Ghesold his farm 
and has since been ranching extensively. 

Our subject and his wife are the parents of seven 
children, whose names are Nettie E.. Alta P., IMary 
v., Florence (ileceased). Jay P.,Dessa A. and John 
R. ; the latter died when he vvas six months okl. In 
1888 Miss Nettie E. was married to William Leo- 
pold, the partner of our subject. Both Mr. and Mrs. 
Clough arc members of tlie Congregational Church, 
of Cortland, in wliich the former is Deacon, and the 
famil}' i^anks as one of the most prominent in tlie 
community. Our subject is a cliarter member of 
Monitor Post No. 84, G. A. R., which was estab- 
lished in 1883, and holds the office of .Siu'geon. He 
has served as a school officer for a period of four 
years, and in the Judiciary Courts he lias served as 
a member of the Petit Jury. He is a very ardent 
Republican, and was sent as a delegate to the 
County Convention in 1884. He is a generous and 
intelligent man, genial and hospitable, and p.ays 
strict attention to his extensive business, and as a 
splendid representative of tlie active business men 
of the count}' the piil)lisliers take pleasure in pre- 
senting his portrait in connection with this brief 
sketch of his life. 



Vf?AME.S PLUCKNETT is one of the success- 
ful and enterprising stock-raisers and far- 
mers of Grant Township, and having come 
up to his present position tiirongh struggles 
and ditllculties. he is the better enabled to appreci- 
ate his success, which is due to his intelligence, as- 
siduous labor and careful thrift. His specialty is in 
iShort-horn cattle and the higher grades of hogs. 
His property is oOO acres in extent, and contains 
some most excellent jiastoral land, and is situated 
on section BO. 

Our subject has U_> look across the Atlantic as the 
place of his birth, which took place on the 31st of 



March, 1836, in Somersetshire, England. The in- 
terested reader is referred for further particulars to 
the biography of William Plucknett, which will be 
found upon another page. The subject of this 
sketch was the si.xth child of seven born to his par- 
ents, and spent the first tweut}' j'ears of his life in 
their home. His education was obtained in the 
parish school of his native place, and there he be- 
came the possessor of a fair and practical English 
education. 

In the spring of 1856 our subject started with 
his father for the New World, and landed in New 
York upon the 3d of IMay, the same 3ear. He 
pushed on to Trumbull County, Ohio, and six 
months later made his wa}- to Hancock Count}'. HI,, 
where he lived for about three years, hi 1859 he 
went to Shelby County, Iowa, and thence, in 1861, 
he came to Nebraska, and settled in this county 
near the Big Blue River, on the 10th of June, when 
the entire surrounding country was exclusively 
wild prairie. 

The first thing done upon settling was the build- 
ing of a home, in which he followed a happy bach- 
elor life for some time, but he did not seem to fully 
appreciate what some would call his " liberty," and 
upon the 29th of September, 1869, he was united 
in marriage with Miss Mary Summers, one of Indi- 
ana's fairest and best daughters. This lady was 
born in Clark Count}", Ind,, on the 27th of March, 
1847, to John L. and Margaret (Blades) Summers, 
who were natives of Kentucky and Maryland, 
respectively. Upon their marriage the}' settled first 
in Kentucky, but it was not long before they re- 
moved to Indiana. Thence they migrated to Kan- 
sas, but owing to the long drouth in 1860 returned 
to Indiana, and six years later made their w.ay to 
this State, and have since lived near DeWitt, in 
Saline County, where they own a good farm. Both 
Mr, and Mrs, Summers are lifelong members of the 
Baptist Church, and are affiliated with the mem- 
bership at DeWitt, 

The wife of our subject was brought up for the 
most part in Indiana, and in the public schools of 
that State received her education. She made her 
home with her parents until she left it at her mar- 
riage. She is one of a family of nine children born 
to her parents. Her union with our subject has 



^ 



-M- 



GAGE COUNTY. 



203 i i 



lieen the more firmly ccmcnU'd and its joys eii- 
linnccd by lliu birth of ten cliildren, two of whom 
departed this life in childhood. The names of this 
interesting family arc recorded as follows: Flora T. 
and Anna B., deceased; Elizabeth E., Frances M., 
Augusta E., Clarence J., William N.. Amy A., Anna 
E. and George M., all of whom still reside with 
their parents. 

During the late war our subject was a member of 
the 2d Nebraska Cavalry, under the command of 
Capt. LaBoo and Col. Furnace. The company 
enlisted in October, 1862, and was ordered to join 
the Arm}' of the West; the chief engagement dur- 
ing its term of service was that at AVhitestone Hills, 
Minn., though quite a large number of lesser en- 
gagements were entereil into. Our subject escaped 
unhurt, although he continued in the service until 
December, I8G3, when the company was mustered 
out at Nebraska Cit}', and its members receiving 
honorable discharge returned to their homes. Their 
term of service was short, and was entered into with 
a view of protecting the interests of the settlers of 
the frontier, who without some such help would 
have been at the mere}' of those who only waited 
an opportunity' for depredation. 

About the lime our sul)ject returned home, doffed 
his military uniform and hung up his sword, the 
Homestead Law was passed, and he, taking advan- 
tage of the same, entered the first homestead under 
that law in his district. This [jroperty he has added 
to from time to time until he has become tiie owner 
of 520 acres, all of which issitualed in Grant Town- 
ship. He continues to reside upon the original 
iioujcstead. where lie has erected a very pleasant 
and commodious dwelling, besides a complete set of 
such buildings as are needed for the purpose of a 
stock farm of such extent. His home is situated 
about a mile and a quarter from DeWitt, and is 
built upon one of the prettiest parts of the banks 
of the Turke)' River, as it winds its wjiy through 
his farm. 

Like his father our sul)ject is a thorough p]nglish- 
man in make-up, disposition and some National char- 
acteristics; but he is also a true citizen of the 
United States, and thoroughly American in his 
thoughts, sentiments and judgment. He has al- 
wa3's been very active in the various enterprises 



and projects that have been for the advantage of 
the count}' or State, and it were hard to find a more 
respected and poi)ular citizen than he or a more 
highly esteemed family than his. 

(F^^^^ENRY C. BRIDGES, whose excellent and 
"^^ highly cultivated farm is situated upon sec- 
tion 15 of Riverside Township, is a native 
of New York ; he was born in Otsego County, 
Oct. 2, 1838, and went from his native State to 
Livingston County, III., in 1866, where he engaged 
in the lumber business, and continued his residence 
until 1878. when he came to this county. While 
residing in Odell, HI., he was for two years engaged 
in the lumber trade, and made quite a success of 
the business. Upon coming to this State he was 
enabled to purchase at once his jjresent property, 
which was at that time devoid of buildings or any 
sign of cultivation. 

Our subject has been engaged the greater part of 
his life in agriculture, it is not surprising, there- 
fore, that his property speedily took on a ver}' dif- 
ferent appearance, and has for several years been 
one of the most flourishing, productive and fertile 
in the township. The farm buildings, including 
barn, stabling, granary and others of minor mention, 
are all well constructed, and those intended for the 
use of the stock are built having in mind the need 
of warmth during the long and severely trying 
winter. These buildings compare most f.avorably 
with those of others in the district, and Mr. Bridges 
has spared neither time nt>r expense in making these 
and his house what they should be. This latter has 
been admirably placed, well designed, substantially 
built, and nicely decorated. It is not far removed 
from the orchard he has set out. which contains 
about eighty well-selected apple trees, thirty plum 
trees, and about twenty fine cherry trees. Upon the 
farm, exclusive of the grove, are some 2,000 shade 
trees of various kinds. These add much to the 
effectiveness of the picture presented by this prop- 
erty. 

However beautiful the home of our subject may 
be. whatever attractiveness it possesses, either from 
its natural surroundings or other embellish'Jients, 




204 



■•► 



GAGK COUNTY. 



these would be as nothinff comparerl with tlie pos- 
session of the faithful wife, bj' whom lie has been 
enabled largel}' to attain the success of his life. 
Our subject would be the first to protest that, with- 
out the inspiring influence of her companionship, 
the wisdom of her intuitive counsels and the cheer- 
ing brightness of her hopes, the present prosperity 
was doubtful. The day that united him with tin's 
most estimable lady was the 18th of P'ebruary, 1869. 
Iler maiden name was Anna S. Hotchkiss, of Odell, 
111. There have been liorn to them three children, 
viz: Dexter A., who was born .Inly 4, 1874; Harry 
B.. Sept. 16, 1879, and Bessie I. on the Gth of 
April, 1884. 

During the late war our subject served in Com- 
pany D, 8th Kew York Cavahy, for three years and 
three months, etdisting on the 16th of September, 
1861, under Capt. Frisby. of New York. In the 
second j'ear of service our subject was promoted 
from the rank of private to that of Orderly Ser- 
geant; later he was promoted to a Lieutenancy. 
He was with his company in the Army of the Poto- 
mac, and took part'in the battles of Fredericksburg, 
the Wilderness, Antietam, Gettysburg, and a large 
number of other battles and lesser fights. In many 
of these he was brought into close contact with the 
enemy, and can testify to numerous hairbreadth 
escapes, and although it was his good fortune to 
come out tinwounded, he became almost used to 
having his clothing and hat ventilated by bullet 
holes, so much so that after awhile the sensation 
of novelty had passed awa3-. and when an additional 
ventilation was added it occasioned barel}^ a re- 
mark. Upon i-eceiving his discharge from the arm}' 
he returned to Illinois, and recommenced work at 
his usual avocation. 

Our subject is the son of Alonzo and Fidelia 
Bridges, natives of New York State and Connecti- 
cut. His father's chosen occupation in life was that 
of a merchant. He was born in December, 1797, 
and died in 18G3, aged sixty -six j'ears. The par- 
ents of our subject were married at Hartford, Conn. 
Our subject was the fifth of their eight children, 
six of whom are now living. The parents of the 
wife of our subject were natives of New York. 
Their names were Benjamin F. and Delia (Baldwin) 
Ilotchkiss. Her father died in Beatrice in 1879, at 



the ripe age of sixtj--two, and the}' came to Ne- 
braska the same time as our subject; the mother 
resides in Beatrice. 

Mr. and Mrs. Bridges are members in good stand- 
ing of the Congregational Church, and are verj' 
liighlj' esteemed bj' the members of that communion. 
In his i)olilical sj-mpathies and principles our sub- 
ject accords with the Re|)ublican party, of which he 
has been a failliful member and stanch friend since 
it was within his power to cast a ballot. At present 
he holds the office of Township Treasurer, which he 
has continued to do for two years. Both he and 
his wife are cordially appreciated in the commu- 
nity, as worthy of veiy high regard in any and 
ever}' relation of life. 



"if OHN F. BARKHURST. Although one of 
the younger citizens of Grant Township, our 
, subject is one of the most progressive; in 
(j^M/ general intelligence and practical knowledge 
of his calling, there are few, considering his age, who 
surpass him. He is the owner of 160 acres on section 
10, eighty of which .are fully cultivated. He pur- 
chased this property in 1882, but has not lived upon 
it all the time since then. The improvements he 
has made, and the work of an agricultural nature 
that has been accomplished, would do much credit 
to one of longer life and larger experience. 

Mr. Barkhurst is the son of Joseph Barkhurst, a 
native of Ohio, whose chosen calling in life was 
that of farming. As a young man he was united 
in marriage with Miss Eveline Mossman. In 18.i7 
with his family he removed to Nebraska, and set- 
tled upon a new farm, and as usual immediatelj' be- 
gan to improve it. He is now one of the rich men 
of Otoe County, where he owns 640 acres of very 
fine land. Their family includes four sons and five 
daughters, all of whom are living. Our subject was 
born in Wyoming Precinct, Otoe County, May 
10, 1861, and was there brought up. His education 
W.-IS given early and full attention by his parents, 
and comprised in addition to the usual school sub- 
jects an intim.ate practical knowledge of agriculture. 



*t 



t 



<^ 



-•► 



GAGE COUXTY. 



20j 



i' 



the care and inanageineiit of stock, ami general farm 
worl<. 

In Nebraska City, on the 6lh of March, 1888, 
onr subject was united in marriage to Miss Bertha 
Reese, a lad^- of reuiarkabl^- liappy disposition, of 
good education and innate refinement, who will, 
doubtless, under the merciful preservation of life, 
give color and brightness to all the coming 3'ears. 
This lad^' was born on the 31st Of January, 1860, 
while her parents were residents of Lake County, 
111. There she was educated and brought up. Her 
father's business relations were those of a dairyman 
and wholesale shipper of milk, the greater part of 
which connnodit3' went to Chicago. Mrs. Bark- 
hurst did not come to Nebraska until after she was 
of age. 

Our subject and his wife are clever, intelligent 
and active members of society, moving in the best 
circles thereof, and ever^' where assured of the most 
cordial welcome, being well and favorably known 
and respected, not simplj' because of their family re- 
lations, buL also their own sterling worth. They are 
members in good standing of the Lutheran Church. 
In matters of political econom3- and civic interests 
Mr. Barkhurst is a thorough Republican, and it is 
not at all improbable tiiat the future histor}' of 
Gage County will bear upon the roll of its promi- 
nent and honored citizens the name of John F. 
Barkhurst. 



(^^EHEMIAH E. BURGESS, who by reason 
j j]j of his success as a general farmer and stock- 
!l\,'^) raiser, is favorably known througliout the 
count3', is the owner of a splendid farm coniprising 
160 acres of super-excellent land for such purposes, 
partly owing to the fact that its natural situation 
and inter-resources tend to make it more fertile for 
crops, and super-productive of grasses, the very op- 
posite of ligneous, such indeed as would be full}' 
appreciated liy the stock, and tend to increase 
rather than depreciate their market value. 

Our subject came to this county and settled in 
Grant Township in 1867, and has since continued a 
resident thereof. In that journey he was accom- 
panied by his father, and settled upon section 34, 
from which he rea.:ved in the year 1877 to his 
.^m 



present home. He was born in Dover Township, 
Racine Co., Wis., upon the 18th of August, IHoO, 
and is the youngest son of Nehemiah and Sophia 
(Woodward) Burgess, natives of York State and 
Vermont respectively. Shortly after their marriage 
at Kenosha in 1843, Mr. and Mrs. Burgess, 8r., set- 
tled in Racine County, Wis., where most of their 
children were born. 

In 1867, as above stated, the father of our sub- 
ject, accompanied by those of his familj' who re- 
mained at home, migrated to this State, whither two 
of his sons had alreadj- come and had made their 
home. When at the age of fift^'-seven years Mr. 
Burgess, Sr., was removed from his family by death 
in 1877, at his home in this count}-, after an attack 
of paralysis. He had been a hard-working, indus- 
trious and frugal farmer, an excellent and loyal 
citizen, a consistent memlier of the Church of God, 
and a stanch friend of the Republican part}-. His 
wife is yet living and resides with her children; the 
weight of sixt3'-seven years is on her head and 
proves well-nigh too much for her strength. The 
little while between the parting of husband and wife 
and their eternal reunion sometimes appears to be 
narrowing to a span's length. 

Until he was twenty-two 3'ears of age our sub- 
ject remained with his papints, their support and 
consolation. In 1872, upon the 31st of March, he 
was united in marriage with Miss Rosa Comstock, 
who was born in IMichigan on the lOth of June, 
18;j4, to Jonas and Catherine (Ruthruff) Comstock. 
Her father died when about twent^^-seven years of 
age, during the infancy of Mrs. Burgess. He was 
a native of New 1 ork, but was for some j'ears a 
resident of Branch County, Mich., where he died. 
Her mother died in Belvidere, Neb., in the spring 
of 1880, aged fifty years. Their daughter Rosa 
was educated in the schools of Branch County, 
where she was born, and came to Nebraska in 1871. 
To her there have been given three children, viz: 
Edmund AL, Gertrude M. A. and Bertram (twins), 
the latter being now deceased. 

Mr. Burgess is a strict tem[)erance man and an 
earnest advocate for Prohibition principles. It is 
his ambition to see these principles obtained and to 
do all in his power to that end. His political sym- 
pathies, sentiments and efforts are entirely sym 




u 



^^•^h-^ 



206 



GAGK COUNTY. 



phonioiis Avilh tlic tliiid party, nlthonsl' formerly, 
before he was enliglitciicd to its truths, he usually 
voteil with the Republiean party, from wliieli he h.id 
the moral eoura<;e to sever hiinself wiieii the brighter 
illumination of truth showed him a better way. He 
is iilontilied with the A. O. U. W., and is a highly 
respected member of the Lodge at DeWitl. He 
is a r. cognized friend of every enterprise for the 
public good, and is one of the much valued citizens 
of liis township. 



4~ 



^ fLFREI) H. MOKUIS. It were iiard to dc- 
(@fUl c'ide of this v.-ist country which iState were 

best, even if such a thing were possible; 

1)ut it is certainly within the bounds of 
truth to S!xy that the State of Ohio is one of the 
grandest and best, and equally true is it that Ham- 
ilton County, of that State, contains within its bor- 
ders some of the prettiest and richest scenery in the 
State. At Carthage, in that county, w.as born, in the 
year 1811, Mr. C. P. Morris. As a young man, he 
became the husband of Miss Achsah Nicholls, a na- 
tive of the same couutj'. They are at present re- 
siding in Logan County. 111. They became the 
parents of seven children. Among these was f>ur 
subject, who was born in Ohio, Dec. 21, 1852. 

The boyhood of our subject was spent between 
attendance at school and helping his father, who 
utilized his developing strength and expanding 
mental powers in the multifarious exigencies inci- 
dental to daily life and labor upon the farm. He 
continued to live at home until be was twenty-two 
years of age. and then devoted four 3'ears to learn- 
ing the bl.icksmith's trade, only to continue it for 
one year. Next he spent two years in the lumber 
trade, and not without success. At the close of 
that period he commenced farming on his own ac- 
count, and has since made it his chosen occupa- 
tion. 

In 1876 Jlr. Morris was united in marriage with 
Miss Ada Earnheart, .at Conover, Ohio, on the 2d 
of January. This lady is the daughter of Henr3' 
and Rhoda (Moiver) Earnheart, natives of Warren 
County, Ohio. There have been born of this union 
two children, Nelson W. and Hattie B., to gr.ice 



and bless the home of our subject, who are at once 
the pride, joy and hope of their parents. 

After his marriage our suliject commenced farm- 
ing in Miami Count}-, Ohio, .and continued in the 
same with increasing prosperity for about three 
years, and in 1883 came to this county and fol- 
lowed the same occupation upon land then pur- 
ch.ased, and since that time has, by his untiring 
industry and indefatigable laboi', been enabled to 
acquire considerable |)roperty and to laj- the foun- 
dati(jn of a competency that will remove the neces- 
sity of further labor when such shall have become 
too heav}' a burden. 

In 1887 our subject was elected .Supervisor, and 
the following year Assessor, the duties pertaining 
thereto being performed in e.aeh instance in a man- 
ner entirely complimentary- to Mr. Morris. He is 
quite active as a member of the Prohibition party, 
and is a worthy member of the M.asonic fraternity. 
In the Uuiversalist Church Mr. and Mrs. Morris 
find their religious home, and are among its most 
energetic and constant members. 

The gratifjiug success that has crowned the 
efforts of the life of our subject is the more no- 
ticeable and praiseworthy because of the few oppor- 
tunities afforded him in the earlier da3's of that 
training and other help that are sometimes con- 
sidered absolutely in.lispensable to start in life 
and after success. In the case before us the subject 
is one of that class of whom manj' worthy repre- 
sentatives arc found in the West, which are perhaps 
best designated by the term of self-made. 



'ffJOHN PALMER was born on the 14th of 
October, 1842, in St. Joseph Count}', Ind.^ 
and is a son of Elias Palmer, a native 
of New York State, who had moved to Fre- 
mont (^ountj', Iowa, in the j-ear 1847, when the 
country was but sparsely inhabited with white peo- 
ple. The}' came to Otoe County, Neb., in 1 854, and 
settled among the Indians and wild animals. The 
brother of our subject, David Palmer, settled on 
Plum Creek, Libert}' Township, in 1854, being one 
of the first settlers of this county, and after spend- 
ing a number of years here, he unfortunately met 

■► 



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GAGE COUNTY. 



•207 



his death by drowning in the Blue River, near 
Barnston, on the 2Gth of June, 1876, while fishing 
with a seine. 

Our subject came with his father's famiij' to this 
county in 1859, and settled on Plum Creek with 
his brother David, where the fatiier died in Febru- 
ary, 1866. In the fall of 1863 our subject went 
100 miles furtlier west to the Little Blue Uiver.and 
built two trading ranches on the overland stage 
road, being in companj' with his brother-in-law, 
Joseph Eubank, and family. On the 7th;of August, 
in the year following, they were surprised and at- 
t-icked by a band of Cheyenne and Arrapahoe In- 
dians, who killed Mr. Eubank, his father, four 
brothers and one sister, and carried away the wife 
and two children of William Eubank, and another 
child, a nephew of Mr. Eubank. 

While the Indians were engaged in this terrible 
massacre, our subject was in the field making hay 
with Fred Eubank, and while the former went to 
the spring for a drink of water, the Indians came 
into the field and attacked j'oung Eubank, killing 
him and taking his scalp for a trophy. On the re- 
turn of our subject to Lis work the fearful sight 
met his view, and subsequently finding the fearful 
condition into which the family liad been plunged, 
he ran half a mile to the house, seized his sister, and 
took her a short distance to where a train was cor- 
ralled, thus onl}- being able to save her life. The 
Indian villains returned in the night and destroyed 
all their property, our subject and his sister being 
the only two who escaped from a family of thirteen 
persons, seven of whom were murdered and four 
taken into captivity. 

Those members of the family who had been car- 
ried away were terribly beaten and illtreated by 
the Indians, who afterward traded them to some 
United .States troops. The troops being informed 
of the manner in which these unfortunate people 
had fallen into the hands of their persecutors, and 
hearing all of the terrible story of the massacre, 
seized the seven Indians and hung them without 
trial — a fitting punishment for their atrocious deeds. 
After the Indians' raid our subject was entirely 
without property, having lost all he owned, except 
the clothing he had on in the field. His sister was 
also reduced to penury, and she had to work out 



for two years in order to support herself and her 
child. She afterward married Joseph Adams, and 
now lives in Gunnison City, Col., surrounded bj'all 
luxuries that wealth can procure. 

Our subject married, March 27, 1866, Charlotte 
A. Cain, a daughter of Nathaniel D. Cain, of Lib- 
erty. In the fall of the same year he homesteaded 
160 acres of land on section 22, Libert^' Township, 
which he has since made his home. He has had a 
family of seven children, six of whom are living, 
namel}-: Joseph, William, Mary L., Sylkerk, James 
and Rhoda N. Since he took up 160 acres of land 
under the Homestead Act, he has added to his pos- 
sessions, having worked his own way upward, a 
step at a time, and is now the owner of 236 acres 
of good land, which he devotes to the purposes of 
farming and stock-raising. Compelled through 
misfortune to make a second start in life, he has 
done admirably well, and is worthy the esteem of 
his neighbors for the splendid example of self-reli- 
ance and integrity which he has given. 



OHN BARRATT. The stock farm of this 

gentleman, which is situated upon section 29 

, of Grant Township, is one most worthy of 



J 

((^^' remark, our subject being recognized as a 
leader in his branch of business. Although giving 
some attention to grain farming, his specialtj* is in 
raising Poland-China hogs, in which he is more 
than usually successful. His f.arm includes 200 
acres of super-excellent land for his purpose, and 
lies upon either side of the Turkey Creek, and his 
entry is the twenty-ninth upon the books of the 
township. 

In October, 1862, our subject entered the United 
States Service as a member of the 2d Nebraska 
Cavalry, and participated with the regiment in the 
battle of Whitestone Hill, but chieflj- fought in 
minor engagements and skirmishes on the frontier. 
He received an honorable discharge in December, 
1863, and afterward returned to his home. He be- 
came a member, when in Nebraska, of the Terri- 
torial Militia, and was elected Orderly Sergeant of 
Company C. Capt. White, of Pawnee City, was 
with the militia for six months, and through the 



-m-M*- 



I 



u 



208 



GAGE COUNTY. 



"TT 



suppression of the Oak Grove ranch massacre. Our 
subject escaped unhurt throughout the whole of his 
military career. Once more returned to his home, 
he devoted himself to his farm. Although not an 
extensively wealth}' man, he has acquired consiiler- 
able propertj', whereas when he began life in tliis 
State he had little over $1 to liis name. ^ 

John Barratt, Sr., the father of our suliject, was 
an English farmer and blacksmith, of Somersetshire, 
where he lived and died. He had married an En- 
glish lady, also born in his native shire, whose 
maiden name was Uriscilla Barratt, and who is yet 
living in the same count}', and has reached the ad- 
vanced age of eightj'-one years. The parents of 
our subject were both members of the Church of 
England, and brought up their children in accord- 
ance with the same tenets. Our subject is the 
younger of two sons born to his parents, this event 
occurring on the 5th of Decemlier, 1 837 ; his brother 
William is a farmer in Somersetshire. John, our 
subject, was brought up in the old English home, 
received his education in the parish school, and 
then worked upon the home farm until he was in 
his nineteenth year; then, in 18,56, he emigrated 
and settled in Ohio, then in AVisconsin, and came 
to Gage County, Neb., in 1858. He became ac- 
quainted with his wife in Saline County, and was 
there united with her in marriage on the 1 7th of 
March, 1867. The maiden of his choice was Ann 
Wheeler, who w.as born in London, England, on the 
1st of November, 1840, and is the daughter of 
Charles and Anna (Pierce) Wheeler. Her father, 
who is by occupation a tailor, resides in Wiltshire, 
England, and has reached the advanced age of 
seventy-eight j'ears. Her mother departed this life 
ill that county in 1888, being seventy-one 3'ears of 
age. 

Mrs. Barratt was the eldest of six children, of 
whom three were sons. One son is deceased ; two 
of the daughters are residents of Wiltshire, the re- 
maining three of Nebraska. She came to the United 
States in the company of an uncle and aunt, with 
whom she made her home in this .State. She has 
become the mother of six children, of whom five 
are living, and busily engaged in the common 
school procuring an education which may serve as 
a basis of operations though life. Their mimes are 
■^ 



as follows: William, Ella, Robert, George and 
Harry. Nellie is deceased. 

Mr. and Mrs. Barratt continue to attend the 
Episcopal Church, and are instructing their chil- 
dren in that faith. As a famil}', the}' are most 
higlily esteemed, and are counted among the elite 
of local society. Our subject has for a long time 
been a very active worker in connection with the 
schools, and is one of the old officers of the dis- 
trict. He has always been a strong member of the 
Republican party, and one of its firm friends and 
adherents. 

V^ELSON ADAMS. The chance traveler who 
might have found his way in the spring of 
1857, by some chance of trapping, hunting 
or exploration, beyond the confines of settlement, 
and in what is to-day known as the Nemaha Valley, 
would have seen in that part included in Adams 
Township, something that looked like the beginning 
of a bouse, but knowing that no settlers were in the 
neighborhood, would be at a loss to understand the 
meaning thereof, until they chanced to notice, 
stretched between two of the saplings, a tablet of 
bark, upon which was inscribed, "John O. Adams 
claims this tract of land this 30lh day of March, 
1857." John O. Adams, the first settler in Adams 
Township, was the father of our subject, and this was 
the first claim made, the first house erected, the 
first farm laid out, its acres the first broken in the 
township, and for quite a large distance around. 

Our subject is the son of the above veteran pio- 
neer, whose farm was situated upon section 26, and 
claimed as noted above. He was born in New Jer- 
sey. Hismothei, whose maiden name was Letitia 
Harris, was a native of Kentucky. The parents 
of our subject were married in Dubois County, 
Ind., and settled upon a farm in the district. He 
was quite prosperous in his chosen calling, and 
found opportunity to see well started in life, and 
help them in the same, his eight children, who are 
pursuing honorable and more or less prominent ca- 
reers. The family started from the old Indiana home 
on the 5th of September, 1856, for the Great West, 
then in a very wild condition. Their household 
goods were all securely packed in two two-yoked 



t 



-^•- 






GAGE COUNTY. 



20 y 



wagons, and thus they journeyed westward, uncer- 
tain whetlier to make tlieir liome in Kansas, Ne- 
braska or elsewhere. They, liowever, proceeded to 
Atchison County. 5Io., wiiere lived a brother of 
Mr. Adams. Here thej* secured that rest and re- 
cuperation that were r'.'quired for themselves and 
their cattle after their journey. 

The faniil}' arrived upon tlie 20lh of October at 
Mr. D. L. A<lanis', and leaving his faniil3' there the 
father of our subject earl}' in the spring started out 
to prospect in Kansas and Nebraska. Owing to the 
trouble of the two States he did not stay long in 
Kansas, feeling satisfied it was not the place to set- 
tle at that time. He therefore journeyed North; he 
crossed the Missouri River at Brownville. and then 
followed the Great Nemaha River to its source, and 
was fascinated by the appearance of the land and 
satisfied that it was the place for him to make his 
home. He therefore took the course above men- 
tioned in order to secure the claim. After having 
thus set his mark upon it he started back with all 
dispatch to his family-, and as soon as the grass had 
grown sufficiently to feed their oxen on the road 
the family started again, and did not stop until they 
reached their claim ; then the}' erected their house 
with all speed, living in the wagons until they were 
prepared to take up their quarters in the more sub- 
stantial building, which was made of rough-hewn 
logs with a finishing of mortar for the chinks. 

About the 17th of May, the same month in which 
the family occupied their house as above noted, 
our subject began to break upon his farm, which he 
had pre-empted. This was the first claim under 
tiiat law, and included 1 60 acres. In after 3-ears 
this was addc'l to until he was the owner of 700 
acres. Mr. J. O. Adams, after a very happy and 
prosperous career, departed this life on the 24th of 
December, 18S7, at the very advanced .ige of eighty 
years. His wife, who died on the 21st of Novem- 
ber, 1867, was at that time fifty-five years of age. 
Their family numbered seven children, whose names 
are as follows: Nelson, Nanc}', Isaac. John Q., 
Lcander, N.aomi and Mj'arra. They have grown 
up and entered into honorable and remunerative 
spheres in life. 

Our subject was born on the 24th of February, 
1841, at the home in Dubois Count}", Ind., about 



two miles from Jasper. He was brought up on his 
father's farm and began to work at an early age, be- 
ing occupied in such employments as grubbing, 
clearing, chopping, etc. Kducational facilities were 
conspicuous either by their entire absence or marked 
inefficiency, and had he trusted to these alone he 
would not have the mental development he possesses 
to-d.ay ; l)Ut his own ambition led him, in spite of 
every opiiosing element, to gather for himself a 
goo<l practical and fairly complete English educa- 
tion. He was about sixteen years of age when the 
above-mentioned migration to Nebraska took place ; 
then, .as ho says, he was promoted to be '-general 
aid-de-camp and boy of all work." In this he con- 
tinued, gradually working up until practically 
the management of the farm was in his hands. He 
remained at home until he enlisted in September, 
1864, in Company C, of the 2d Nebraska Regiment, 
for a term of four months, or during the war. He 
was sent to Ft. Kearney, thence to Blue Station, 
where they wintered. In January, 1866, the entire 
company received honorable discharge, .and he re- 
turned home and remained there until his marriage 
the following year. 

The lady then chosen by our subject was Miss 
Lurana Hoskins. The young coui)le settled upon 
their own farm, but were destined to enjoy their 
companionship for but a short season. Four months 
and eight days after marri.age our subject was a 
widower, his wife dying at the age of eighteen years. 
This blow seemed to strike at the very source of 
his being, and in a moment overthrew the plans, 
desires and hopes of a life. In April, the same year, 
in order to recover somewhat the effects of this be- 
reavement, he made an overland trip to Colorado, 
traveling West 500 miles from Nebraska City, and 
thence to Denver. He did not make his journey 
very lengthy, but was much benefited l)y the 
change, and returning home again set to work. 

In 1868 our subject entered into a second alliance, 
the name of the lady being Miss Lydia J. Wilson. 
Her parents were natives of Crab Orchard. The 
wife of our subject was born in Putnam Count}', 
Ind., in the year 1840. She was about twenty-five 
years of age when she came to Nebraska, where she 
met our subject, with the foregoing result. She 
has presented our subject with two children; only 



f 



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t 



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210 



GAGE COUNTY. 



one, however, survives. Their names were Nancy 
E. aufl Letitia O. Nanc}' is liappily married to 
Mr. C. B. A.slieraft. a farmer of Adams Townsiiip; 
Letitia died at the age of ten montiis, in the j'ear 
1872. 

In 1870 Mr. and Mrs. Adams went on a trip to 
Kan.sas and <lefided to locate in Wyandotte County, 
remained about one j'ear and tiien returned, but 
still own about eighty acres of land. Our subject 
has the honor of being the oldest living pioneer of 
the Nemaha Vallej', and has watched its develop- 
ment and growth with much pride and satisfaction- 
He states since the country h.is been settled up and 
so many thousands of forest, shade and fruit trees 
have been set out and have flourished, that the cli- 
mate has changed and become more pleasant in 
every way ; that tiie rainfall has increased, both in 
amount and frequenc)', and this, coupled with the 
cultivation, has very mucli increased tlie productive 
value of the soil. His own farm is an illustration 
of the amount of labor and monej- tiiat may be put 
into a farm. As already stated in substance he has 
brought liis property from the original condition 
of the prairie; the improvements thereon include a 
good dwelling-house, well situated, commodious in 
its arrangement, and pleas.ant in its surroundiugs 
of wide-spreading shade trees, that offer in hottest 
summer a cooling retreat, orchards that in their 
season extend ripe and luscious fruity invitations; 
barns, stable, granary and all the necessary out-build- 
ings for such a farm. 

Tlie religious home of our subject and wife is in 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Adams is 
one of the charter members of the church at Adams, 
and also Trustee. They are considered by those 
acquainted witli them as among the most honora- 
ble and worthy in the communion. Our subject 
has for eight j-ears served as School Director, 
Treasurer of his district for two years, and has also 
been called upon to serve on the Grand Jury. His 
political sentiments have alwa3's been decidedly 
and stronglj' Republican, and although b^- no means 
an oflfensive partisan, he is certainly a stout defender 
of his opinions, and active in the dissemination of 
what he believes to be right political princii)les and 
true political economy. He is a man of character, 
intelligence and mental power, and has learned how 



to utilize the same honestly, vet fearlessly. In all 
business transactions his integriti' is beyond ques- 
tion, and in every circle and relationship of life he 
and his most estimable lad}' are accorded the sin- 
ceri'St respect and highest esteem. As an instance 
and case in point we would refer to one expression 
of this, viz: that the township and city have both 
been named after the familv. 



— ^:^»-^»t^ 



>^i*^►'^5tf-. 



UE. MUDGE is a well-known young farmer 
and stock raiser who is residing on section 
Wf/ 14, Elm Township. His grandfather. Ed- 
ward, and his grandmother, Katherine (Woolhj-) 
Mudge, were natives of Kent, England. Tlie father 
of our subject is also a native of England, and of 
him and his wife there will be further mention 
made in this Album. When the parents decided 
to come to America they took passage on the sail- 
ing-ship '-Webster" on the 23d of March, 1855, 
and our subject was born on the 23d of April on 
board the ship. 

Our subject remained with his father until he 
reached the age of twenty-one years, after whicli 
engaging in mining pursuits, for three years he 
traveled extensivelj' throughout Colorado, Utah, 
Arizona and New Mexico. In the year 1879 he 
came back to Nebraska and bought his present farm 
in Elm Township, which he has very much im- 
proved, and on w hich he has set out 200 fruit trees. 

On the 4th of July, 1881, Mr. Mudge was united in 
marriage with Miss Elizabeth Mathias, at Fairburj', 
Jefferson Co.. Neb. The father of Mrs. Mudge is 
William H. Mathias, a native of Westmoreland 
County, Pa , and the mother is Caroline (Kennedy) 
Mathias, born in Somerset County, Pa. ; they were 
married in Woodford County, 111., where the father 
was engaged in farming. In 1872 the family moved 
to Jefferson Count}', Neb., there being five children 
in the family — John W., Elizabeth B., Henr}', Jr., 
Benjamin F. and Mary F. 

The wife of our subject was born on the 9th of 
March, 1856, in Woodford County, III., and having 
received a very good education she was engaged 
for several months in teaching school. She is the 
mother of two children — William Ray and Muriel 






t. 



GAGE COUNTY. 



-t^ 



211 



^ 



Joy. For ten j-cars our siihji'ct li.is been an honor- 
nlile meml)cr of the School Board, and is at present 
fining the otHce of Moderator. From the fact of 
his birtii having occnrred in so romantic a place we 
infer that he is still lo^'al to his father's native 
countr}', but at the same time he has warmly es- 
poused tlie cause of the country in which he lives, 
an<l has taken an active interest in the political 
affairs which govern it, being a member of the Re- 
publican party. 

jTSAAC R. CLAYTON is a native of Peoria 
|l| County. Ill, tiie date of his birth being the 1 0th 
ll of August. 1844. He p.assed his 3'ounger d.ays 
and grew up to the years of manhood in his native 
county on a farm, and loving the life so free from 
the cares and anxieties of a city business, he has 
continued to follow the pursuits of agriculture, 
except for one j'earin which he followed the fortune 
of a soldier's life during the war. His educational 
advantages being much limited, the schools being 
few and far between, and he busily engaged in labor 
at home, he was enabled to attend school no longer 
than perhaps six weeks in a year, yet he has so 
profited by the instruction which he received and 
his experience with the outer world, that he is 
amply qualified to attend to all the business neces- 
sarj' in connection with the carrying on of his 
occupation. On the 14th of February, 1865, he 
volunteered in Company A. 151st Illinois Infantry, 
with which he served for one \'ear, and was mus- 
tered out in February of 1866. 

On the 10th of October, 1866, our subject was 
married to Miss Emma Littell, and to them a fam- 
ilj^ of nine children has been given, and whom 
we shall separately mention as follows: Addie, who 
was born on the 30th of Julj', 1867, was married, 
on the loth of October, 1885, to William I. Reed. 
Mr. Reed lives on section 26, on a farm adjoining 
the farm of his wife's parents; they have one child, 
named OUie. Albert L. w.as born on the 20th of 
August, 1869; Ilattie A., on the Uth of August, 
l"871; Freeman E., on the 30th of May, 1874; 
Phebe O., on the 18th of October, 1876; Charles 
W., on the 21st of September, 1879; Ella M., who 



was born on the 26th of November, 1880, was 
called from this world on the 12lh of March, 1883; 
Josie B., whose birth occurred on the 12th of June, 
1884, died on the 19th of .July, 1885: Oliver Dean 
was born on the 17th of August, 1887. 

Mr. Clayton has a good and well-improved farm 
on section 26, township 2, range 6, in Sicily Town- 
ship, on which farm he resides. He came to his 
present place on the 16th of March, 1883, having 
stopped for one year after leaving Illinois in Noda- 
way County, Mo. Elis parents, Ezekiel and Phoebe 
(Randolph) Clayton, were natives of New Jersey-. 
The father died at Canton, 111., on the 7th of May, 
1879, at the age of sixtj'-four years. The mother 
still lives in Canton, III., to which place she and her 
husband came in the year 1868, having come to 
Peoria Countj' in 1839. ra.akiug the journey with a 
team from New York. 

Mrs. Clayton, the wife of our subject, w.as born 
in New York City on the 28lh of November, 1845, 
her parents being Isaac F. and Addie Gibson. Her 
father was a native of New Jersey and her mother 
of New York, but they had for some time been 
living in Illinois. The father died at Hoopeston, 
Vermilion Co., 111., on the 2d of December, 1887, 
at the age of seventy -seven years; the mother is 
still living in Illinois in her eight^'-second year. 

Our subject was married in the city of Peoria by 
the Rev. A. H. Stowell. Both he and his wife are 
members of the Baptist Church, of W^-more. He 
votes the straight Republican ticket, and is inter- 
ested in the political movements of the day, as well 
as in the educational and general welfare of the 
community of which he is an esteemed member. 



J^^ACOBGEHMAN, .an extensive f.armer and 
stock-raiser of Hanover Township, operates 
480 acres of land on .section 3; it is known 
as the Senile}^ land. His career has been 
marked with ordinarj* success, and he possesses 
those traits of character which have made him a 
man useful in 1ms community, and a leader in those 
enterprises tending to its advancement socially' as 
well as financially. He is the father of a fine fam- 
113- of childi-en, whom he has educated and fitted for 



r 



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212 



1 



GAGE COUNTY. 



hoiioraljle stations in life, and is in the eiijc^yment 
of one of the pleasantest and most attractive homes 
in this region. 

The snliject of this sketch was born in Bucks 
County, Pa.. May 5, 1827, and is the son of Abia- 
ham and Mary (Finck) Gehnian, the forraer of wliom 
was a farmer by occupation, and died at the ripe 
old age of seventy -six 3'ears, in his native State. 
The mother passed away in 1864, aged seventj-- 
three. Their family consisted of four sons and 
three (laughters, five of whom lived to mature 
years. Those surviving are residents of Brooks 
County, Pn. 

Jacob Geiiman was reared to manhood in his na- 
tive State, and although receiving but limited edu- 
cational advantages, trained himself l>3^ a course of 
reading and stud}' for the duties of a teaciier, which 
profession he followed for a period of four 3'ears 
in Bucks Count}', beginning at the age of twenty. 
He h.ad likewise become thoroughly familiar with 
farm pursuits, and at the age of twenty-two was 
prepared to establish a home of his own. On Oct. 
2, 1849, he was united in marriage with Miss Bar- 
bara Angene}', a native of his own county, and 
born Aug. 29, 1831. 

Mr. and Mrs. (Jehman after their marriage set- 
tled on the farm belonging to the father of our 
subject, where they lived and labored until 1861. 
In the meantime they became the parents of six 
children, and in the spring of that year Mr. G., re- 
solving upon a change of location, disposed of his 
interests in tin- Keystone State and removed with 
his little family to Northern Iowa, where in due 
time he became an extensive land-owner. From 
Fayette Count}', Iowa, he removed to Mahaska 
County, that .State, thence to Jefferson, and later 
to Jefferson County, residing in the latter until 
1882. In the spring of that year he took up his 
residence in Atchison County, Mo., and from 
there came to Nebraska in 1887. He was at once 
recognized as a valuable addition to the commu- 
nity of Hanover Township, where he is numbered 
among its most highly esteemed citizens. Wide- 
awake, liberal and public-spirited, he is ever ready 
to aid in those enterprises set on foot for the best 
good of the people. 

The household of Mr. and Mrs. Gehman was 



completed by the birth of twelve children, namely: 
Abraham; Jacob and Elizabeth, who died when 
eight and six years old ; Meno, Fanny, Rachel, Sam- 
uel, Sally, Le.ah, Emma, Benjamin and Mary. Fanny 
became the wife of Samuel Horning, a well-to-do 
farmer of Hanover Township, and is the mother of 
five children — Benjamin, Lee, Eddy, Jennie and 
Alice; Mrs. Henry Smith is a I'esident of Atchison 
County, Mo., and the mother of one child, a son, 
Ottia; Abraham is a professor of music at Fremont, 
Iowa; Meno and Samuel are operating a cattle 
ranch in Wyoming Territory; Sally married Will- 
iam Geber, a resident of Atchison County, Mo., 
and is the mother of three children; Leah is in Nor- 
thuml)erland County, Pa.; Emma, also a teacher, is 
at [)rosent with her parents, as are also Benjamin 
and Mary. 

In the operations of his farm Mr. Gehman gives 
em|>lo}'ment to two men, and two teams are almost 
constantly required for the transaction of his busi- 
ness. Politically, he votes the straight Republican 
ticket, and with his excellent wife, is a devoted 
member of the Mennonite Church. The family is 
one of the m(jst prominent in the county, where 
their intelligence and worth are estimated at their 
true value. 



OMER J. MERRICK. We seldom visit a 
section of county without encountering those 
closely allied to persons prominent in his- 
tory, poetry, politics or law. The subject 
of this sketch is one of those springing from hon- 
ored antecedents, tracing his origin from the same 
source which gave to the world such persons as John 
G. Whittier, R. W. Emerson, and Frances Meriam 
Whitcher, the author of the '-Widow Bedott Papers.'' 
Austin and Sylvia (Whitcher) Merrick, the par- 
ents of our subject, were natives respectively of 
Connecticut and Vermont. Grandfather Merrick 
w.as accidentally killed on the Erie Canal, while 
making his way to Western Pennsylvania. The 
Merricks were of English origin, and the first rep- 
resentative of the family in this country came over 
with the Pilgrim Fathers in the "Mayflower."' The 
maternal grandparents of our subject, Stephen and 









■^•- 



GAGE COU^'TY. 



213 



-h 



i~ 



Esther M. (Emerson) 'Wliitclier, were micle and aunt 
li> tl>e poet. John G. AVhittier. Grandmother 
"VVliitcher was also closely related to that other 
American poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson. Frances 
Meriam Whiteiic'', above spoken of. was own sister 
to the mother of our subject. 

Austin Merrick, after his marriage, located in 
Pleasixntville, Pa., wiiere he carried on merchandis- 
ing' and farming the remainder of his life. He ac- 
cumulated a good property, and de[)arted hence in 
1H75, at the .age of seventj'-four 3-ears. The mother 
of our subject was his second wife; of the first 
there had been born one child; of the second mar- 
riage there were seven children, namelj': Ellen, 
Austiu W., Anna M., Francis S.. Adeline A., Ho- 
mer J. and Julia. Mrs. S3ivia Merrick died in 
July. 1849, at the age of forty years. Mr. Mer- 
rick was married the third time, and there was born 
one child, a son Herman, who is now in Kansas Citj*, 
Mo. 

The subject of this biography was born Nov. 18, 
1846, in Pleasantville, Pa., and attended school 
from the age of seven years until he was fourteen. 
Afterward he onlj- attended in the winter season. 
After the outbreak of the late Civil War. when but 
a j^outh of seventeen, he determined to assist in the 
preservation of the Union, and accordingly enlisted 
in Compan3' B, 1 1 1th Pennsj-lvania Infantr}', in Feb- 
ruary, 1S64, for three yeai-s, or during the war. His 
regiment was detailed to Bridgcpoi't, Ala., where 
they arrived in time to join the Atlanta campaign, 
and participated in the battles of Resaca, Dallas, 
Kennesaw Mountain, Peachtree Creek, the siege of 
Atlanta, and wound up b3' going with Sherman on 
the march to the sea. SuV'sequentl}' thej' went' up 
through the Carolinas, and were present at the last 
grand review in AVashington. 

Mr. Merrick was mustered out of service at Pitts- 
burgh. Pa., and after returning home became a stu- 
dent of the State Normal .School at Edinboro, 
where he attended one year. Thence he went to 
Cleveland, Ohio, entering there upon a course of 
stud3- in Bryant's Business College. This com- 
pleted he returned to his native State, and engaged 
■as clerk in a store of general merchandise at Pleas- 
antville. where he continued until setting out for 
Nebraska in .\ugust, 1869. From Nebraska Cit}' 



he made his way to Vesta bj' stage, and from there 
on foot to Adams Township, this count}'. He 
homesteaded 160 acres on the banks of the Nemaha, 
fashioned a dug-out for his first habitation, and 
thus began in earnest and alone the life of the pio- 
neer. Some j-ears later, at the time of the construc- 
tion of the Atchison & Nebraska Railroad, this 
dugout being overgrown with brush and weeds, a Mr. 
Wyatt, the chief engineer, fell down the chimnej' 
of this primitive dwelling, much to the merriment 
of the rest of his part}-. 

The j-ear after his arrival in this section, young 
Merrick, having made some beadwaj' toward the 
establishment of a home, completed his arrangements 
by bringing to his humble dwelling a young wife, 
having been married, Dec. 21, 1870, to Miss Lucy 
A., daughter of John Ljons, a well-known and 
highlj' respected resident of this count}*, and whose 
biograph}' aiipears elsewhere in this volume, Mrs. 
Merrick was the younger of the two children born 
to her parents. Her mother was in her girlhood 
Miss Almira Shaw. Mrs. M. was born in ISIarch, 
1853, in Kenosha, Wis., and was a little girl four 
3'ears of age when her parents came to Nebraska, 
and settled in the Nemaha Valley, where they were 
among the earliest pioneers. 

Mr. and Mrs. Merrick throve and prospered, and 
by their united industr}- soon began to realize many 
comforts in the pioneer home, while their land un- 
derwent the process of careful cultivation, and de- 
veloped an admirable and generous fertilit3'. Their 
union was also blessed by the birth of four bright 
children. The eldest, however, a son, Frank, died 
at the age of ten years; those surviving are Julia 
and Ethel A. John is deceased. The homestead 
now embraces 400 acres of land, upon which in 
1877 there was reared a handsome and commodious 
dwelling, .and a good barn, corn cribs, sheds, and 
all the other essentials of the country estate have 
been added by degrees, as the means and necessi- 
ties of the proprietor suggested. Not the least 
among the embellishments and comforts of the 
place is an apple orchard of 300 trees, planted by 
the hand of our subject, and now in fine bearing 
condition. A lovely grove of maples and cotton- 
wood adds to the beaut3- •'*"'' value of the propert3'. 

Mr. Merrick, in addition to general farming, has 




-4^ 

214 



GAGE COUNTY. 



4- 



given muoli of liis time and attention to stoci<-rais- 
ing. handling large numbers of thoroughbred Short- 
horn cattle and Poland-China hogs. Of the former 
he has a herd of fifLj' high-grades, including the 
bull '-Ides," famous as a breeder throughout this 
section. It will thus readily be seen that his time 
has been fully occupied, but notwithstanding the 
multiplicity of his private affairs Mr. Merrick has 
ever signalized himself as the public-spirited citi- 
zen, willing and anxious to assist the prosperity of 
his adopted county. To this end he has been the 
eneourager of its various worth}' enterprises, its 
schools and churches, assisting b^' Ids labors and in- 
fluence in their establisiiment and prosperity. He 
raised the large sucn required in tiie erection of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church building, and, with his 
estimable wife, has been one of the most devoted 
members of the society. He cast his first Presiden- 
tial vote for Gen. Grant, and has alvva3s been a 
stanch adherent of the Republican part}'. He has 
never sought office, but in the school district has 
served as a Director for many years. 



^- 



--#-1- 



^ OHN O. SAVAGE is in the front rank of 
general farmers of Grant Township in enter- 
prise, practical knowledge, western vim and 
I prosperity. His farm and residence are situ- 
ated on section 20, where he is the owner of eight}' 
acres of finely improved land, admirably adapted to 
agriculture, upon which he has lived since 1882. 
Previous to this he owned and operated another 
farm on section 11, comprising 320 acres, one-half 
of which was taken up in 1867, and settled on the 
following spring, the remainder soon after. 

For ten years previous to the settlement of our 
subject in this State he had been a I'csident of Lee 
County, 111., during the greater part of that time 
being engaged in farming, in which he was very 
successful. The place of his nativity is LaPorte 
Township, Sullivan Co., Pa., and he was born on the 
22d of March, 1834, to Daniel and Naricy Savage. 
His father was born in Jsew York State, of Irish 
parentage, and when he was a boy five years of age 
his parents removed to the adjoining State, where 
he grew uj) to manhood, was married, and continued 



to make his home until 18.58. Then, with his family. 
Daniel Savage, the father of our subject, removed 
to Illinois and took up the Lee County property. 

In 18GI. when the cry of rebellion rent the air, 
and the stars and bars were waved over against the 
only flag of liberty, unity and peace, both Daniel 
Savage and his son, our subject, enlisted among the 
boys of blue in Company E, 37th Illinois Infantry, 
under command of Capt. Rust and Col. White. The 
regiment became part of the Army of the West and 
part of Maj. Gen. Black's command. Among the 
many engagements in which they were actively en- 
gaged may be mentioned those of Warrensburgand 
Springfield, Mo., and Pea Ridge and Prairie Grove, 
Ark., which were fought in December, 1862. At 
one point in the battle the father of our subject was 
in the front rank, and the notes of the liugle rang 
out the command to charge. This was the last com- 
mand heard, and the last cheerfully responded to 
by Daniel Savage, In the rush forward a bullet 
pierced his body and he fell like the brave soldier 
he was, with his face to the foe, in the execution of 
his duty. 

Not long after the death of his father, our sub- 
ject, who had been fighting by his side, was taken 
severely ill, and in consequence thereof he received 
an honorable discharge from further service, and 
returned to Illinois to support and, perchance, com- 
fort his widowed mother. In 1868 he brought her 
with him to Nebraska, and until her death, in 1874, 
smoothed as far as possible every ruggedness from 
the path of her declining years, bestrewing it daily 
with the perfumed blossoms of affectionate, dutiful 
and attentive care. She went to her last rest after 
spending sixty-two years of life, and, like her hus- 
band, had been all her days a member of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church. 

W^hile a resident of Lee County our subject was 
ha|)pil}' united in marriage, the lady of his choice 
being Cynthia Carpenter. The union was celebrated 
on the nth of May, 1867. Miss Carpenter was 
born in Albany, N. Y., in the year 1 843, and ac- 
companied her parents to Illinois in 1861. She is 
a daughter of James and Julia (Foster) Carpenter, 
both of whom died at their home in Lee County, 
the father about eighty and the mother about sixty- 
years of age. For many years previous to her de- 



-<*■ 



4^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



2 1 .-. ti 



niisc Mrs. Caipcnter was a member of the Baptist 
C'oranninion. 

The wife of our subject was brought up at the 
house of her parenls, where slie made lier lioine uu- 
til her marriage. Her eciucation was received in 
the common school of lier native place, and was as 
complete as was usual at that time. Her married 
life has l)een brightened and tiie current of its joys 
deepened liy the birth of two children : one, how- 
ever, of these she was onlj' (jermitled to retain for 
two years, when she was removed by death. The 
name given to her was Julia. That (;f her living 
child is Frank, who has entered upon an honorable 
career and has developed a manly character that is 
the pride of his parents. 

The religious home of Mr. and Mrs. Savage is in 
the church of the Latter-Day Saints, to which they 
have been attached for man}' j'ears, our subject 
having been ordained a priest of his church while 
residing in Illinois, in which oflice he has continued 
ever since. He has been called upon at different 
times to fill township offices, and is at present serv- 
ing as Clerk of the townshii). He is devoted to the 
interests of the political party under which he and 
his father served in da3s gone by, and has always 
remained its stanch friend and faithful adherent. 

Their son, Frank M.. was married, Oct. 29, 1887, 
to Miss Hattie Kindell, who was born in Illinois, in 
July, 1867. They have one son, John Walter, born 
July 20, 1888. They reside in Grant Township and 
are farming. 

^ .^^ <^ 




LFRED COKIXE. Among those who have 
. come from the older and more established 
Eastern settlements, bringing with them the 
wealth of their experience wherewith to 
endow the newer countr}' of Nebraska, is the sub- 
ject of this writing, whose farm occui)ies the north- 
east quarter of section 14. Midlanil Township, which 
is worked along the line of general mixed farming. 
His residence in this .State dates from the j'ear 1867, 
and in this county from 1870. 
" Oursubjecl is the son of Richard and Mary (Her- 
ron) Conine, who are natives of New Jersey and 
Ohio respectively. Upon their marriage the}' set- 



tled in Ohio, and foUow-ed agricultural pursuits. 
The mother of our subject died when he was quite 
a small bo}-, leaving throe children, who had re- 
ceived the names of Alfred, Elizabeth and Harmon. 
Harmon enllsteil in Company C, 27lh Ohio Regi- 
ment, and fell while serving his conntr}', in 1864, 
at the battle of Atlanta. Ga. ; Elizabeth married E. 
O. Arrison, of Ohio. The father of our subject 
married a second lime, taking as his wife Hester A. 
Boylan. and by this union became the parentof one 
son. Richard, who is living upon the homestead. 

Upon the 14th of April, 1839, our subject was 
ushered into life, in Licking County, Ohio. In due 
time he was a candidate for the instruction of the 
common school, and entered upon the duties in- 
cident to that institution. The time thus occupied 
was spent in such employment on the farm as made 
him thoroughl}- acquainted with its varied tasks and 
responsibilities, filling him for the life in the future. 
He continued to make his home with his parents 
until 1861, when he enlisted with his brother in 
Company C, 27th Ohio Infantrj-, and served for a 
term of three years as a private. He was one of 
the command of Gen. Sherman, and was with him 
throughout his campaign. The first part of his 
army experience was that incidental to the army 
teamster, but it was not long before he was pro- 
moled to the position of wagonmaster, and given 
charge of a train of wagons. He was mustered out 
of the service, and honorablv dischargeJ in Au- 
gust, 1804. 

After his term of service expired our subject re- 
turned to Ohio, and assisted in the farm woik until 
1867; that year was doubly eventful to him. First, 
because it was wherein he moved West, and laid 
the foundation of his present prosperity' ; secondly 
and chiefly, because it brought to him the life com- 
panionship and inspiration of Miss Mary Palmer- 
ton, to whom he was united in marriage ou Octo- 
ber 2 of that year. She also was born in Ohio, 
and was educated and brought up at Etna, Licking 
County, and made her home with her parents, Ben- 
jamin and Susan Palinerton. They are the happy 
parents of four children, whose names are here ap- 
l)ended — Elmer. Elizabeth, Alfred and Grace. 

In the new .Stale of Nebraska Mr. Conine first 
settled in Richardson County, remaining there for 



• ¥j m ^ « 



216 



■•► 



GAGE COUNTY. 



tliree years upon rented land. Thence he came to 
this county, and purchased the 160 acres of unim- 
proved land he to-da}- occupies. l)ut wliicii has 
passed long since from its original condition to one 
of almost perfect agricultural efficiencj', and he has 
upon it some excellent farm hnihlings, besides the 
pretty and comfortable farm dwelling. Besides the 
grain interest, our subject is ever3- year increasing 
his reputation as a stock-raiser, comprising draft 
and road horses, and high-grade cattle. 

IMrs. Conine is devotedly attached to the com- 
munion of the Presliytcrian Church, in which she 
is an untiring worker when o|)i)orluiiity presents. 
Iler husband, althougli not connected with the 
church, is a true friend of higher morality, and sym- 
pathizes witli every movement, religious or other- 
wise, that will assist in its attainment and progress. 
He takes much pleasure in all matters of education, 
and is a member of the School Board. His political 
connections are witli the Republican i)arty, and he 
is regarded as a strong sup[)orter and constant 
friend by the members of his party. 

■4i ■^■^^:^:^^^-*<^-»- 

'^1 OHN MAGUIRE is a son of John and Jane 
(McMallc) Maguire, who were natives of 
Ireland, and there spent the whole time of 
their lives. They had a family of ten chil- 
dren, of whom our subject is the sixth, and was born 
on the green and lovely -JCmerald Isle" on the 22d 
of March, 1819. He remained in his native country 
until he was twenty-six years of age, and had grown 
to be a strong and healthy man, receiving his edu- 
cation during his younger years from the parochial 
schools. He had long possessed a desire to visit 
America, and in June, 1845, witli the expectation 
of gratifying his desire, he embarked on a vessel 
sailing from the port of Liverpool, and after an 
ocean voyage of twentj'-eight days he reached the 
harbor of New York. 

Our subject remained for ten years in that city, 
during which period he was engaged in Cooper's 
glue factory. He then went to DeKalb County, 
III., where he remained for alike period of time, and 
then went to Boone County. During the time of 
his residence in Illinois, he was engaged in farming, 



and in 18C8, thinking that he would accept the gen- 
erous offer of the Government to su])ply him with 
a farm of his own, he came to this county and took 
a homestead of 160 acres. He was then one of the 
early settlers of this county, and in common with 
them he experienced the hardships and difficulties 
necessary in the transforming of a piece of wild, 
unbroken i)rairie land into a smiling and cultivated 
landscape farm. He now has it all well imi)roved, 
with neat and attractive buildings, and has been in 
the main successful, although he has experienced 
some misfortunes from the failures in crops. 

In the year 1846 our subject was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Alice Salleen. who was born in Ire- 
land on the 19th of May, 1824. She is a daughter 
of John Tebon and Jane (Linchey) Salleen, who 
were also natives of Ireland, and were the parents 
of eight children. She came to America in the ^ear 
1843, and made her home in New York until the 
time of her marriagi with our subject. By this 
marriage they have gathered about them a family 
of seven children, all of whom have been blessed 
with health and spared to the present time, and are 
married and established in homes of their own. The 
names of the members of this family are: John, 
William, Thomas (of whom a sketch appears in 
this Album), James, Albert. Frances and Charles. 
Thomas and Charles have their homes in this 
county. 

While our subject and his wife are entitled to a 
share of the honors which are willingly bestowed 
upon and justl}' deserved bj- the early settlers of 
this count}', his natural reticence has prevented him 
from seeking public honors, and he has not been 
the incumbent of anj- of the offices of the township. 
He bears an excellent reputation among his fellow- 
men, and is well and favorably spoken of b}' them. 
He is a member of the Denaocratic party. 



ENJAMIN F. PITTENGER, a representa- 
tive farmer of Blakely Township, owns and 
^11 occupies the southwest quarter of section 
32, which he has transformed into a good 
farm, and effected the improvements naturally 
brought about by the intelligent and progressive 




■•►■ 



f 




^<2>f^5^^^ 



-^^ 



-•►HI-«<« 



GAGE COUNTY. 



219 



agriculturist. He came to this county in 1874. and 
in the fall of that yenr secured the laud upon whicii 
there had been only a slight attempt at improve- 
ment. He has now the greater portion under a 
good state of cultivation, the land is fertile, and 
well watered by a branch of Cub Creek, and besides 
a comfortable dwelling there are the various other 
buildings required by the modern farmer. Fences, 
live stock and machinery, in their char.acter speak 
well for the enterprise of the |)roprietor. 

Mr. Pittinger came to this State from Woodford 
County, III., where he had owned and o]ierated a 
farm for a period of fourteen j'ears. He liad emi- 
grated from Ohio to the Prairie State in the fall of 
185G. He was born in Frederick County", Md., 
Dec. 1 , 1 823, of parents who were natives of the 
same State. His father, James Pittinger, removed 
with his family to Ohio quite late in life, and there 
spent the remainder of his days, d3ing in Brown 
County, where the mother also passed away ; both 
lived to a ripe old age. They were health}' and active 
to the last, the result of their temperate lives and 
correct habits, and were highly respected lij- a large 
circle of friends and acquaintances. The}' had been 
connected with the Methodist Episcopal Ciiurch for 
many years, and the father was originally a mem- 
ber of the olil Whig party. 

The subject of this sketch was the fourth child 
of his parents, and the third son in a family of five 
boys and six girls. Three sons and four daughters 
are still living. Benjamin F. was a child two j'ears 
of age when his parents left his native .State and 
settled in Ohio. He was reared and educated in 
Brown County, and was there first married to Miss 
Nancy J. Evans, born and reared there. She be- 
came the mother of three children, and died in Ross 
Count}', Ohio, when a young woman only twenty- 
three years of age. Their two eldest sons are Will- 
iam and James Harvey: the former is in Western 
Nebraska, and the latter is married and farming in 
Jeffei-son County, this State; John is unmarried and 
in the Indian Territory. 

Mr. Pittinger was marricil the second time, in 
Brown County. Ohio, to Miss Jane Sidwell, also a 
niTtive of that county, vvhere she was reared to 
womanhood and received a common-school educa- 
tion. She came to Illinois willi her husband after the 



birth of one child, they locating in AVoodford 
County. .She p.assed away in 1857 at the age of 
forty years. Her son George is now married, and 
lives with his father on the home farm. 

The present wife of our subject, to whom he was 
married in Woodford County, III., May 10, 18;')9, 
Wis formerly Jliss Amanda Holmon, a native of 
Orange County, lud., and who came to Illiilois 
with her parents when a young woman. Slie is 
a daughter of Tandy and Laura (Parker) Holmon, 
who were natives of Virginia and New York, and 
are now deceased. Of this union there have been 
born three children, namely: Eugenia, the wife of 
Samuel Pheasant, of Jefferson Townshi|); Carrie, 
Mrs. Henry Stoll, living on a farm in Beatrice Town- 
siiip, this county; and Charles AV., at home with 
his parents. Mr. Pittinger, political!}', has always 
been a solid Republican, while in religious matters 
he clings to the doctrines of the Methodist P^pis- 
copal Churcli, of which he has been a member for 
the last thirty-five years. His estimable wife be- 
longs to the Baptist Chuich. 



38^ 



^ lElLLIAM A. HOOKER, a very intelligent 
\/yJ// and iiighly respected farmer of Adams 
W^ Township, has a well-ordered homestead on 
section 32, consisting of IGO acres of good lanil 
with suitable buildings, and the other appurtenances 
conducing to his comfort and the general enjoy- 
ment of life. He came to this section of country 
from Peoria County, III., in 1875, secured soon 
afterwaril the land comprising his present farm, and 
h.as watched with the interest which is manifested 
by every true citizen the growth and development 
of his adopted State. 

Mr. Hooker is of substantial New England stock, 
his parents, Chauncey and Catherine (Wolcott) 
Hooker, having been born and reared in the vicin- 
ity of Bristol, Hartford Co., Conn. Their ances- 
tors were originally from Cambridge, Mass., where 
it is believed they settled in the Colonial days. 
Ciiauncey Hooker w.<vs a tinner by trade, and the 
owner of a small farm which constituted a smigand 
comfortable home for the family. The mother 
died in middle life in Farmington, Conn., at the 



f 



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220 



4 



GAGE COUNTY. 



age of forty-three 3'ears. Mr. Hooker survived his 
wife man J' years, and departed hence about 1843, 
at the age of sixty-six. 

The family' of Chauncey and Catherine Hooker 
consisted of six children, namely: William A., Levi 
J., Polly W., Lj'dia A., Urenia, and Chauncey, Jr. 
William, our subject, was born Oct. 10, 1804, at 
Farmington, Conn., and remained at home until 
reaching his majority. His brothers and sisters 
who lived to mature years settled in Virginia and 
Ohio. Of these three are now living. They were 
all provided with a common-school education. 
William when sixteen years old became a student 
of Brighton Academy, and when leaving there com- 
menced an apprenticeship at the clothier's trade. 
This he followed for a time, and afterward worked 
in the mills atvEristol. He was first married, in 
1828, to Miss Emeline Peck, daughter of iSeth and 
Anna (Webster) Peck, of Burlington, Conn. Mrs. 
p]meline Hooker was born in Burlington Township, 
Hartford Co., Conn., Sept. 14, 1804, and was the 
second in order of birth. After marriage our sub- 
ject continued some time in Bristol, working in a 
clock factory there two or three years. Previous 
to tills he had traveled, selling clocks and dryj 
guutls throughout South Carolina and Georgia. 

Mr. Hooker in the latter part of 1839 emigrated 
with his family to Henry Count}', 111., settling at 
Weathersfield, where he remained eighteen months 
engaged in farming. He next removed to Peoria 
County, and occupied himself at farming until start- 
ing for Nebraska in 1875. In the meantime his 
first wife had died in Connecticut, leaving two chil- 
dren: Franklin, who is now witii his father, and 
Catherine, who died in earlj- childhood. Mr. 
Hooker, before leaving liie East, was married the 
second time, to Miss Malissa Gaines, who became 
the mother of one child only, a daughter, Emeline, 
who is now in Adams. Mrs. Malissa Hooker de- 
parted this life at her home in this county, Sept. 
21, 1887, after having reached the advanced .age 
of eightj'-three 3'ears. Their daughter continues 
at the homestead and presides over the domestic af- 
fairs of her father and brother. 

Our subject has effected many improvements 
upon his present homestead, erecting a comfortaljle 
frame dwelling and a large barn, together with the 



other conveniences necessar}' to his comfort, and 
the success of his farming operations. Politically, 
in his youth, he was an old-line Whig, and voted for 
Gen. AVilliam H. Harrison for President, in 1840. 
He is now an ardent Republican, anxious to see the 
grandson of the old hero occup^'ing the position so 
abl}' filled by his ancestor. Mr. Hooker has always 
been a reader, and keeps himself well informed upon 
the topics of the day. It is a source of both pleas- 
ure and profit to listen to his recital of the events 
of bj'-gone days, and the scenes of interest in which 
he has borne an important part. He enjoys the best 
wishes of hosts of friends, and will be remembered 
with honor and affection long after he h.as departed 
hence. His portrait ma^' be found on an adjoining 
page, and will be gladly received by his manj' old 
friends. 

EROME W. MATTISON is nicely situated 
on his farm of eighty acres in Island Grove 
Township, and is the owner of 320 acres of 
land in Sherman Township. His parents, 
James and Eliza A. (Loomis) Mattison, were na- 
tives of Vermont, both having been born in Ben- 
nington Count}', the former in theyear 1818. After 
their marriage thej' began life together in their na- 
tive count}', and remained there until the time of 
Iheir death, having lived within two miles of the 
pl.ace in which they were born. The mother died in 
1865, and the father survived her until the year 
1884, the three children of their family then being 
bereaved of both their parents. 

Our subject was the oldest of the children, and 
was born in Bennington County, Vt., on the 22d of 
November, 1842, where he remained for thirty 
years. He came to Nebiaska in 1872, and in 1876 
entered into partnership with Mr. R. L. Gumaer, 
which was continued for nine years, at the end of 
which time, in the year 1884, our subject bought 
out the interest of his partner. He now owns 400 
acres of land, eighty acres of which are situated ou 
section 4, Island Grove Township, and the remain- 
der in Sherman Township. The fiist eighty acres 
were bought for $150, and the half-si;ction for 88 
per .acre. 

On the 27th of January, 1885, Mr. Mattison mar- 



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GAGE COUNTY. 



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221 



rie() Miss Susan D. Barton, a. daughter of Eli and 
Eunice Barton, wlio were natives of Grafton, Vt. 
fSlie w.as born in tiie afore-mentioned village on tlie 
2d of February, 1843, and remained in her native 
State until the year 1845. She received her edu- 
cation in the village schools, and is an intelligent 
and estimable lady. 

Our subject is well known among the leading 
men of liis township, having taken an active part 
in public affairs and shared the honors of the of- 
fices within the gift of his fellowmen. He has held 
the oflice of Clerk of the township for two years 
and Assessor for one j'ear, and has been an honor- 
able member of the School Board for some time. 
He is a Republican in politics, and a member of the 
social order of F. & A. M. His business has been 
carried on with gratif^'ing results, and he has put 
lip a handsome house which .adds greatly to the 
value of his fine farm. 



^ 



-^-*-? 




AVID C. QUACKENBUSH, one of the 
))) pioneer settlers of Grant Township, and still 
occup3'ing the tract of land which he pur- 
chased upon coming here, in 1867, is num- 
bered among the most highly' respected residents of 
the count3', with whose development and progress 
he h-as been intimately connected. He is the pos- 
sessor of a fine homestead, the land of which has 
been brought to a good slate of cultiv.ation and 
upon which he has erected neat and substantial 
frame buildings. He h.as a goodly' assortment of 
live stock and the modern machinery necessary for 
the carr^'ing on of agriculture in a profitable and 
successful manner. A period of twenty-one years 
embraces the time which he has spent among the 
people of Gage Countj-, during which time he has 
thoroughly established himself in their confidence 
and esteem. He had formerly, since a little lad of 
seven j'ears, lived in Racine County, Wis., where 
he .acquired his education and was reared to man- 
hood. 

Oui- subject was born at the jnodest farm home- 
stead of his parents, in Cicero Township, Onon- 
d.aga Co., N. Y., M.ay 12, 1837. His parents were 
Lambert and Erailj* (Catherine) Qu.ackenbush, also 



natives of the Empire State, and he was their eldest 
child. The father traced his ancestry back t(j the 
substantial old Dutch settlers of the Mohawk Val- 
lej'. while the mother descended from a Vermont 
family who were first represented in the Green 
Mountain State probably during the Colonial days. 
Lambert Quackenbush was a farmer bj^ occujjation 
until a few j'ears after his marriage, when he turned 
his attention to coopering. After the birth of two 
children he left New York State with his little 
family, and located among the pioneer settlers of 
Kacine Count}', Wis., where from the uncultivated 
land he developed a comfortable homestead, and 
where they lived until coming to this State, in the 
spring of 1878. They settled upon a farm in Grant 
Township, this countjs where the death of the father 
took place in February, 1885, when he was about 
sixty-four years old. He was a man of much force 
of character, and a member of the old Democracy 
of the Andrew Jackson stripe. The mother is yet 
living, and makes her home with her children in 
Grant Township, having now arrived at her three- 
score and ten j'ears. She is in excellent health and 
her mind is still bright and active. 

Our subject was educated in the primitive schools 
of Racine County, Wis., and upon reaching man- 
hood began the serious business of life by taking 
unto himself a wife and helpmate. Miss Charlotte 
Wj'tt, who was born and reared there, and who died 
about eighteen months after her wedding, of diph- 
theria, at the age of about twentj'-two 3'ears. Of 
this union there was born one child, a son, Albert, 
who married Miss Atla Adams, and is operating a 
farm in Hitchcock County, this State. The i)arents 
of Mrs. Q. were of English birth and parentage, 
and were among the early settlers of Wisconsin, 
where the father followed farming during the active 
years of his life, and where his death took place in 
1870. when he was well advanced in years. The 
mother is still living, and a resident of Logan 
Count}', Iowa. 

Our subject contracted a second marriage, Dec. 
30, 1863, in Racine County, Wis., with Miss Esther 
Burgess, who was barn in that county, Sept. 10, 
1848. She was there reared to womanhood and 
educated in the common schools. Her parents were 
Nchemiah and Sophia (Woodman) Burgess, the for- 



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222 



GAGE COUNTY. 



nier of whom is deceased. The mother is j'et liv- 
ing, and malies her home with iier cliildrcn, mostlj' in 
Grant Township. Slie is now sixty-eight years 
old. 

Of this marriage of our subject there have been 
born six children, namely: Edniond B., pursuing 
his studies in the business college at Lincoln. Neb., 
a very bright and promising young man who has 
been employed as a book-keeper with a firm in De- 
Witt, and is also a stenographer. Minnie M. is the 
wife of William Nettleton. a well-to-do fanner of 
Ilitciicock County, this State; the younger children 
— William M., John D., Ruben L. and Myrtle V. 
continue under the home roof. Mr. Q., politically', 
is an uncompromising Democrat, and takes a lively 
interest in local affairs. 

-^ '>P'^' "-—■ 



(■^f^EBBE G. CARSTENS, brother of the well- 
//,-;=>v known and highly esteemed citizen, .Jcibn 




i 



Carstens, of Clatonia Township, a sketch of 
wliom appears elsewhere in this volume, has a good 
farm on section 9, and has distinguished himself as 
a worthy representative of this family. He was 
born in the Province of Hanover, German}', March 
4, 184G, being three years younger than his brother 
John. He emigrated to America the year following 
the coming of the latter to the United States, tak- 
ing passage on a sailing-vessel, and arriving safely 
in New York City after an ocean voyage of about 
sevent3'-nine days. 

For about two years after coming to this country 
Mr. Carstens lived in Schuyler County, 111., and 
from there moved to Livingston Count3^ of which 
he was a resident a number of years. He crossed 
the Mississijjpi in the fall of 187G, and was located 
for a time on a farm (in section 1 in Clatonia Town- 
ship. This was rented land. Li the spring of 
1880 he purchased the farm vvhich he now owns and 
occupies. The improvements which we behold to- 
da}' are the result of his own industry and good 
management, as he had purchased an uncultivated 
tract of eight}' acres from the Burlington & Mis- 
souri River Railmad Comiian}'. He, too, landed 
upon American soil witluiut (ither resources than the 
willing hands and quality of industi}' which had 



been handed down to him from bis excellent Ger- 
man ancestry. He battled with difficulties and 
draw-backs successfully, enduring many hardships 
and privations, but has been amply rewarded for 
his toil and sacrifices. 

The marriage of our subject with Miss Scents 
Gerdes occurred on the 2d i>t March, 1870, at the 
home of the bride in Rushville, III. Mrs. Carstens 
is also a native of Germany, and of her union with 
our subject there have been born five children, 
namely: Gesienc. Feb. 8, 1871; Joachin, March 
5, 187.^; John. Oct. 18, 1877 ; Anna, June 5, 18S0, 
and William, in December, 1881. Mr. Carstens is 
a member in good standing of the Lutheran Church 
in Germany, and pcjiilically, differs some what from 
his brother, being a supporter of the Democratic 
party. He, hovvever, is not eonfiued to party lines, 
but reserves to himself the right of the free Ameri- 
can citizen to sujjport the man whom he considers 
best qualified for ofBce. He believes in the educa- 
tion of the young, and is the cordial supporter of 
all the enterprises tending to the moral and intel- 
lectual elevation of the people. 

RS. HANNAH NOXON, Postmistress of 
Adams, is a member of the well-known 
Shaw family, who in this region are evei'}'- 
where recognized as among its earliest 
pioneers and most prominent citizens. Her parents 
were Stephen P. and Hannah (Hicks) Shaw, the for- 
mer a native of Saratoga County, N.Y., and who with 
his estimable wife is written of elsewhere. 

The Shaw family, who traced their ancestry back 
to England, crossed the Atlantic in the Colonial 
days, and there is no doubt parlicipated in the great 
struggle for American libertj'. The paternal great- 
grandfather of Mrs. Noxon made his first settle- 
ment at Sharon, Conn., whence he removed later 
with his famil}' to the AVyoming Valley in Penn- 
sylvania, about the time of the breaking out of 
the Revolutionary War. Both he and his elder 
sons enlisted in the arm}', while the mother and 
four younger ones remained at home, laboring, and 
waiting as l)est they could the issues of the struggle. 
The region of their home was over-run with law- 




/ 

t 



t 



■^•■ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



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223 



less soldiers, and tiie mother, with two of her boys, 
William and Benjamin, saved their lives by fleeing 
to the mountains. The bo}' Benjamin was the 
grandfather of Mrs. Noxon. 

Benjamin Shaw remained with his mother, it is 
supposed, until the Colonists had achieved their in- 
dependence, and until the return of the father from 
the field. He w.as later married to Miss Margaret 
Tripp, and thej' became the parents of six children 
— Egbert, Wyllis, Anise, Isr.ael, Lj'raan and Stephen 
P. After the AVyoming massacre the father of 
Benjamin Shaw, unable to endure the scene where 
two of his boj's had been murdered, joined his 
family in Dutchess County, N. Y., to which region 
the mother finallj' made her escape, and where they 
both spent the remainder of their daj's. passing 
away about the years 1808 and 1826, respectively. 

Stephen V. Shaw soon after reaching manhood 
became a resident of Dutchess County, X. Y.. and 
there met his future wife. Miss Hannah Hicks, a 
daughter of one of the most prominent and highly 
respected families. In the biographj' of Stephen 
V. Shaw, on anoti\er page in this volume, will be 
found a partial histor3' of the Hicks family, not as 
extended, it is true, as their importance merits, 
but enough to givean idea of their standing .among 
the New England families of that period. They 
had their coat of arms, adopted b3' their English 
ancestors, and preserved their pride of birth with 
all the natural chivalry of the race. The Hicks 
coat of arms was in the form of a shield, sur- 
mounted bj- the head of a unicorn, and underneath 
on a scroll banner the words. " Libertj' .and Friend- 
ship." 

To Stephen P. and Hann.ah (Hicks) Shaw there 
were born ten children, namely: William, Egbert. 
Margaret, Emily, John B., Almira. Hannah, Re- 
becca, James I. and Stephen V. The parents spent 
their last years in G.age County, Neb. Their daugh- 
ter Hannah, the subject of this biographj-, was born 
in Dutchess Count3-, N. Y., Dec. 31. 1834. and was 
the seventh child of the family. They lived in a 
quiet Quaker settlement in LaGrauge Township, 
where Hannah, in common with the younger chil- 
dren, attended school, and obtained the first rudi- 
ments of education. At the age of ten years her 
parents decided upon a change of location, and re- 



moved to Litchfield County', Conn., settling two 
and one-half miles from the town of .Salisbury'. In 
the latter our subject resumed her studies, and 
completed a very good education. She w.as just 
blossoming into "sweet sixteen" when her parents 
left New England, and took up their abode among 
the earlj' residents of Kenosha Count3'. Wis., where 
the3' lived until 1857, when thn3' came to Nebraska. 
The3' left Wisconsin on the 6th of Miy, and arrived 
at their destination on the 6tli of July following, 
having made the journey overland with ox-teams. 

At the time of the arrival of the Shaw family 
in the Nemaha Valle3', there was but one solitar3' 
settler within its borders, John O. Adams, who had 
come a short time previousl3'. Hannah Shaw, while 
in Wisconsin, had made the acquaintance of Mr. 
George Noxon. who.it transpired, was a native of 
her own county in New York .State, and thus with 
mutual interests to begin with they soon found they 
had similar tastes, which cutmin.atcd in a warm af- 
fection, and their marriage on the 15th of March, 
1860. Mr. Noxon w.os born June 7, 1830, and 
spent the earlier part of his life in New York. He 
came to Nebraska with George Gale in 1858. 

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Noxon, who 
were one of the first couples to be made one in tlic 
Nemaha Valley, settled upon the homestead claim 
which Mr. Noxon had secured, and which nowcom- 
prises the farm occupied by Mr. James Shaw. 
About 1864, the health of Mr. Noxon failing, he 
repaired to the bracing climate of Colorado, where he 
remained for one and one-half years, and thus practi- 
call3' forfeited his claim to his homestead, and felt 
bound in honor to relinquish it. He, however, resided 
there for four 3'cars afterward, and there looked 
his last upon the scenes of earth, his decease taking 
place Sept.- 21. 1870. To Mr. and Mrs. Noxon 
there had been born two children only — Stephen 
S. and Georgia M. The latter is now the wife of 
David Ripley, of Adams Township. 

After the death of her husb.ind Mrs. Noxon 
started a small store in Leona, and soon received 
the appointment of Postmistress. .She struggled 
bravel3- with man3' dilliculties, and lived at that 
place until 1880, when she changed the scene of 
her Labors to Adams, purchasing the store of Mr. 
Patterson, and conducting for some time the only 



l~ 



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i 



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i i 2-24 



GAGE COUNTY. 



general merchapdising in the place. She soon here 
also received the appointment of Postmistress, and 
is now serving her eighth 3'ear in that capacity, 
which is sufficient indication of, the manner in which 
she has conducted both her own business and that 
of the public at large. Her perseverance has met 
with its legitimate reward, and slie is now in pos- 
session of a competency for her declining years. 

Mrs. Noxon, as a lady of more than ordinary in- 
telligence, has always taken a lively interest in the 
growth and prosperity of Nebraska, and as the wife 
of one of its pioneers endured all the hardships 
and privation inseparalile from the settlement of a 
new country, when the facilities for communica- 
tion with the outer world were exceed ingl}' limited. 
She has always been the. friend of education and 
progress, and when the establishment of a Presby- 
terian Church society' was decided upon, entered 
hearlilj- into the jilan, and was one of its charter 
members. She has since continued with this body, 
and has contributed of her means to its support. 
She has decided ideas upon the political questions 
of the day, and is in favor of Democratic rule, ac- 
cording to the theories of Jefferson. Socially, Mrs. 
Noxon belongs to the Pleasant Plain Lodge, I. O. 
G. T., and has been largely instrumental in its 
prosperity. 



'Tr^, EV. JOHN PATTER.SON 

llUif munitv there are men who stand at the 

R he« 



In every corn- 
stand at the 
ead of public affairs, and whose word is 



i)considered authority in public and private 
matters. It is impossible for a resident of a com- 
munity to rise to the rank of leader unless he 
possesses certain qualifications, by the exercise of 
which he can place himself in sympathy with the 
minds and hearts of the people at large. In edu- 
cated and Christian society there is a certain rank 
accorded by acclam.ation to the men who devote 
their lives to the cause of the church and Chris- 
tianity ; by common consent thej' are acknowledged 
as the criterion by which facts, principles and con- 
duct are tested in order to obtain a correct judgment 
concerning them. 

Among those who have aided in the spreading of 




the Gospel and the elevation of the morals of so- 
ciet3' in this section and vicinity, our subject takes 
prominence as a man of able attainments and un- 
exceptionable character! Mr. Patterson was born 
on the 2Cth of October, 1836, in Licking County, 
Ohio, and is a son of Ephraim Patterson, who was 
a native of Virginia. Leaving his native State of 
Virginia he went to Ohio, and was numbered among 
the early pioneers of Licking Count3', afterward 
emigrating to Johnson County, Iowa, in the year 
1849. Our subject spent his early years on his 
father's farm, and received a common-school edu- 
cation, supplementing it with a course of study at 
the Iowa City College, which bears a National repu- 
tation for its excellent sj-stem of education, and 
the ample opportunities afforded its students to 
thorougiil}' master any of the branches" of learning. 

In 1870 our subject came to Liberty Township 
and settled on section 23, and at that time entered 
the Eastern Nebraska Conference of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. For six years he conscientiously 
discharged the duties of a minister of the Gospel 
on this circuit, and was then transferred to Vesta 
Circuit, in which he preached for eighteen months 
At the end of that time he was appointed to the 
circuit of Pleasant Hill, in which he remained for 
one 3'ear, and then settled on his present farm in 
the spring of 1877. He owns 160 acres of good 
farming land on section 23, on which he makes his 
home, and engages in the various duties of a farmer 
and stock-raiser. 

On the 4th of December, 1857, Mr. Patterson 
was united in marriage with Rebecca A. Middleton, 
a daughter of Joseph Middleton, deceased. She was 
born in Washington Couut3', Iowa, and to her and 
her husband have been born three children, their 
names — Sylvester, Jacob S. and Celestia. S\'lvester 
married Miss Aurilla M. McMains, lives in Bent 
County, Col., and is the father of four children — 
Smile3-, Ethel A., John R. and Celestia I.; Jacob 
married Miss Nora Cruse3', and they with their in- 
fant son make their home with our subject; Celes- 
tia was married to George Owens, of Libert3-, and 
the3' have one child, named Frances. Our subject 
is very happy in the possession of the friendship 
and respect of the people of his communit3', and 
does not seek to exchange the title which he bears 



■^•- 



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I 



^•- 



GAGE COUNTY. 



225 



l~ 



so lK)norabl3- for tliat of anj' public office that 
would bring with it the cares and responsibilities of 
a politician. He is an active member of the I. O. 
O. V. 

-^ — ^^^^^_. ^ 

¥^ "^ILLIAJr A. FOREMAN. The reputation 
of the gentleman whose life is herein epito- 
mized, is quite widespread and favorable 
to him, as a man of business, stock-raiser and citi- 
zen. His farm and residence are situated on sec- 
tion 8 of Logan Township. He is the son of James 
H. and Frances M. (Carr) Foreman. His father 
was born in New York in 1 828. His chosen call- 
ing was in the lumber trade, and he became the 
owner of a sawmill in Pennsylvania. In 1858 he 
moved to Adams Count3', Wis., and purchased 120 
acres of land, which he farmed successfully, at the 
same time retaining his interest in the lumber trade 
in Wisconsin. In 1864 he removed to Mitchell 
County, Iowa, and began farming at Osage, leaving 
there in 1870 for DeWitt, Neb., where he home- 
steaded eighty acres of land, and farmed the same 
until tiie year 1886. He is at present living in 
Narka, Kan. 

Mrs. Foreman was born in New York in the same 
j'ear as her husband, and after a happy wedded life 
of many ^-ears died in 1 865. The^' were the par- 
ents of aight children, whose names are here given : 
Phebe A.. William A. ; Francis A., and James H., 
deceased ; Daniel M., Hannah M., Agnes R. and Net- 
tie M. With the exception of Nettie, w-ho makes 
her home with her f.ather, all the daughters are 
married. Daniel is mining in Colorado. The cloud 
upon the family history is connected with the death 
of James II. ; he h.ad been to Ellsworth, Kan., and 
was ou his way home; he had advanced be3'ond 
the Saline River, but it w.as found had not crossed 
the Smokj' River. Our subject, who went out 
to tr3' to discover him, found that he had been 
murdered in cold blood between these two rivers, 
it is supposed for the purpose of robbing him of 
what money was on his person. The murderer 
could never be traced. 

Our subject was born in Lj'coming County, Pa., 
on the otii of Jlay, 1848, and remained under the 
shelter of his father's roof until 1865. He had al- 



-4«- 



ready received b\' that time a good common-school 
education. The years 1866 to 1868 were spent at 
Cedar Valley College, Osage, Iowa, in the work of 
preparation for the profession of the pedagogue. 
He has, with increasing popularity and more impor- 
tant and substantial results, been retained as teacher 
in his home district, Logan, for eight successive 
years, a fact that speaks with no uncertain sound 
regarding his ability in his profession. In addition 
to the school duties, he is operating a farm in 
Logan of eighty acres in extent. All the improve- 
ments that are to bo found thereon and the work 
of cultivation are the work of his own iiands, for 
which too much credit cannot be given him. 

The marriage of our subject was celebrated on 
the 5th of March, 1876, in Logan Township, the 
lady of his choice being Sarah E. Mumford. who 
is the' daughter of John B. Mumford, a sketch of 
whose life will be found in this volume, to which 
we would refer the reader for further information. 
Their marriage has proved for both a most happj- 
union, and it has been blessed by tiie birth of three 
children — Ernest M., Walter W. and Arthur A. 

Upon his farm our subject gives attention to 
the raising of grain, but is more interested in 
stock, and is the owner of some very fine animals. 
Perhaps the best of these in evciy regard is a beau- 
tiful Clydesdale stallion, " Duke of Devonshire," 
sired by '"Devonshire." This splendid creature 
stands about sixteen and a half hands in height) 
and is one of the finest horses in the count}' for 
draft purposes. 

Mr. Foreman takes deep interest in political mat- 
ters, and endeavors to keep himself thoroughly 
posted on all matters of civic and governmental in- 
terest. He was nominated by the labor partj% and 
indorsed hy the Democratic party, for the office of 
Superintendent of Schools, but Gage being a very 
strong Republican county, he was defeated by M. 
D. Horham, the Republican candidate. He h.as been 
Assessor in Logan for two years, in 1881-82, and is 
at present a Justice of the Pe.ace. It will be no- 
ticed from the above that the political creed of our 
subject is that of the Democratic partj% and he will 
doubtless continue, as in the past, an .active sup- 
porter of the same. Mrs. Foreman is a member of 
the Latter-Day Saints' Church, and is a lady whom 



h 



u 



226 



GAGE COUNTY. 



to know is to admire and respect, as is ])atent to 
those whose privilege it is to meet her. Although 
her husband is not connected witii any church or- 
ganization, he is a gentleman who entertains the 
most punctilious regard for all the proprieties of 
society', and is a constant friend of good morals and 
a liigher plane of living, and, with liis wife, enjoys 
the confidence and esteem of the community at 
large. 

-->> -o*o..@v>'V®"0*° -^~- 

ENRY H. JONES, a representative farmer 
and stock-raiser of Highland Township, is 
the owner of 1 60 acres on sectioa 30, and 
eighty acres on section 31, and is looked 
u|)on as one of the most reliable men of this region, 
llis early home was in far New England, in Penob- 
scot County, Ale., where his birth took place Aug. 
27, 18.53. His parents, C^'rus and Sarali (Mc- 
Laughlin) Jones, were also of New England birth 
and parentage. This branch of the Jones famil}' is 
believed to have been of .Scotch ancestry, while the 
mother of our subject traced her forefathers back 
to England. 

Our subject when a little lad of seven years was 
brought by his parents to Lee County, 111., where 
the father died a few months later. The family- 
was left with little means, and Henry H. was early 
in life tiirown upon his own resources. He remained 
witli his mother until a lad of thirteen, then com- 
menced working out on a farm, and vvas thus occu- 
pied until reaching his majority. Li the spring of 
IcSTl he left Hlinois, and crossing the Mississippi, 
stopped in Adams County, Iowa, where be was em- 
pl()}-ed in breaking prairie until in October follow- 
ing, and then came to this county. In Highland 
Towi ship he homesteaded eighty acres of land on 
section 30, which he still retains, and which at that 
time vvas in its virgin state. He endured in com- 
mon with the pioneers about him the hardships, 
toils and privations of the early settler, but like 
most of them his labors met with their legitimate 
reward. In addition to carrying on the cultiva- 
tion of his land, he added to its area, and has now 
one of the finest homesteads in his township, and 
which indicates in a substantial manner the perse- 
verance and industry with which he has labored. 



Among the self-made men of this county there are 
none who have made a worthier record. 

Three j'ears following his arrival in this county 
Mr. Jones was united in marriage with Jliss Jennie 
E. Eender, the wedding taking [jlace at the home of 
the bride in Dixon. Lee County', Jan. 1, 1874. 
Mrs. Jones was born in Lee County, III., Feb. 25, 
1857, and is the daughter of Solomon and Elizabeth 
(Hall) Fender, who were natives of North Carolina 
and Kentucky respectively, and are both now de- 
ceased. Of this union there are two children living: 
Myrtie E., born July 17, 1876, and Mayfield L., June 
7, 1886. Bertha M.is deceased. Both Mr. and Mrs. 
Jones are members in good standing of tiie Church 
of God, and in social circles of their community 
occupy a leading position. Our subject is a strict 
Rei)ublican, politically, and has been quite promi- 
nent in local affairs. In June, 1887, he was 
appointed to fill an unexpired term .as Township 
Supervisor, and in November following was dul}' 
elected to the same office. He has served as Treasurer 
of the School Board in his district for a period of ten 
years. As one of the pioneer settlers of his town- 
ship he has been closely identified with its business 
and agricultural interests, and has noted with that 
satisfaction which everj' intelligent citizen feels its 
progress and welfare. 



^J^^EORGE CAMBRIDGE is a successful i 
III (=^ thrifty general farmer residing on sect 
^^Jl 36, Lincoln Township, where he has 160a( 



GEORGE CAMBRIDGE is a successful and 

section 
acres 

mostly in a well-improved condition and supplied 
with good farm buildings. He has made his home 
on his present farm since 1880, having in that time 
brought it to its present fine stale of cultivation. 
He had previously made his home in Atchison 
County, Mo., for ten years, having come to this 
countrj' from Norfolk, England, where he was born 
on the 26th of August, 1845, and is of pure English 
ancestry'. His father, William Cambridge, was a 
native of the same county, and spent all his life there 
engaged in agricultural pursuits. He married Miss 
Elizabeth Brown, who was born in the same county, 
and was also of English ancestry, and together the 
parents of our subject have arrived at a good old 



^^M*^* 




RESIDENCE OF G.E.BENTLEY , 5 EC , 29 , RIVER5I D E T P. 



'"■ry'"i^'^S^5tJ?*^V?^'^^ 




RESIDENCE OF C.K. H 1 6 G 1 NS , SEC. 35 .M I DLAND TP 



u 






GAGE COUNTY. 



229 



age. that of the father being eighty-five years, anrl 
of the inotlier eighty-four years. Thej- are mem- 
bers of the Church of Englaiul. and are esteemed 
and honored people wlicrevor the}' are known. 

Our subject is the j-oungest but one of a family 
of six sons ami (ive daughters, of whom four sons 
and all the daughters are living; thret; of the sons 
are residents of the United States. Joseph Cam- 
bridge, a brother of our subject, is a resident of 
Lincoln Township, this county, and is further men- 
tioned in this collection of sketches. Our subject 
remained in his native count}- until he was nineteen 
years old, having received an English common- 
school education, which is a very thorough one in 
all the elementary branches of learning, and at the 
age of nineteen he started out alone for America. 
After the long voyage, which must have seemed 
very tiresome to iiim in his condition without 
friends and compelled to supply their places by 
making acquaintance with the companions of the 
voyage, he landed in New York City, and thence 
went to Michigan. He made his ho!ne in Saline, 
Washtenaw County, at which place he began to 
earn his livelihood as a farm laborer, and continued 
theie for three years. 

When our subject left Saline he moved to Mis- 
souri and there was married, in Atchison County, on 
the 27th of December, ISTo, to Miss Susanna Ward, 
who was born in Woodford County, 111., on the 21st 
of March. 1853. She grew to womanhood in her na- 
tive county under the shelter of her father's roof- 
tree, and received a good common-school education, 
at the age of twenty-two years moving to Missouri, 
where a little later she was married to our subject. 
Her father, Charles Ward, is a native of Lincoln- 
shire, England, where he grew to manhood and 
married Miss Catherine Bainbridge, also a native of 
Lincolnshire, and together they came to the United 
States about the time when the forties were ready 
to give place to the fifties. They are now living 
in Jefferson County, this State, engaged in farming, 
having come in the spring of 1885. 

After our subject was married he located on a 
farm in Atchison County, Mo., which was their 
home until they came to this county in 1880, since 
which time they have proved themselves valuable 
members of society, and are warmly esteemed by 



the people of their community. They have not 
yet identified themselves with any religious denomi- 
nation, but are consistent Christian people, and bear 
unblemished reputations. Mr. Cambridge is an 
ardent Republican, and has held some of the offices 
in the gift of the peojile of his township. He and his 
wife are the happy and indulgent parents of five 
children, named Albert, Eliza E.. Minnie O., George 
F. and Grace, who have brought much sunshine to 
the household, it having been darkened by but one 
cloud, which was caused by the death of Charles W. 
when onlv a few months old. 



ACOB BACHLE has been a resident of this 
county since 1875, and as lie has always 
been engaged in agriculture, he has suceess- 

'M fully managed his farm on section 16, Lin- 
coln Township, and has brought it to a splendid state 
of improvement. He has lived on his present place 
since 1881, and previous to his residence in this 
county he liveil for four years in Logan County, 
III., where he was engaged for two years in farming 
and two years in general labor. He was born in 
Bavaria, Germany, on the 16th of August. 1842, 
and when he was about twenty-eight years old he 
left his native country to try his fortunes in Amer- 
ica, immediately upon his arrival locating in Logan 
County, 111. His father, Bartel B.achle, was a Ba- 
varian farmer, and spent the whole time of his life 
in his native country, his death occurring in 1881, 
when he was seventy-two years old. He had mar- 
ried a German lady named Mary Ulrich, and she 
died Sept. 7, 1888, in Bavaria, aged seventy-seven 
3'ears. Our subject is the sixth 'child of a family 
of eight, three sons and five daughters, one of the 
latter now deceased. 

In 1870 Mr. Baclile landed in New York City, 
having just completed the long ocean voy.age, and 
three years later he was married in the county in 
which he had taken up his residence to Miss Kate 
Raeder. She was born in France, on the 7th of 
November, 1849, and when she was twentv-one 
years old she had come with her parents to Amer- 
ica. They first settled in Logan County, 111., but 
since tiie marriage of their daughter with our sub- 






>► ll "^ 



-•► 



.t 



230 



GAGE COUNTY. 



jeot the parents have come to Nebraska, and now 
make their home in Lineohi Township, where thej' 
have made man}' warm friends, By their marriage 
our subject and his wife are parents of five children, 
all of whom are j'et living at home, enj()3-ing the 
solicitous care of their [)arents, and bear the fol- 
lowing names: Albert, Fred, John, Edward and 
Charles. 

Since his residence on his present farm our sub- 
ject has made man}' noticeable improvements, which 
add to the appearance as well as the utilit}^ of the 
place, among which maj' be noted tiie attractive 
and substantial house, and the commodious barns 
and general farm buildings, fences, etc., all of 
\vliich speak of the industry and tiirift of a well- 
informed and cai-eful manager. Our subject is 
non-partisan in politics, preferring to lend his in- 
fluence to tlie election of honest and honoralile men, 
irrespective of party, rather than uphold an organi- 
zation of wliose |)rinciples he cannot approve. He 
is well known as a man of strict integrity and hon- 
orable business principles, and is well liked for his 
social qualifications Mrs. Bachle is a member of 
tlie Catholic Church, at Beatrice. In religious be- 
lief Mr. Bachle is liberal. 



-^E3- 



*^ 



OBADIAII B. ALLINGTON. The subject 
j of this sketcli is anotlier link in the chain of 
evidence of the f.act that the West is largely 

the offspring of the East, that its progress and de-- 
velopment are due to Eastern energies, intelligence 
and indomitable perseverance. He was born in 
Bellona, Yates Co., N. Y., Feb. 26, 18.59, and is the 
son of Daniel K. ."ind Emma E. (Coffin) Alliugton. 
He was the only child born to his parents, wlio 
upon their marriage settled in New York, and there 
brought up the little one given them. The father 
died there on the 2d of December, 1859, and the 
mother came to Gage Count}' with our subject on 
tlie 8lii of March. 1879, and still resides with him. 
The burden of the family falling upon the shoul- 
ders of the widowed mother, was taken up with all 
the heroic bravery wiiii wiiich womanhood, and more 
especially motherhood, is endowed, and the fact 
that our subject has attained to the success he has, 



demonstrates the manner in which the mother liore 
the burden and met the obligation. Our subject 
received a fair English education, and afterward 
engaged in farming in New York State. In March 
of 1879 he came to Nebr.aska and located on the 
Big Blue River, about one mile east of his present 
farm, to which he removed in 1882. It will have 
been noted that he attained his twentieth birthday 
only a few weeks prior to his coming to Nebraska, 
and is still quite a young man. In view of tiie 
p.ast, and the possibilities of the present outlook, 
it were safe to prcilicate that the biography of our 
subject will contain after a few years a record of 
success most brilliant and satisfactory. 

On the 1 9th of January, 1 882, our subject was 
united in marriage with IMiss Mary Roderick, the 
estimable daughter of Jolui M. and Susannah Rod- 
crick, of Gage County, Neb., but natives of Penn- 
sylvania. Their daughter Mary was born in Green 
County, Wis., Jan. 22, 18GG, and until her mar- 
riage her home w.as vvith her parents. For further 
details regarding this' interesting family the reader 
is referred to the sketch of Mr. Roderick, which 
appears upon another page. There have been born 
to our subject and wife two children, viz: Susie 
E., who was born on the 23d of April, 1884, and 
Frank D.. on the 20th of March, 1 886. 

The farm of Mr. Alliugton comprises 160 acres, 
and is situated on section 25 of Riverside Townsliip. 
When he took possession of the land in 1 882 it was 
in nowise di.<tinguishable, excepting by the stakes 
that marked it out from the surrounding prairie, 
but our subject went to work, bringing into requi- 
sition every particle of knowledge or experience 
ever obtained by him, and backed it with all the 
restless energy and magnificent strength of his 
young manhood. His mistakes he made stejiping- 
stones to ultimate success; his failures he examined 
until he found their cause, with the determination 
that they should find no repetition. Thus he has 
struggled manfully on, and every succeeding year 
has found him stronger and better able to cope with 
the exigencies of life in a new country. The en- 
tire farm is either in a good state of cultivation or 
in pasture. He has provided substantially built 
granary, barn, corn crib, stabling, etc., and his resi- 
dence would do credit to a much older, more 

.^ 






-U 






GAGE COUNTS. 



231 



oxperiencerl and wealthier man. Our subject con- 
templates the erection in the near future of a new 
barn, which lias been rendered necessary by various 
extensions in other departments, and from the 
preparations made to effect this, it is certain to be 
accomplished, and he will then be the owner of one 
of the finest and most complete in its adaptability 
and convenience in the count3'. 

Our subject's wife is connected with the Baptist 
Church, while his mother is a member of the Meth- 
odist communion. This lady is a daughter of 
Alva and Elizabeth (Fowle) Coffin, who were 
natives of New York. Her mother died in Yates 
County, N. Y., in 1836; tlie father married Harriet 
Allington the following year, who proved a second 
mother to his child. Both our subject and wife 
receive the heartiest respect of the comraunitj', 
which admires the manly pluck, energj' and go- 
ahcaditiveness of Mr. Allington, no less than the 
nianj' estimable womanlj' qualities of his wife. In 
questions connected with the political economy of 
the countr}', and the various issues arising from the 
same, our subject stands with the Democratic party, 
and has done so since he has been a voter. 

-4-+#^ 



J^ RS. FANNY HARDY is an estimable and 

I l\| exemplary Christian lady, who has twice 
* LI) suffered tlie bereavement of an affectionate 

' and devoted companion, and is now making 

her home in Island Grove Township. .She was born 
in Nottinghamshire, England, Dec. 21, 1826, and is 
a daughter of Thomas Wilkenson. His wife's 
maiden name was Cosens; both were born in Not- 
tinghamshire, England. In the year 18,il she was 
united in marriage with Mr. Thomas Wakefield, who 
was also born in Nottinghamshire, and whose an- 
cestors were residents of PIngland. Thej' came to 
America, and for a time made their home in New 
Y''ork, and in 1852 they moved to Chicago, where 
they live<l but one month, when Mr. Wakefield 
died. Of this marriage there were five children, 
but two of whom ai'e now living: Caroline, the wife 
of John Thompson, resides in Iowa; Mary Ann, 
the wife of Chambers Adams, resides in Illinois. 

In 1854 our subject was united in marri.age with 

■♦ 



Mr. Richard Hardy, who was born in Lincolnshire. 
England, in June, 1826. He lived in his native coun- 
try for twenty-five ^-ears, after which lie came to 
America and made his home in New York, where 
he remained two j'ears. He then went to AVIiito- 
side County, 111., where he lived for twenty-five 
years, and in 1874 he came to this county, making 
his home in Island Grove Township until the time 
of his death, in 1875. Bj' this marriage they h.id a 
family of eleven children, six of whom are now liv- 
ing, and are mentioned as follows: George G. resides 
in Logan County, Kan.; Isaac W. is in Island 
Grove Township; Fannie M. married William Reed, 
and resides in Island Grove Township; Jane A. is 
the wife of George Gallagher, of whom a sketch is 
appended : Arabella E. is the wife of Hcnr3- AYoo- 
key, of Rawlins County, Kan.; Richard D. remains 
unmarried, and resides in Island Grove Township. 
Mrs. Hardy is an esteemed member of the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church at Blue Springs, and is leading 
a life of patient resignation, devoting herself to her 
children and their happiness. 

The second daughter of our subject, Jane A., is 
the wife of George Gallagher, a well-known farmer 
residing on section 7 of the same township in which 
our subject resides. His father, Patrick Gallagher, 
was born in Ireland, and his mother, Ann (Harris) 
Gallagher, was a native of England. Both the 
father and mother came to America while sino-le 
and their marriage occurred in this country. The}' 
have a familj' of eight children, of whom Mr. Gal- 
lagher is the fourth child, and w.as born in St. 
Claire, Mich., on the 22d of March, 1850. When he 
was fourteen years old he began to work on a farm 
near Kingston, DeKalb Co., 111., where he remained 
for eight years, and at times engaged In work as a 
carpenter. In 1871 he came to this State and made 
his home in Johnson County, where he w.as married 
to Elizabeth F. Bates. She was a native of England, 
and after her marriage became the mother of one 
child, who died in 1879, her own death occurring 
in the following year. 1880. 

In 1883 Mr. Gallagher married the daughter of 
Richard and Fanny Hard}-, who was born in White- 
side County. 111., Aug. 22, 1865. He is a member 
of the I. O. O. F.. of Blue Springs Lodge No. 84, 
and has served as a member of the School Board 



^ 



232 



i 



GAGK COUNTY. 



for some time. He is a Republican in politics, and 
is intercste'1 in the political as well as the educa- 
tional affairs of his township. During the first j-ears 
of his residence here he e.x|)orienced sonic hard- 
ships and met with some misfortunes, but now those 
trying times are past, and lie is well and comfortably 
situated on his farm, enjoying tiie confidence and 
esteem of the residents of the community. 



' Tj--,// RED KRACKE is tlie owner of a lieauti- 
lU^fe- ful and Iiighly cultivated farming propertj- 
jK^ of 210 acres, which is situated partly in 
(irant and partly in Clatonia Township, on sections 
31 and 6. This projierty became our subject's in the 
spring of 1879, since when he has continued most in- 
dustriously engaged in tiie work of its improvement, 
working assiduously and constantlj'. He has sup- 
plied his farm with a very fine set of farm buildings, 
such as are usual, and for a property of this de- 
scription, a daily necessit}'. These are substantially 
built, vvell arranged, and excellent in their adapta- 
tion to the various requirements for which the}' 
were built. 

Our subject obtained his land by purchase at dif- 
ferent times, and from a small beginning has worked 
his way gradually — some might even think, slowly 
— but nevertheless surely, from a sphere limited 
and circumscribed in possession and oi^portunitj', to 
tliat it is his pleasure to-day to occupy. His pre- 
vious home had been in Jackson County, Iowa, for 
the nine years immediately' preceding. To that 
place he had come from his German home, having 
been born in Hanover, in the German Empire, upon 
the 23d of December, 1853. 

In his native country the subject of our sketch 
was educated and brought up. He continued to 
live with his parents until he was sixteen years of 
age, then, leaving his parents (they consenting to 
the change), he, with heart though sad in taking 
what might prove the last farewell, 3'et fired bj' the 
high hope and inspiring ambition which is the veiy 
soul of 3'oung manhood, took ship for the New 
World, in due time set foot upon American soil, and 
began life for himself, (^oing to Jackson Count}', 
Iowa, he speedily found work upon a farm and began 



his labor, with which he was fully familiar. although 
in some details work was performed differenll}' from 
what he had been used. 

The marriage of our subject was observed with 
eclat and amid most pleasurable congratulations in 
Clatonia Township, March 12, 1884. The maiden 
of his choice, who has so completed the happiness 
of his life, Ellen JUwer, was born in Hanover, in 
Germany, in the year 18GG. She came to this 
country an<l State directly from her Hanoverian 
home in the year 1882, and has since continued to 
make it her place of residence. She is now the 
happ3' mother of three bright, healthy little ones, 
who have received the names: Benjamin, Lena and 
Fred. 

In the Lutheran Church, in which they were early 
brought by baptism and confirmation, Mr. and 
Mrs. Kracke have alwaj's made their religious home, 
continuing devotedly attached to its creed and 
services. In matters political our subject has es- 
poused the cause of the Republican party, and 
usuallj' votes its ticket. He has drunk deeply at 
the spring of American liberty and independence, 
and is thoroughly imbued with the spirit of her citi- 
zens. He is progressive, wide-awake and enter- 
prising, of strict honor and upright character, a 
worthy representative of a worth}' people, the Ger- 
man-American citizen. 

~o ^#^- ^ 



^OSIAH A. SPEER is an energetic young 
farmer residing on section 34, Island Grove 
Township, and although he has been a resi- 
dent of this county but three years he is 
building up a splendid home and gaining a repu- 
tation for industry and integrity. His father, John 
Speer, was born in Count}' Monaghan, Ireland. He 
was quite a small boy when he came to America, 
and made his home in Jo Daviess County, III. 
There he met Miss Mary Moore, whom he afterward 
made his wife. Both are now living in the same 
county in which they began life together, and they 
have reared a family of eight children, seven of 
whom are now living. The father has been en- 
gaged in farming and dealing in stock. 

Our subject was born in Jo Daviess County, III. \ ' 



-^ 



t 



-4•- 



GAGE COUNTY. 



233 i 



on the 7th of A\n\\. 1862, and remained with his 
pai-ents until he was twenty-three j-ears olil. receiv- 
ing his edncation in liis earlier years from the 
Hanover Sfluiols. In 1885 he took the shaping of 
his futnre conrse in life into his own hands, and 
aware of the indneenients held forth by this State 
for active and indnstrious yonng men, he came to 
this connt}' and lion<;lit a quarter-section of land 
in Island Grove Townshi)). At tlie time of his pur- 
chase the land was worth 5>4,3o0, being partly im- 
proved. He now has 115 acres under cultivation, 
from which he realizes abundant crops of grain and 
general farm produce, and gives special attention to 
the raising of live stock. The buildings, including 
a good house and commodious barns, are in good 
condition, and the farm presents an attractive ap- 
pearance. 

On the 1st of September. 1887, our subject was 
united in marriage with Mi^s Maltie McKeague, who 
was born on the 25tb of December, 1861, in Carroll 
Count}', 111. She is a daughter of Andrew anfUBessie 
McKcague, who were natives of Ireland, and had 
come to the United States in the year 1 850. There is 
a family of seven children in tiieir household, of 
whom the wife of our subject was the fourth born. 
Mr. and Mrs. Speer are esteemed members of the 
United Presbyterian Cluirch. of Liberty, and in the 
short time of their residence here thej- have won a 
host of friends and acquaintances. Mr. Speer 
affiliates witii the ReiniMicau party in politics, and 
is interested in the general improvement and ad- 
vancement of the public welfare. 



^^ HENRY KLIPPER, one of the oldest liv- 
flf^^ ing settlers of this county, is comfortablj' 
^^^ located on section 28 in Ciatonia Township. 
He came to the Great West during the period of 
its earliest settlement, and has been no unimportant 
factor in the development of Gage Count}', build- 
ing up one of its most creditable homesteads. 

Our subject, a native of Scioto County, Ohio, 
was born Sept. 1, 1848, and is the son of Henr}' 
and Mary Klipper, who were natives of Germany. 
'f They had a large famil}' of children, of whom the 



following survive: C. Henry; William, a resident 
of Lincoln, this State; John, a well-to-do farmer of 
Ciatonia Township, where Herman also lives; Louis, 
in Saline County; Frank, in Ciatonia Township; 
Anne, the wife of Frederick Sauble, of Saline 
County, and Lena, the wife of William Gutcsm}'cr, 
also of Saline County. The parents are residents 
of this count}'. 

When a youth of nineteen years our subject 
with his parents left the Buckeye State, and coming 
to this county, the father purchased a tract of 
land on section 32 in Ciatonia Township along Cia- 
tonia Creek. Their neighbors were few and far be- 
tween, and there was little evidence of the white 
settler in this region. Henry Klipper, the elder, 
lived and labored in true pioneer fashion, being re- 
warded in his efforts at building up a homestead, 
and now, with his estimable wife, is spending his de- 
clining years surrounded by every comfort, and 
m.aking his home among his friends and children in 
this coujity, 

In 1869 our subject horaesteaded eighty acres of 
land on section 28, in Ciatonia Township. He had 
received a rudimentary education in his native State, 
and when about fourteen years of age began to 
work in an iron furnace in his native county, where 
he was employed several years. He subsequently 
resumed farming as more congenial to his tastes and 
capacities, and has followed this occupation the 
greater part of his life. After corning to Nebraska 
he was married, Jan. 15, 1873, to Miss Dora E. 
Baake, a native of Germany, and the daughter of 
Carl and Dora E. Baake, who are now residents of 
Lancaster County, this State. This union resulted 
in the birth of four children, one of whom, Alfred, 
died when three years old. Those living are Al- 
veua, Martha and John. 

The farm of our subject comprises 120 acres of 
land, he having added to his first property, and has 
\ brought the whole to a good state of cultivation. 
He votes the straight Republican ticket, and has 
served three years as Treasurer of his school dis- 
trict, being warmly interested in securing to the 
young those educational advantages which will 
make of them intelligent and reliable citizens. 
Both he and his estimable wife are members in good 
standing of the German Methodist Episcopal Church, 



i~ 



4«- 





23-t 



GAGE COUNTY. 



in wliose interests they have labored as the}' have 
had opportunity for many years. Tlieir home and 
its surroundings present a pleasant picture of rural 
life, and the family is one of the most highly re- 
spected in the community. 



■^^5^ 



'^n^'{V^* — - 



■^lOSEPH CAMBRIDGE is a prominent and 
I highly respected citizen living on section 30, 
Linepln Township, on a good and well-im- 
proved farm of eighty acres. He secured 
his^present farm in the spring of 1880, with some 
improvements already made, and he has since put 
it ill a good state of cultivation, and made of it a 
fine and valuable farm. Previous to his coming to 
this county he resided in Atchison County, Mo., in 
which place he had made a farm from the wild and 
uncultivated land, planted an orchard of fruit trees, 
and erected good and substantial buildings. He 
remained there for ten years, during which time he 
succeeded fairly well, but he wished to attain even 
greater success, and came to this county, drawn 
hither no doubt by the great inducements offered 
by the natural resources of this fertile country. He 
is a native of Norfolk County. England, where he 
was born on the 17th of November, 1842, and is 
the next oldest living son of William Cambridge, 
of whom a more complete mention is made in the 
Ijiography of George Cambridge, a brother of our 
subject. 

Our subject spent his early years in his native 
county, and when he became of age he served an ap- 
prenticeship to learn the hardware business, en- 
gaging in it for a period of about four years, after 
which he went to London, and there made his home 
for nine months. He then went on a voyage to Port 
Natal. Africa, during the time of the journey act- 
ing as second steward on the sailing-vessel '-The 
City of Rochester," under command of Capt. Bruce. 
He then returned to England on the -'Evangeline." 
and remained at home for some months, when he 
again entrusted himself to the -briny deep," and 
went to Nova Scotia. There he engaged in farm- 
ing and made his home for two years, afterward 
spending two seasons in Michigan, and thence mov- 



ing to Missouri, a brief mention having already 
been made of his residence in the latter place. 

Our subject was united in marriage in Atciiison 
County. Mo., on the 30th of November, 1874, to 
Miss Susanna Sweetman, who was born in Toronto, 
Canada, on the 21st of May, 1843, and is of En- 
glish parentage. Her parents came from England 
to Canada, and later to the United States, making 
their home in Michigan, where the father died some- 
what past middle life. The mother, whose maiden 
name was Cecelia Baldwin, is now living near Hills- 
dale, Mich., and has arrived at the advanced .age of 
eighty -seven years. Mrs. Cambridge grew to woman- 
hood in her native citj', and spent her time in 
learning the useful accomplishments which are so 
necessary for the good management of a household. 
She is the mother of one bright, intelligent child, 
nameil Anna E. S. The mother is a member of the 
Catholic Church, and the father has joined himself 
to the Episcopal Church. In politics he is a very 
ardent Republican, and has done all in his power to 
promote the cause and success of that political or- 
g.anization. As a successful and enterprising citi- 
zen, and as an intelligent, industrious, genial and 
true-hearted man, he is entitled to the esteem which 
is accorded him b}' the people of his community. 



l^^, UFUS C. BROOKS. War is sometimes in- 
lj#^ evitable, and cruel and heartless as its rav- 
Ivi '\\ ages are known to be, it is sometimes the 
^§;only resort by which the rights of a people 
can be protected or maintained. When its cause is 
in and for the right, then to participate in it be- 
comes most honorable and praiseworthy. AVe have 
always taken great pleasure in giving credit where 
credit is due, and we never fail to recognize and 
appreciate the immeasurable honor due to those 
whose valor gained for us the peace and prosperity 
which we now enjo}'. Right glad are we that in the 
gentleman w-hose name appears at the head of this 
slietch we find .another one of those brave and val- 
iant men whom it is our delight to honor. 

Our subject is the son of George and Mar}' 
(Tucker) Brooks, both natives of Allegheny County, 
Pa., where they grew to maturity and .were mar- 



-<•■ 



»► 11 ^^ 



gagp: county. 



-•► 



235 



ried. In the spiing of 1852 they moved to Dela- 
ware County, Ohio, where they spent the remainder 
of their days, the death of the father occurring in 
18.)-!, and that of tlie mother in 1.SG5. They were 
the parents of twent}' eliildren, ten of whom sur- 
vive, are married and have families. 

Mr. Brooks was the tenth child of the family, his 
birth occurring on the 14th of August, 1833. On 
the 2-4th of December, 1854. he was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Sarah E. Badgley, a daughter of 
P. D. and IMary Badgley, of Wood County, Va. 
Mrs, Brooks was born on the 18th of August, 
1827, in the county and State above mentioned. 
To our subject and his wife there was given a fam- 
ily of six children, whom we name as follows: Isa- 
bel E., Evaline, Manora. Mary A., Grant and 
Cl^'stia E. Evaline was born on the 23d of Sep- 
tember, 1857, and died on the 10th of Maj-, 1884; 
Cl^stia E. was born on the 14th of Februarj', 1870, 
and died on the 26th of August, 1877. 

At the breaking out of the war our subject en- 
listed in Company G, 'JGlh Ohio Infantry', under 
the command of Capt. Kimble, at Delaware, Ohio, 
and served with this company for three years. He 
was in a number of heavj* engagements, and during 
the three years of service was not sick for one day 
nor missed a battle in which his command took 
part, fortunatelj- never having received a wound. 
Among the places noted in the history of the war 
at or near which the command of our subject par- 
ticipated in an engagement there were the follow- 
ing: Vicksburg, Arkansas Post, Ft. Morgan, Ft. 
Gaines. Ft. Blakcl^-, Spanish Fort, Mobile and Sa- 
bine Cross Roads. Our subject enlisted on the 6th 
of August, 1862; he was mustered out at Mobile, 
Ala., and discharged at Columbus, Ohio. 

After the marriage of our subject in Virginia, he 
remained in that State and engaged in farming 
until the year 1859, when he removed to Delaware 
Count}', Ohio, and made his home there until 1869. 
Ill that j"ear he moved to this State and home- 
steaded a quarter-section of land on section 27, 
Sicily Township, and then sold it in 1878 and im- 
mediately bought his present farm. At that time 
the land was wild and unbroken, and he paid 
S3. 50 ])er acre for it. Ills farm now consists of 
120 acres of fine land, on which he has made many 



improvements, building a fine house and barn and 
other necessary buildings. The fields are all fenced 
and in a fine state of cultivation. 

Our subject deserves not a little credit for hav- 
ing brought the previously uncultivated land to 
such a fine state and appearance. Besides raising 
grain, he devotes considerable attention to the 
breeding of Poland-China hogs and keeps some 
cattle. He li.is been very successful in his farm 
produce, and is very nicely situated. He is a 
member.of the Republican part}', giving some at- 
tention to politics, and being interested in the ad- 
vancement and improvement of his county and the 
coramunit3' in which he lives. His wife was an es- 
teemed and active member of the Christian Church, 
at Wyraore, and he enjoys the confidence of his 
neighbors as a highly respected and reputable man. 
Mrs. Brooks died on the 31st of August, 1888, 
and many friends and neighbors now mourn her 
loss, as she was a kind wife, mother and neighbor. 



\| OSEPH LATSHAW. Highland Township h.is 
among its [)rcsperous farmers and stock- 
I raisers few who are more deserving of no- 
(^^/' tice than the subject of this sketch. He is 
fortably located on section 21, and is the owner of 
160 acres of land, of which he secured possession in 
the spring of 1877. He is a little past the meridian 
of life, having been born Dec. 30, 1830, in Butler 
County, Pa. 

The parents of our subject, John and Nancy 
(Zeigler) Latshaw, were also natives of the Key- 
stone State, and reared a h\rge family of children, 
of whom survive: Henry; Elizabeth, wife of Heiir}- 
Barkej'; John, Jacob, Benjamin and Joseph, all of 
whom, with the exception of the last-named, con- 
tinue residents of their native State. Hann:ih, Mrs. 
Liken, lives there also, while Samuel and Isaac 
are in Kansas. When a youth of nineteen years, 
Joseph removed with his parents from Butler to 
Venango Count}-, where he resi<led until coming to 
Nebraska. On the 27tli of November, 1860, he was 
united in marriage with Miss Catherine Tinstman, 
a native of his own count}', and the daughter of 
Abrain and Catherine (^Moyer) Tinstman, who were 



i" 



■^•■ 



2o6 



GAGE COUNTY. 



natives of Pennsylvania; the father is deceased. 
Mrs. LatsliHW was born Sept. 22, 1842, and by her 
union with our subject became the mother of seven 
children, viz: Alpheus; Amelia, wife of Bryant 
Wilson, of Highland Township; Samuel, Maggie, 
Jessie, Dayton C. and Earl. "With the exception of 
Amelia, the children continue at home with tiieir 
parents. 

In the si)ring of 1 878 Mr. Latshaw with his fam- 
i!}' left the Keystone State, and crossing tlie Missis- 
sippi, located on the land comprising his present 
farm in tliis county. Most of the improvements 
noticeable on the iiomestead have been brought 
about b}- himself. He is essentially- the architect 
of his own fortune — a self-made man in the truest 
sense of the word. His earl}' advantages were 
limited, and he was tlirown upon his own resources 
when young in years. Politically, he is a Repub- 
lican with prohibition tendencies. He is the School 
Treasurer of his district. Religiously, he is a mem- 
ber in good standing of the Church of God, in 
which he has served as Elder for a number of 
years. He takes an active interest in the religious 
and educational enterprises of the day, is public- 
spirited and liberal, and in all respects a praise- 
worthy and useful citizen. He avails himself of the 
standard publications to keep himself well posted 
upon topics of general interest. 






^. DWARD DOYLE. In the days when Gage 
County was in its earliest histor3',and every 
(M^^i, day witnessed some new incident of impor- 
tance and interest to the infant State and county, 
there came hitlier and settled herein, one who 
from that day of pioneer settlement until the pres- 
ent has most worthily represented the class some- 
times designated by the appellation, Irish-American 
citizens. Our subject was born in Ireland, in the 
year 1842, and is the son of Edward Doyle. It was 
his great and irreparable misfortune to be left 
motherless when l)etween two and three years of 
age, and to lose his fatlier bj' death at the Dixon 
bridge disaster, Dixon, 111., about seventeen years 
since. 

After the death of his molher our subject was 



brought up b}' a spinster aunt. Miss Ann Coleman, 
near Woosung. 111. When about four or five years 
of age, our subject accompanied his brother Mi- 
chael to the United States, and resided with his aunt 
in Brooklyn for about three 3'ears, and then accom- 
panied her to Ogle Countj', 111., where he was 
reared to manhood, and received in the common 
schools of that count}' his education. Upon that 
as a foundatitm, he has b}' constant reading become 
unusually well informed upon all topics of general 
interest, and takes exceptional delight in such stud- 
ies as will be of practical value in an}' department 
of life. 

In Januar}-, 18G7, our subject became the hus- 
band of Ellen O'Neill, one of Illinois' fair daugh- 
ters. This union was blessed by the birth of eight 
children, whose names are here subjoined, viz: 
George A., John, Clara, May, Daisy. Alice, Annie 
and Sadie. Miss O'Neill is the daughter of John 
and Bridget O'Neill, natives of Ireland. Their 
family circle includes nine children, and of these 
the wife of our subject is the third child. She was 
educated in the district schools near her home, and 
until her marriage resided with her parents. 

Our subject came to Gage County in 1873, and 
since that time has continued his residence here 
without interruption. Upon arrival he homesteaded 
160 acres of land upon section 30 of Highland 
Township, the same upon which he now resides. 
It was in its original beauty and wild picturesque- 
ness, but in obedience to his wish, enforceil by his 
continued labor, it has taken on a new appearance, 
has become more fertile, arid in every regard more 
useful. Without doubt it is one of the most im- 
proved and best farms in the entire count}'. When 
he came hither our subject was practically with- 
out means, and as we have seen, the relations to 
whom it usually falls to give the start in life had 
been removed from terrestrial scenes, so that his 
present prosperity is the result of the mutual iielpi 
encouragement and labor of our subject and his 
most excellent wife. 

Since he became a citizen Mr. Doyle has voted 
with the Democratic party, but at present is very 
much inclined to cast his ballot in the coming 
election in favor of Harrison and Morton. He is 
not what is commonly called a politician, but is an 




-#*■ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



237 



intelligent, common-sense, free citizen, and wliicli- 
cver way he may ultimately decide to act, it will 
he dictated by the desire eonscientiouslj' to fulfil 
Ills duty as a man and a loyal citizen. It has been 
his privilege to serve three years as one of the 
School Directors, and during that period he so dis- 
charged his duties as to win the respectful admira- 
tion of his compeers. 

In August of the j'ear 1861 our subject enlisted 
in Company D, 34th Illinois Infantry, which be- 
came a part of the Western Arm3\ He continued 
in this department of the service throughout all the 
campaign from that on, fighting in the battle of 
Shiloh, and in all the engagements of that series. 
He W.1S taken prisoner at the battle of Stone River, 
and confined in Libby Prison for about two weeks, 
and for the remainder of thirty-five days in Castle 
Thunder, then he was paroled and in due time 
was exchanged, rejoining his regiment, and went 
once more into battle, remaining without further 
accident, let or hindrance, until Julj', 1865, when 
he received an honorable discharge, and returned 
home to Illinois to resume the less exciting and 
dangerous duties of civil life. 



JAMES AV. GRAHAM. The farm of our 
subject, situated upon section 22 of High- 
land Township, presents a picture of suc- 
cessful, thrift}' farm life that is seldom 
equaled, even in this county of enterprising and 
prosperous farmers. This gentleman is a native of 
Knox Count}-, Ohio, where he was born upon the 
21stof August, 1852, to David and Rhoda Graham. 
His father was a native of Scotland, and his mother 
of Pennsj-lvauia. Mr. Graham, Sr., is believed to 
have emigrated to America in the year 1840, but 
after his marriage he settled in Knox County, Ohio, 
and there made his home for about eleven years. 
He went from Knox County to Mexico, and was 
killed in the Mexican War. Our subject moved 
to Fulton County, Ohio, and resided there about 
fourteen years. 

The above noted bereavement left our subject 
and his brother John B. orphans, for about one 
year previous to his father's departure to Mexico, 



their mother had been taken from them by death. 
Thus the beginning of his life was darkened by the 
shadow of death, and his path bedewed by the 
tears of orphanhood; iu whatever of prosperity our 
subject may have been in a position to enjoy, it 
should be remembered that it is alwa3's more credit- 
able to those who come up through tribulation, 
trial and darkness to positions of honor, pr{>sperity 
and opulence in the community. Our subject was 
taken into the family of John James, his maternal 
grandfather, who resided in Fulton Count}'. Here 
he was well cared for, and received with affection. 
His education was provided for by the opportunity 
afforded to attend regularly the classes of the dis- 
trict school in the neighborhood. When not thus 
employed he was engaged in farming and stock- 
raising. 

The spring of 1877 witnessed the migration to 
this State of our subject, who upon arrival rented 
land in the southern part of the county, and there 
for two 3'ears did little but " break" the land. In 
that time he broke 600 acres of land, and our sub- 
ject built two houses and improved two farms iu 
the space of about five years before locating on sec- 
tion 24. In 1882 he came to Highland Township, 
located on section 24, built on that farm, and there 
remained until the spring of 1884. Then he settled 
upon his present property, that comprises eighty 
acres of excellent agricultural land, which under his 
extensive labors has taken on its present beauty, 
fertility and perfection of productiveness, and forms 
a most realistic background for the farm buildings 
and residence that complete the picture. 

The loneliness that had been felt in the life of our 
subject since his childhood was only eradicated 
once and forever when he was united at the hy- 
meneal altar, upon the 25th of May, 1879, with 
Miss Susie Boomer, the estimable daughter of John 
and Margaret Boomer, of Beatrice, who were among 
the early settlers in this county. This lady was 
born in New Jersey, at Newark, Feb. 15, 1853. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Graham have been born six chil- 
dren, of whom, however, but two survive. These 
are Lucretia V., who was born March 21, 1885 ; and 
Lewis W., March 30, 1887. 

In all political matters our subject is independent, 
and his ballot is cast for whomsoever he may deem 



•^f^ 



238 



GAGE COUNTY. 



the most fitting candidate. His suffrage is given 
not according to the principles of partj-, but ac- 
cording to the principles of right. Owing to his 
life struggle, doubtless, there has been developed 
in our subject a disposition generous and beneficent; 
he is a man of recognized business integrity, stand- 
ard character and unquestioned patriotic, public 
si)irit, and because of what he is he is accorded the 
heartiest confidence and respect of his neighbors 
and friends, as is also the faithful companion of 
his life. The}- are both active and consistent mem- 
bers of society, and move in the most select circles. 



-^-^ 



i--^ 



U ILL I AM RETCHLESS. Upon the banks 
of the Cam, which gives its name to Cam- 
*J^ bridgeshire, which is among the prettiest 
of English counties, stands one of the oldest and 
most famous institutions of learnir.g in Europe, the 
date of its founding being lost in the earlier days 
of the Middle Ages. At present it consists of sev- 
enteen colleges and halls, in which have studied, 
and from them gone out to their life work, some of 
the greatest men the world has seen, among them 
Sir Isaac Newton and Lord Bacon. In this county, 
which comprises 822 miles, and is renowned as one 
of the most richly agricultural districts of England, 
there was born to John and Ester Retchless, upon 
the 3d of October, 1844, a son, of whom the fol- 
lowing sketch is a brief biographical compendium. 

The parents of our subject emigrated to America 
while he was quite small, and settled in Niagara 
County, N. Y., in 1851. There our subject received 
his early education, and was reared to manhood, 
being engaged after completing bis school course in 
farming. Although quite a young man, our sub- 
ject responded to the call for defenders of the 
Union, and enlisted Aug. 7, 1862, in the 19th 
New York Battery, and was a participant in several 
battles, among others that at Suffolk, battle of 
the Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court House, where he 
was wounded on the 12th of May, 1864, and from 
that time was in no regular engagement. He re- 
ceived his discharge Feb. 20,1865, and returned 
home and engaged in faim work. 

In 1876 our subject came to Pawnee County, 



Neb., where he made his home until 1883. Then 
he settled in this county upon his present propert}', 
which includes 200 acres of excellent land for pas- 
toral purposes. He is engaged chieflj' in stock- 
raising, and makes a specialty of cattle of graded 
stock. His herd numbers sixt}'-seven, and among 
them are several especially fine animals. 

Upon mature reflection our subject decided to 
take to himself a life companion, and was accord- 
ingly united in marriage, March 1 1 , 1867, in Niag- 
ara Countj', N. Y., with Miss Salina Humphreys. 
This lady is the daughter of William and Ester 
Humphreys, and was born in New York State, Sept. 
14, 1849. Her father is deceased. There have been 
nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. Retchless, whose 
names are here appended in the order of their 
birth: Alta E., Alice E.. Alma L., Frank W., 
Charles T., Fred J., Edward, Jessie B. and Grace A- 

The militarj' experiences of our subject were 
such as to lead him to take a deep interest in the 
work of the G. A. R., of which society he is a mem- 
ber. He is uniformly loyal and patriotic as a citi- 
zen, honorable in all business relations, courteous, 
liberal and affable as a man and a friend, and en- 
joj's the confidence and regard of liis fellow-citi- 
zens. 



-^ : : Di:o : 




SjHOMAS E. HIBBERT cultivated in his early 
days, and has preserved in his older age, a 
remarkable patriotism and devotion to the 
welfare of his country. As a boy he was willing to 
sacrifice his life if need be in her behalf, but it fort- 
unately not being required of him, he has reached 
the prime of life without lessening in an}' degree 
his fervor or activity in advocating her cause. His 
father, Edward R. Hibbert, was born in England, 
and his mother, Mary (Graham) Hibbert, was born 
of Scotch parents in the northern part of Ireland. 
They were married in Philadelpliia, Pa., and resided 
in that city, the father being engaged in the delight- 
ful occupation of floriculture. They had a family 
of four children, of whom Thomas E. and Martha 
are living, an<l James and Edward died in infancy. 
The parents also died in Philadelphia. 

Our subject, the oldest child of the family, was 
born on the 18th of October, 1846, in the above- 



/ 



•^^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



239 



,t 



named city, and when be was but five j'ears old he 
was called to mourn the loss of his devoted mother. 
After this sad bereavement he lived with his aunt 
and his grandmother until he w.as nine j'ears old, 
after which he labored in the emploj-ment of others 
in Wayne County, Pa., until the breaking out of 
the war. Boy as he was, his young heart was fired 
with enthusiasm, and he could not be restrained 
from offering himself and his young manhood in so 
just a cause as that which his country iiad espoused, 
and on the 6th of August, 1862, when he was not 
quite sixteen \-eai"s old, enlisted with Companj- A, 
137tb Penns3'lvania Infantrj'. 

For some time our subject was drilled with his 
companj- at Harrisburg, and on the 1 4th of Septem- 
ber he participated in the battle of South Mount- 
ain. A few days later he was among the number 
engaged in the fearful encounter at Antietam ; think 
of it, a boy not yet sixteen, where they buried 
2,000 Confederates! At Fredericksburg, on May 
3d and 4th, and at Chancellorsville on the 5th and 
Cth, he distinguished himself as one of the bravest 
soldiers. His time of enlistment having expired, 
he re-enlisted, Sept. 23, 1863, with Battery C, 2d 
Pennsj'lvania Heavy Artillery, and in that com- 
mand he served before the defenses of Washington. 
He was transferred to the infantry field in May, 
1864, having in the previous winter of 1863-64 
been promoted to the rank of First Corporal, which 
position he held until the close of the war. He 
also served in the battles of Cold Harbor and Peters- 
burg on the 14th of June, 1864, in what is termed 
"The Crater," the 30th of July, 1864, and in Sep- 
tember he participated in the James River cam- 
paign, and remained with Grant all summer. He 
was at the seiges of Petersburg and Richmond until 
the close of the war, and remained on reconstruc- 
tion duty until Februarj^ 1866, doing provost 
duty at Petersburg. He received his second hon- 
orable discharge at Philadelphia. 

After having so nobly distinguished himself as a 
brave warrior, our subject remained at home for one 
year, then went back to Wayne Countj', and in 1869 
be came to Nebraska and took up his present home- 
stead. He was married to Miss Nannie E. Fuller, 
on the 19th of March, 1874. She was born on the 
23d of February, 1856, in Kosciusko County. Ind., 



and came to this State on the 4th of JUI3', 1 864, when 
she was a girl of eight j'ears. Mr. and Mrs. Hib- 
bert have numbered seven children in their family, 
the three oldest of whom are deceased. Their 
names are: Marj- P., Charlie E., Anna J.. Guy, 11a 
E., Roscoe C, and Thomas E., Jr. 

Our subject owns 160 acres of fine land on sec- 
tion 13, Hooker Township, which he devotes to the 
purposes of general farming, and on which he has 
made many fine improvements. He has a grove of 
box elder, maple, Cottonwood, poplar, ash, elm, etc., 
all of which trees have grown from seeds and cut- 
tings, and present a fine appearance. There have 
been other improvements, also, which add materially 
to the value of the farm. As a supplement to his 
excellent war recoid, Mr Hibbert has taken an act- 
ive part in the political afifairs of his county and 
district, having been a delegate to the Republican 
State Convention in 1886, and in the year 1888 
he was elected delegate to the Republican Countj' 
Convention, and delegate to the Congressional 
Convention, in which honorable offices he repre- 
sented his constituents in a manner which was entirelj' 
satisfactory to them. He takes a great delight in 
discussing political matters, and he has a pleasant, 
genial disposition, which is so necessary^ to a man in 
the political arena if he desires to retain his own 
urbauitj' of manner, and the respect of others. Both 
Mr. and Mrs. Hibbert are esteemed members of the 
]\[ethodist Episcopal Church. 




ENDERSON BURTON. One of the oldest 
farms in Sicily Township is that occupied by 
the gentleman whose name is at the head of 
this sketch, who was born in the southern 
part of Virginia, Oct. 23, 1818. When at the 
age of five j'ears his parents, Jared and Nellie 
(Adams) Burton, removed to Kentuckj-, thej' too 
being natives of Virginia, and until that time hav- 
ing made their home in that State. Our subject 
was reared to mature j'ears in Morgan County, Kj'., 
where, unfortunately, he was able to receive no 
school training, because at that time schools were 
not established in the district. 

Our subject removed in the j'ear 1851 to Fre- 




•<^ 



240 



GAGE COUNTY. 



mont County, Iowa, making the trip bj- the river, 
first upon the Ohio down to Cairo where it unites 
with the Mississippi; at that point the prow of his 
boat was turned up the last-named river, and pres- 
ently he arrived at St. Louis, where, owing to the 
frozen condition of the river, he was compelled to 
winter. In March of the following year (1852) he 
recommenced his journej' up the Missouri River, 
and upon the 8th of April went ashore at Lambert's 
Landing, which is situated about four miles above 
the present site of Kebraska City. 

After one year spent in Iowa our subject returned 
to Kentuck}', but in 1855 once more made his way 
to Kebraska City. The following year (1856) 
found him again in Kentuckj'. After eight years 
he again migrated westward, and in the 3'ear 1864 
settled near Wyoming, Neb., where he remained until 
the year 1 874, when he removed to his present home. 
At that time it was an entirely undeveloped country, 
and for three j'ears or more the visits of Indians were 
a daily occurrence. There were very few neighbors, 
and none of them near, the first white settlement 
having only been effected the j'ear previous to our 
subject's coming, and his house and farm being the 
most southerly in the entire county. The farm in- 
cludes 200 acres of exceptionally good land for the 
pursuit of husbandry, and is situated on the twentj'- 
first section, and, by constant attention and labor, 
has been brought to an unusually high state of cul- 
tivation. 

Mr. Burton has been twice married ; first in March, 
1 840, to Miss Rosa Sexton, who, however, died seven 
years later, and left one son, James E., who was born 
Dec. 13, 1844, in Carter County, Ky. This lady 
was a native of Kentucky, and a most devout mem- 
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Her son 
James, when at the age of seventeen years, answered 
the call of his countr}',and enlisted in her defense in 
Company K, of the 10th Kentucky Cavalry, and 
served for fourteen months. During that time he 
contracted the disease which ultimatelj' removed 
him from the sphere mundane. He was for many 
years devotedly attached to the Cumberland Pres- 
bjterian Church, and continued his membership un- 
til the last. He was married, on the 31st of Decem- 
ber, 18G8, to Alvira J. Austin, who presented him 
with two sons— William C. and Leonard E. ; the for- 



.p^Mi.: 



mer died at the age of eighteen j'ears. upon the 26th 
of December, 1887; Leonard E. continues to make 
his home with his grandparents. 

The second marriage of our subject was with Miss 
Rebecca M. Lambert, of Boyd County, Ky.. and 
was celebrated on the 10th of October, 1848. This 
]a(\y and her husband are both within the pale of the 
communion of tiie Evangelical Church, and receive 
the full confidence and esteem of those with whom 
they are associated. Mr. Burton is one who gives 
full attention to the rights and responsibilities of 
citizenship, and is careful regarding the disposition 
of his ballot, but at the same time is in sympathy 
with the Republican partj^, and in National cam- 
joaigns usually votes its ticket. 



/p^EORGE KRAUTER, a pioneer settler of 
jl| (=^ Clatonia Township, has long been a familiar 
^^^J! figure among the farmers of section 3. A 
native of Bavaria, Germany, he was born Dec. 5, 
1833, and is the son of John and Anne Krauter, 
who traced their ancestry among the best families 
of the Fatherland. He was reared in his native 
Province, where he lived until a youth of twenty 
years, then resolved to seek his fortune in the New 
World. He accordingly bade adieu to his youth- 
ful associations, and taking passage on a sailing-ves- 
sel at Bremerhaven, landed, after an ocean voj'age 
of nine weeks, in the city of New York. He 
remained in Orange County, N. Y., for .about 
two years thereafter, employed as a farmer. In 
1853 he was united in marriage with Miss Caroline 
Wolf, a native of Alsace, Germany, and this union 
resulted in the birth of twelve children, nine of whom 
are living, namely : Frank, George, Charles, Will- 
iam, Edward, Wilhelmina, Caroline, Frederick and 
Archie. John, Ella and Frederick are deceased. 

From Orange Countj', N. Y., our subject re- 
moved to the vicinitj' of the city of Sing Sing, 
where he remained, however, but a short time, then 
started for the West, and crossing the Father of 
Waters, was engaged for about eight years in a 
lumber-yard at Burlington, Iowa. Subsequently he 
farmed in the vicinity of that citj', but about the 
fall of 1*71 came to this county and homesteaded 

•► 



i 



I 



GAGE COUNTY. 



241 






eight}' acres of land in Clatonia Township. He was 
one of the first men to follow the plowshare in this 
township. He retained possession of his first land 
about seven j'ears, then sold out and took possession 
of his present farm, where he has brought about 
the improvements naturally suggested to the intel- 
ligent and progressive agriculturist. He has been 
remarkably prosperous in his labors, and is now the 
owner of 400 broad acres, which yield in abun- 
dance the richest crops of this section. His dwell- 
ing is comfortable and the barns and out-buildings 
properly adapted to the storing of grain and the 
shelter of stock. 

Mr. Krauter after becoming a naturalized citi- 
zen identified himself with tlie Republican party. 
He has served as School Treasurer of his township 
for a number of yeai-s, and in the spring of 1887 
was chosen as Judge of Election. To the mainten- 
ance of schools and churches he gives his uniform 
and hearty support. The German Americans of 
this county- comprise a portion of its best element, 
and none are more deserving of honorable mention 
than the subject of this sketch. In religious mat- 
ters he belongs to the German Methodist Episcopal 
Church, is one of its Trustees, and contributes liber- 
ally to its support. 



lOBERT C. HEMPHILL is entitled to hon- 
orable mention as a participant in the late 
tii'A'l civil difficulties, having served as a loyal 
^p) soldier of the Union, as well as a prosperous 
farmer and stock-raiser of this countj'. His father, 
Moses Hemphill, was born in Cumberland, Pa., in 
1804, and died in 1865, at the age of sixty -one 
years. His mother, Marger}- (Clark) Hemphill, was 
born in Franklin County, Pa., in 1812, and died in 
1872, at the age of sixty years. They were the 
parents of ten children, of whom our subject was the 
sixth born. 

The birth of our subject occurred on the 24th 
of April, 1841, in Cumberland Countj', Pa., and as 
a youth he received a common-school education and 
then engaged in work on his father's farm, until he 
reached the age of twenty' -one years. At that age 
began the period which furnished but one topic of 

M* 



thought in the minds of men, women and children, 
and our subject enlisted on the 1 2th of August, i 862, 
in Company F, 13th Pennsylvania Cavalry. He 
was mustered in at Harrisburg as a private, and re- 
mained throughout the war until its termination. 
He participated in the engagements known as the 
battle of the Wilderness, battle at Spottsj-lvania 
Court House, the siege of Petersburg and the battle 
of Winchester. He was mustered out at Little 
York (Pennsylvania) Hospital on the 25th of Maj', 
1865. 

After he was honorably discharged from the serv- 
ice of his countrj-, our subject went to Illinois 
where he remained for one 3' ear, and then i-eturned 
to Cumberland County, Pa., in which place he con- 
tinued farming until the 3'ear 1883. He then came 
to Nebraska and began farming on his present land, 
consisting of 160 acres on section 1, Elni Township. 
He broke the soil, and by his improvements from 
time to time he has brought his farm to its present 
lucrative and attractive condition, and is in every 
respect well and ple.isantl}' situated. He does not 
reside on his own farm but on the one adjoining it. 

On the 13th of Februar}-, 1868, our subject was 
united in marriage, in Franklin Countj", Pa., to Miss 
Margaret J. Brown, who was born in Cumberland 
County, of the same State, on the 13th of Februarj-, 
1848. Her father, John C, and mother, Ellen 
(Quiglej') Brown, were both natives of the county in 
wliich she was born. The father died in 1862, at 
the age of forty-five 3'ears, and the mother in 1858, 
at the age of forty years, they having reared a fam- 
ilj' of eight children, of whom the wife of our sub- 
ject was the third child. 

Our subject and his wife are the parents of nine 
children, all of whom are at home and whom we 
name as follows: Robert B., Ellen Q., William J.. 
Bessie F., Walter C, Margery- H., Carrie B., Charles 
N. and Agnes O. Our subject does not seek promi- 
nence in public affairs, but his true worth being 
recognized by the people of his community, he has 
at different times been called to share the public 
honors. He h.as served for two j'ears as Justice of 
the Peace; having served for one term as School 
Director, he was elected for a second term and is 
now serving in that capacity. He is an ardent 
Republican, and is a member of the G. A. R., Ro'- 



h 



-•»• 



242 



GAGE COUNTY. 



f 



liiis Post, No. 35, of Beatrice. He and his wife are 
influential members of the Presbyterian Chiircli in 
the above-named citj\ One of the admirable char- 
acteristics of our subject is his love for method and 
order, having a place for everything and keeping 
everything in its place, and his wife also adopts that 
excellent rule in the management of her houseliold. 
She possesses tiie qualities of refined womanhood in 
a marked degree, and is an estimable lady. 

-5 #W# i^ 



^^ MER T. GARRISON. The homestead of 
(I )j) the suljject of this sketch, pleasantl3' situated 
^^7 in Adams Township on section 19, forms a 
pleasing picture of peaceful rural life, and the abode 
of plenty, and comfort. Mr. Garrison, forming a 
portion of the bone and sinew of his community, 
has pursued the even tenor of his way perhaps 
without making any great stir in the world, but is 
a man upon whom his fellow-citizens look with 
confidence, and as such is amply entitled to recogni- 
tion in a work of this kind. He has been fortunate, 
too, in the selection of his life partner, having for his 
wife a most amiable and intelligent ladj% who has 
presided with dignity and grace over his household 
affairs, been a wise and judicious mother to a bright 
family of children, and in all things labored disin- 
terestedly with her husband for the best good of 
those having a claim upon them. 

Mr. Garrison was the second child of his parents, 
and was born in Washington Township, Dearborn 
Co., Ind. June 12, 1832. His father, William Gar- 
rison, was a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, and 
born about six miles from the city of Cincinnati. 
The mother was born in Pennsylvania, and when a 
young girl went with her parents to Indiana, where, 
when grown, she made the acquaintance of her hus- 
band. William Garrison was a man of much force 
of character and good education, and was a prac- 
ticing physician of Dearborn County for a period 
of fifteen years. A strong anti-slavery man, he was 
fearless in the expression of his principles, and was 
also active in temperance work, devoting much time 
to the lecture field, iu which he attained a fine repu- 
tation as an orator and a most efficient helper. 
The parents of our subject left Indiana in 1855, 
-^« 



and, crossing the Mississippi, located in Wapello 
County, Iowa, where the father died at the age of 
seventy-three years, in 1875. The mother passed 
away three 3'ears later, in 1878, while on a visit at 
the home of her son Amos, in Chicago, being also 
seventy -three j-eare old. The six children compris- 
ing the home circle were named respectively: Syl- 
vester, Omer, Herod, Amos, Robert and Silas. Of 
these all lived to mature jears, and four are now 
living, being residents of Nebraska and Illinois, 
respectively. 

Omer T. Garrison acquired his education in the 
common school, and when of suitable years began 
to make himself useful about the homestead. At 
the age of nineteen he became interested in carpen- 
tering, which he followed about a year, and when 
twenty-one began the stud}- of pharmacy in Iowa, 
and also practiced medicine to a slight extent. This, 
however, not being congenial to his tastes, he 
abandoned the profession for the farm prior to his 
marriage, and wisely acquired ownership to a tract 
of laud. He took unto himself a wife and help- 
mate. Miss Amanda McCullough, in April, 1858, the 
wedding occurring at the home of the bride in 
Iowa, and they began life together at a modest 
home in Van Buren County. 

Mrs. Garrison is the daughter of William and 
Jane McCullough, natives respectively of Ireland 
and Pennsylvania. 'J'he father emigrated to the 
United States when a young man, settling at an 
early da^' in Switzerland County, lud. There the 
parents were married, and removed thence to Iowa 
in 1849, locating in Van Buren County. Mr. Mc- 
Cullough, about 1849, while on a business trip to 
Keokuk was taken sick, and died at the age of 
sixty-seven years. Thus were shattered the fond 
hopes which had nerved the family to seek a wild 
new country in the hopes of bettering their condi- 
tion. The terrible blow was most fatal in its effects 
upon the poor mother, who, left comparatively 
without means, and a large family to provide for, 
lost her reason and never recovered. She only sur- 
vived five years, being tenderly cared for by her 
children, and dying at the home of her son in Iowa, 
in 1868, at the age of sixty-eight. 

To the parents of Mrs. Garrison there were born 
ten children — Thomas, EIniira, Andrew, Jane, Mary, 



■^^i^ 



L 



GAGE COUNTY. 



■•► 



•24a 



i 



John, Margaret, William, Wasliiiigton, and Olive, 
the wife of our subject. The birth of the latter 
took place Oct. 13, 1842, in Switzerland County, 
Ind., and she was there reared amid the pioneer 
scenes of a new conntrj'. Her education was con- 
ducted in the primitive schools, and she retains to 
this day many recollections of that time, and par- 
ticularl}' the details of their departure for Iowa. 
.She recalls the words of parting from old friends, 
the disposal of some of their effects and the loading 
of the others upon the wagon, by means of which 
with horses they were to make the journey to their 
new home. Its results and the sad scenes which fol- 
lowed are but one chapter among the experiences 
of a world whose children are prone to meet with 
disappointment and sorrow. 

Mr. and Mrs. Garrison, however, have been pros- 
perous in their home and in their children, and 
enjoy the friendship of a large circle of acquaint- 
ances. They came to Nebraska in the fall of 1872, 
and lived at Beatrice until Mr. G. purchased IGO 
acres of land, which now forms a neat and comfort- 
able homestead. 

Our subject is a stanch Republican, politically^ 
and with his estimable wife an earnest worker, like 
bis father before him, for the success of the temper- 
ance cause. Seven children came to bless their 
union, the eldest of whom, Aldula, is now the wife 
of Charles Gale, who is connected with the Express 
Publishing Company at Beatrice; they have one 
child, a son, Clarence. Edgar married Miss Bea- 
trice Lynch, and is farming in Adams Township; 
Mary F., Mrs. Orin Wej'man, is the wife of a well- 
to-do farmer of Adams Township; Walter, William, 
Guy and Glenn are at home with their parents. 



WILLIAM H. RUYLE. The stock farmers 
of Gage County are among the very best 
of its citizens, and fill in this newer country 
a place, perhaps, of chief importance as concerns 
its business interests. Among these, and represent- 
ative of his class, is the gentleman whose history is 
here epitomized; one who is in the front rank of 
his fellows in the same calling, is most prosperous 
and enterprising. His farm is most admirably situ- 



ated for pastoral purposes, and is part of section 3.5, 
Logan 'lownship, a rich soil, of undulating prairie, 
and well supplied with water from Cedar Creek, 
that flows directly through it. His farm is 320 
acres in extent, but with bis Sherman Township 
property he owns not less than 500 acres. 

William L. Ruyle is a native of Knoxville, Tenn., 
where he was born in 1824. He removed to Scott 
Count}-, 111., with his father in 1832, and, in 1849 
went to California, and was engaged for three 
years in mining, succeeding in accumulating quite a 
large fortune. He then returned home to Illinois, 
where he is the owner of 1,500 acres in Jersey 
County, well stocked with thoroughbred hoi-ses and 
cattle. He has for many 3'ears held a very high 
position in the community, and held the office of 
Count}' Commissioner for about four years; his 
political sympathies are with the Democratic party, 
of which he has always been a member. His wife, 
whose maiden name was Mary J. Elliot, was born 
in 1836, on the Chamteau Island, which is in the 
Mississippi River above St. Louis. She is still liv- 
ing, and in the enjoyment of both health and facul- 
ties. Of this union there were born eight children, 
whose names are here subjoined: W. H., Elizabeth, 
Annie, Laura, Louis, Lucinda, Edward and Ollie. 

Our subject was born upon the 14th of April, 
1856, in Jersey County, 111., and continued his 
residence with his parents until he attained his 
majority. He received a good practical education, 
and from childhood became every day more con- 
versant with farm life in all its details. In 1877 
he went to Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico, 
in which latter place he had quite an extensive ranch, 
and was more than usually successful in its opera- 
tion, but did not stay long enough to become a 
permanent settler, as he returned to Illinois after an 
absence of about three months. He then returned 
to farming for a time, and in 1880 removed to 
Logan Township and settled upon his present farm, 
at that time comprising only 240 acres; four years 
since he opened a butcher shop on Cort street, 
Beatrice, and this, although lacking his personal 
oversight, represents quite a large business. The 
whole of his shrewd, cultivated and experienced 
intelligence is brought to bear upon the proper 
working of his farm, and his time is given chiefly 



244 



-•► 



GAGE COUNTY. 



U) that end ; lie is a very large buyer and shipper, 
never shipping less than from 125 to 150 carloads 
of stock each season. 

The maiden name of the wife of our subject was 
IMiss Nettie Bateman ; she is the daughter of Will- 
iam and Julia (Cowan) Bateman, a native of Jersey 
County, 111., and was born on the 2Gth of Oitober, 
1858. Her father, whose life dates from the year 
1830, was born in Lynchburg, Ya., and was bj' 
trade a bricklayer. In 1858 he went to Jersey 
County, 111., and there began farming; in 1880 he 
became a resident of Logan Township, this county, 
upon the property' still occupie<i by him, which 
comprises IGO acres. Her mother, who was born 
in the year 1839, is a native of Jersey County, 111. 
Of their union were born nine children, who re- 
ceived the names here appended, viz: Janet, John 
and Elizabeth (deceased); Ida, Ann J., William 
T., Tlieron W., Edward and Cora. Miss Bateman 
became the wife of our subject on the lOlh of 
October, 1878, in Jersey County. The children of 
Mr. and Mrs. Ruyle are as follows: Eva J., Clar- 
ence L., Willie L. and Herbert R. 

Our subject, while in nowise remiss in accepting 
the responsibilities that come to him as a citizen of 
the Republic, is not of that number who might be 
called office-seekers, although he has been for two 
jears Collector of Taxes, and is at present serving 
as School Director. In his political opinions, sym- 
pathies and principles, our subject is in strict accord 
with the Democratic party, of which he has been 
an acknowledged friend and supporter for many 
years. There are few if any of Logan's citizens 
held in higher regard than Mr. Ruyle and his most 
estimable wife. 

iICHARD GLASS is one of the well-known 
and progressive farmers and stock-raisers of 
(s^\ Blakely Township, where he owns a fine 
^Sjfarm of 151 acres on section 1. His father, 
Richard Glass, Sr., was a farmer and weaver, and 
was born in the northern part of Ireland. Shortly 
after his marriage in that countiy to Martha Watt, 
he came to the United States, and made his home in 




Lancaster County, Pa., where he and his wife spent 
the remainder of their days, and died at about the 
age of eighty years. They were Presbyterians in 
faith, and were respected citizens of tlie community 
in which they lived. The father was the only one 
of his father's family who left his native country 
for America. Our subject was the j'oungest of 
eight children, of whom there were five sons and 
three daughters, and the only remaining members 
of that family are our subject and a sister, Mrs. 
Betsej- Sides. The latter is now living in Lancaster 
County, Pa., where her husband, Henry Sides, is 
engaged in farming. 

Our subject lived with his father in his native 
county until he was twenty j-ears old, when he took 
the responsibility of shaping his future course 
in life into his own hands, and went to Ohio and 
worked for two and one-half 3-ears in learning the 
miller's trade. He discontinued that vocation and 
again engaged in farming. He was married, in 
1840, in Franklin County, Ohio, to Miss Paulina 
Ogden, who was born on the 14th of February, 
1822, in the afore-mentioned county. She is a 
daughter of Elias and Hulda (Whitehead) Ogden 
both of whom are deceased, the father having been 
accidentally killed by a vicious horse when Paulina 
was but three years old. Her mother afterward 
married Mr. John Kelso, who died in Ohio, and 
later Mrs. Kelso went to Iowa, where she died at 
the advanced age of eighty-seven years. 

Mrs. Glass is next to the youngest child of her 
father's farail}', consisting of two sons and three 
daughters, and after the death of her father she re- 
mained in the care of her mother until the time of 
her marriage with our subject. She is the mother 
of ten children, three of whom died in infancy, and 
a fourth, named Martha, died aft«r she became the 
wife of James Brightman, leaving two small chil- 
dren to mourn a mother's tender care. The re- 
maining children of the family of our subject and 
his wife are: Hulda J., Marj', Bessie, Jennie L., 
Robert and Milton. Hulda has been engaged in 
teaching school for ten years, and makes her home 
with her parents; Maiy and Jennie also live at 
home; Bessie is the wife of James L. McCan, and 
they live on a farm in Bremer County, Iowa ; Robert 
married Miss Araminta Stanle}', and lives on a farm 



■► l i^ ^ - 





RESIDENCE OF JACOB U P LI NG E R ,5 EC , 18 , H I GH LAND TP 



-'4Sfe???^^S**^-" 




|;-t,ni ^^' 







RESIDENCE OF W. E . M U DGE , SEC , 1 , E LM T0WN5HIP. 




residence: OF Henry Theasmae ir , sec.ib , clatonia tp . 



-U 



GAGE COUNTY. 



247 



1^ 



in Grnnt Township; Milton is at home and works 
with his brother. 

During liis resiflcnce in the Buckeye State our 
subject made his liomc near Columbus for a period 
of ten years, after which be moved to Ogle County, 
111., where he made his home from the year 1847 
until 1883. In 1883 he came to his present farm, 
making the journey from Ogle County, 111., with 
teams and wagons. The land which comprises his 
farm was verj' nearly all unbroken, and he at once 
began to make improvements and fit it for use. He 
now has the whole amount well under cultivation, 
and has erected a ver}' good house and farm build- 
tngs. He and bis family- have won the esteem and 
friendship of the citizens of this communit}' since 
their arrival, and are well known in refined and in- 
telligent circles of society. Mr. Glass alfiliates 
•with the Democratic part}' in politics, and has 
proved himself a good citizen and au honorable 
man. 

"" C 



■ HMK E. AUKES, M. D. It is our pleas 

Etc offer ill this writing a biographical c 
1 pendium of Cortland's leading and re; 



HME E. AUKES, M. D. It is our pleasure 

com- 
cpi'e- 

sentative physician and surgeon. This gentleman 
is a native of Hanover, German}^ and was born at 
Canum Amt Emden Ostfriesland, that Province, 
upon the 29tb of May, 1852. He is a son of E. B. 
and Brechtje R. Aukes. His mother is still alive, 
and makes her home in Iowa. The father is de- 
ceased. 

Dr. Aukes was the 3'oungest son born to his p.ir- 
ents, whose family circle included nine children. 
He received a good education in his native place 
and tongue, and at the .ige of twenty-one he en- 
tered the university at Gottingen, which is the uni- 
versity for Hanover, and of standard reputation. 
To it some of the finest scholars and physicians of 
Europe look as their alma mater. He attended the 
classes of this institution for four years, graduating 
in the spring of that year, receiving in token 
thereof the regular diploma of a doctor in medicine 
and surgery. Upon graduating our subject made 
several trips on one of the Hamburg line Atlantic 
steamers, serving in his profession. 

In the summer of 1877 Dr. Aukes set foot upon 



American soil with the purpose of making it his 
adopted country and future home. He began the 
practice of his profession in Logan County, 111., con- 
tinuing until the early part of the year 1878, when he 
went to Hardin Count}', Iowa, locating in the town 
of Acklej'. Here he speedily built up a lucrative prac- 
tice, and continued for two j'ears. He next hung 
out his shingle at Owatonna, Minn., and there re- 
mained for five years, having quite a large and pa}'- 
ing practice, which he sold at the end of that time, 
and in 1884 came to Cortland, where he established 
himself in his profession, and also established his 
drug-store, which was the first opened in Cortland. 
He has continued both branches of his profession 
until the present, and enjoys a large financi.al as well 
as professional success. 

Dr. Aukes is a member of the Nebraska SUite 
Medical Society, also of the State Pharmaceutical 
Association. To both of these societies he is greatly 
attached, and some of his contributions at the va- 
rious sessions of the same have been received with 
every appreciation. Among the social orders the 
Doctor is also well and favorably known. He 
holds membership in the Goethe Lodge No. 38, of 
the I. O. O. F.. at Owatonna, and also in the Star 
of the East Lodge No. 33, of the Masonic frater- 
nity, at the same place. In the former he has filled 
the chair of Noble Grand of the Goethe Lodge of 
Odd Fellows, of Owatonna, Minn. 

In October, 1877, our subject was joined in holy 
matrimony to Miss Anne Ruha.ik. This lady is a 
native of Illinois, and a daughter of Harm and 
Ellen Ruhaak, natives of Germany, who settled in 
Illinois in 1848. Their daughter Anne was born at 
Pekin, 111., June 10, 1858, being the first child of 
their family, which included in all four children. 
Dr. and Mrs. Aukes have become the p.irents 
of three children, whose names are recorded as here 
appended: Ella, who was born Oct. 1, 1878; H.at- 
tie, born Feb. 27, 1881; also Di.ana, born July 1, 
1883, and died April 5, 1884. 

The political opinions of our subject favor the 
Democratic party, of which he has been a member 
since taking citizenship in the countr}-; but at the 
same time it is his endeavor to be as liberal as is 
possible in his political views, as in everything else, 
his large knowledge of the world and human nature 



r^Jt^ 



•► u^ 



t 



248 



GAGE COUNTY. 



dictating to him generous toleration of freedom of 
thought, sentiment and opinion in others as the 
wiser and more truly manly course. The Doctor 
and his wife are both active members of society, 
and are numbered among its elite. As a man, 
citizen and physician it is the happiness of our sub- 
ject to enjoy the highest regard and unbounded 
confidence of the community in which he resides. 



-~^^V vxtJ2££/®-^/K 



@J,gJ;^r3Tr»\» •vv~- 



W YNVILL H. WYMORE is a son of Freder- 
I (^ ick and Isabel (McMains) Wymore, who are 
j|LA\^ natives of Keutuclv3', and after their marriage 
which occurred in Indiana, they made their home 
there. After a time they moved to Mahaska Countj', 
Iowa, and thence to Pawnee County, Neb., in 1855. 
They were among the earlj' settlers in this State, and 
in common with others of that early day they have 
experienced an eventful life. The surrounding 
country was a great waste of prairie land which was 
the hunting ground of the Indians and the home 
of the deer, antelope and wolf. During these 
first years of settlement little but corn could be 
produced from the ground, and the settlers were 
compelled to go to Missouri for groceries, etc., and 
it was especially hard when these trips occurred in 
the winter. The distance from one neighbor to an- 
other increased the feeling of isolation and loneli- 
ness, and altogether there was a severe strain upon 
the courage and self-reli.auce of the early inhabit- 
ants. In the year 1865 they came to this county, 
and are now living in Island Grove Township, in 
the enjoyment of good health and comfortable sur- 
roundings. There were ten children in their family, 
seven sons and three daughters, all of whom are 
now living. 

Our subject was the fifth child of his father's 
family, and was born in Mahaska County, Iowa, on 
the 22d of August, 1848. He remained with his 
parents until he reached the age of twenty-two 
years, and received his education in the county 
schools. On the 15th of December, 1870, he was 
united in marriage with Miss Susan M. Sharp, who 
was born in Montgomery County, Tenn., on the 
21st of Febru.iry, 1854. She is a daughter of 
Jonathan and Margaret (Elvery) Sharp, who are 



natives of Tennessee. Previous to the marriage of 
our subject, however, he had had some experience 
with the. Indians. In 1863 he enlisted in Company 
E, 2d Nebraska Cavalry, for nine months' service. 
He went from Brownville to Sioux Cit}', thence to 
Dakota and Minnesota, where the Indians were 
making trouble. They engaged with them in an 
encounter in which the Indians outnumbered them 
ten to one, but the military training of the soldiers 
enabled them to come off victorious, and at the ex- 
piration of his term of enlistment our subject re- 
turned to his home in Pawnee County, Neb. 

In 1871 Mr. Wymore bought eighty acres of 
land on section 35, and forty acres on section 34, 
Island Grove Township, for which he paid from §3 
to $8 per acre, according to the location of the land. 
When it came into his hands it was in an unculti- 
vated state, and the improvements which have made 
it such an attractive farm have been made by the 
hardest labor and perseverance. It is still the home 
farm, and 3'ields good crops of grain, corn being 
raised more extensively than any other cereal. 

Our subject and his wife have gathered about 
them a family of seven children, all of whom are 
living at home, and have received the names of Ira 
E., Francis E., Cordelia, Eva, Harley, Frederick J. 
and Grace. Mr. Wymore gives strict attention to 
the work of his farm, in which he has been success- 
ful, but while he is public spirited and interested in 
tlie affairs by which the good of the community 
can be secured, he does not seek public office, and 
is content to leave such honors to others. In poli- 
tics he votes with the Republican party. 



•► f ^j? : 



(^^ EBASTIAN SENG, a representative far- 
^^^ mer and stock-raiser of Clatonia Township, 
((1/_m) owns and operates 160 acres of land on 
section 13, and is numbered among the 
enterprising citizens of this part of the county. He 
is a gentleman in the prime of life, and a native of 
one of the wealthiest States of the Union, having 
been born in Tazewell County, 111., Oct. 17, 1841. 
His parents, Conrad and Elizabeth (Fifer) Seng, were 
of German Ijirth and ancestry, and emigrated to 
America before the birth of our subject, in 1838. 

•^ 



t 



^ 




GAGE COUNTY. 



249 



Tlieir five children inclufled two sons and three 
daughters. Tho3' settled among the pioneers of 
Tazewell County. 111., where our subject was reared 
to manhood and became entire!}' familiar with the 
various employments of farm life. His education 
was conducted in the district school, and he re- 
mained a member of the parental household until 
in the twenty-fourth year of his age, then, having 
made arrangements for the establishment of a borne 
of his own, lie was united in marriage with Miss 
Catherine AVestmej-er, the wedding taking place in 
Peoria, 111., March 12, 1865. 

Mrs. Seng was born in German}-, in August, 1840, 
and is the daughter of Jacob and Catherine West- 
me3'er, who emigrated from the Fatherland about 
1858. Their family consisted of ten children. The 
parents are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Seng 
there have been born six children, two of whom, 
Otto S. and Anne C. K., died when two and one- 
half and fifteen yeare old respectively. The sur- 
vivors are four sons — William H., Charles C, John 
W. and George E., who continue at home with 
their parents. 

Mr. Seng continued in Illinois until the spring 
of 1884, then, determined upon a change of loca- 
tion, he crossed the Mississippi with his family and 
took up his residence in this count}-. He and his 
estimable wife are both members of the German 
Methodist Episcopal Church, contributing liberally 
to its support, and being generally interested in 
those matters pertaining to the social and moral 
welfare of their community. Mr. Seng is a thor- 
ough and skillful farmer, and enjoys the confidence 
and esteem of bis neighbors. His homestead forms 
one of the most pleasant and desirable among those 
of Clatonia Township, which is settled up by a class 
of people more than ordinarily intelligent. 

W EONARD S. AUSTIN. There are, perhaps, 
I (^ in the Western country more illustrations of 
jlL^^ the truth of the ancient legend which 
■ teaches there is more room, pleasure and ease at 
the summit of the social eminence than in any other 
place. The gentleman whose biography is herein 
sketched is a case in point; the only capital with 

M» 



which he started in life was a clear brain, sound 
body, and an independent, aspiring soul. He was 
born in Linn County, Iowa, upon the 14th of 
March, 1849, and is the son of Joseph and Sarah 
(Sutton) Austin. His father is a native of Lower 
Canada, his mother of Hardin County, Iowa. They 
became the parents of nine children, all of whom 
are living. The mother departed this life on the 
27th of August, 1874. and left a memory of faith- 
ful, affectionate womanly life and character that 
will endure. Mr. Austin, Sr., contracted a second 
matrimonial alliance in 1875, the lady being Miss 
Alvira Sleeth, of Cass County, this State, where 
they at present i-eside. 

Our subject was reared to manhood in his native 
county, received the best education obtainable in 
the schools of the district, with which his i)arents 
judiciously commingled the various duties of farm 
life and attention to stock, so that as he arrived at 
manhood he had mastered these important details, 
and instead of being nonplussed by incomprehensi- 
ble minutia, he was enabled to start in life and 
operate his own farm after the manner of a master 
of such pursuits. He is at present the owner of 160 
acres of good land, which has been brought to an 
almost perfect state of cultivation. Mr. Austin 
and family came to this farm in the month of 
March, 1878, having purchased it at the cost of 
13.50 per acre. It was then in its original unbroken 
and unimproved condition, but that has long since 
given place to a newer and better order of things. 
There are few houses in the county more happily 
placed as regards situation, or better calculated by 
their arrangement to supply the essential factors 
of a true home. The farm buildings have been 
provided by the humanitarian thoughtfulness of our 
subject with such conveniences and arrangements 
as insure the greatest comfort to his stock. 

If man is the creature of circumstance, as many- 
would have us believe, then the circumstance which 
led to the union of our subject and Miss Mary 
Njish,of Cass County, although, perhaps, fortuitous, 
was exceedingly happy and fortunate, for in the 
years that have passed since their marriage upon the 
24th of September, 1874, the streams of life then 
united have commingled and known no division, 
and by mutual aid, encour.agement, inspiration, en- 




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250 



GAGE COUNTY. 



tbusiasm, ambition and perseverance, they iiave 
risen to the position it is their pleasure to occupy 
to-day. Mrs. Austin is the daughter of John and 
Mary (Hilder) Nash. Her father died Sept. 20, 
1887, at the age of sixty-seven 3-ears; her mother 
still resides in Otoe County. Mr. and Mrs. Austin 
are the parents of one child, who has received the 
name of Emory, and has attained the age of ten 
years. 

The reputation of our subject is most enviable, 
both as a man, citizen or farmer. In the latter 
connection it is chiefly as regards his success 
with his stock. He is the owner of a very large 
number of fine hogs of the Poland-China variety, 
.nnd has augmented his financial prosperity more 
from this branch of trade than an}' other. He is also 
the owner of some fine cattle and horses. As a 
citizen our subject is careful, so far as he is con- 
cerned, to aid in the election of only those men who 
will endeavor by their action while in office to ad- 
vance the interests of the people, without regard to 
petty party politics; at the same time the Repub- 
lican party usually receives his support. He is, with 
his wife, well received in society, and they are 
held in high regard by the community. He is 
connected with the fraternities of the K. of P. and 
I. O. O. F., and In both is much respected. 

-l^.- 



;OHN H. CREAIG. Upon section 10 of 
Lincoln Township is situated the farm of 
one of Gage Count}''s most excellent and 
worthy citizens, the property of the subject 
of this sketch. This farm is 160 acres in extent, 
and with the exception of- a few acres is all under 
the plow. It contains some of the most excellent 
agricultural land in the district, and whatever nat- 
ural advantages may be possessed, its value and 
efficiency have been greatly enhanced by the untir- 
ing and zealous labor that has been freely bestowed 
upon it by our subject. 

Mr. Creaig has been from his youtli a farmer, and 
therefore comes to husbandry fully equipped at all 
points. His life in this State dates from the 11th 
of May, 1872, when he came with his parents from 
Cass County, 111., where he was born in the year 



1856, to William and Jane (Tr.acy) Creaig, natives 
respectively of Illinois. Besides our subject, they 
were the parents of one daughter, to whom was 
given the name Anna, who is residing in the north- 
western part of the State with her husband, Greene 
Smith. 

Our subject, as above stated, was but a youth 
when he came to the State, and the happiest part of 
his life has been that in Nebraska. He has been 
especially fortunate in the particularly felicitous 
choice made by him of a life companion. At Bea- 
trice, Sept. 15, 1880, he was united in wedlock 
with Celesta I. Rathbun. This excellent l.ady was 
born at Rochelle, 111., Jan. 16, 1862, and accom- 
panied her parents to this State in 1871. Practi- 
cally, she was brought up in this State, and received 
all but the rudiments of her education here. She 
has developed a character and disposition that are 
calculated to make her home and every member of 
it most happy and truly prosperous. There have 
been three children born of this union — Edward C, 
Anna R. and George H. 

Our subject has not hitherto been prominent in 
political circles, but has always been anxious to bear 
every responsibility that is his as a citizen. He usu- 
ally votes with the Republican party. Being quite 
a young man, and already the recipient of the most 
perfect confidence of his fellow-citizens, who ad- 
mire such success as his, especially when supple- 
mented by high personal character and honor, it 
will be a matter of surprise if the future does not 
contain golden hours and high honors for our sub- 
ject. 



ENRY H. GROVES keeps abreast of the 
times in all matters of general public im- 
portance, and is following the pursuit of 
&^ agriculture with much success on his land on 
section 10, Nemaha Township. His parents, Jacob 
and Sally (Warner) Groves, were natives of Rock- 
ingham County, Va., who married and made their 
home in Henry County, Ind. The grandparents were 
natives of German}', who afterward emigrated to this 
country, and the paternal grandfather was a soldier 
in the War of 1812. The father of our subject was 
a farmer, and in 1856 he moved from Henrj' County 



■•► 






-4«- 



GAGE COUNTY. 



251 



^ 



to Marshall Count}- of the saiuc State, where he re- 
mained until the time of his death in 1863, at the 
age of fifly-seven j-ears. The mother died in 1874, 
aged sixty-six years, after having seen her family 
comprising ten children become useful and noble 
men ami women. 

Our subject, the seventh child in hisjfather's fam- 
ily, was born on the 20th of January, 1840, in 
Fall Creek Township, Henry Co., Ind. His father's 
farm was situated in such a manner that it bordered 
on the land of the two adjoining counties, and in 
fact the home had been at different times in each one 
of the three counties of Delaware, Madison and 
Henry. Our subject attended school in each of 
those counties, and enjoj'ed an experience with the 
"Hoosier schoolmasters" of the early day. The 
school-houses were built of logs, and the furnishings 
were of the most primitive stj-le, but studious and 
industrious pupils were able to gain considerable in- 
formation from their text-books, even if the sur- 
roundings were not as agi-eeable and attractive as 
those of more modern times. 

As a dutiful son our subject remained at home 
until he was twenty-one j'ears old, taking his share 
in the labor of the farm for the familj' welfare, and 
then he farmed a small piece of land of his own 
clearing, still making his home with his parents un- 
til the time of his marriage. On the 24th of Feb- 
ruary, 1866, he was joined in matrimony with Miss 
Lucinda Parish, a daughter of Green and Mary 
Emaliue (Kerr) Parish. Her parents were natives 
of North Carolina, in which State they were mar- 
ried, afterward moving to Indiana, and engaging in 
farming for a time in Rush County. They then 
moved to Wayne County, and afterward to Mar- 
shall County, in which place the father died in 1864, 
aged sixty years, and the mother in 1874, also aged 
sixty years. Their family of eight children, four 
boys and four girls, are all living. 

Mrs. Groves was born on the 1 8th of September, 
1841, in Wayne County, Ind., in which place she 
made her home until her parents moved to Marshall 
County. She attended the district schools of her 
native county, and after her change of residence 
she attended the same school as our subject, and 
afterward taught for one term in the last-named 
county. After their marriage they remained for 



a period of five years in Marshall Count}', and in 
1871 the}' came to Nebraska, and the husband 
bought eighty acres of land in Nemaha Township, 
this county. He then took up a homestead of 
eighty acres, and beg.an at once to improve his land, 
in which he met with much success, and was enabled 
to make subsequent purchases, so that now he is the 
owner of 440 acres of well-cultivated farming land, 
lie has builta fine house, and has all the necessarj' and 
convenient buildings for the care and shelter of his 
stock on the home farm, consisting of 120 acres on 
section 10, while he has made valuable improve- 
ments on 320 acres on section 15. He has two 
orchards on the former, and one on the latter men- 
tioned farm, containing 120 bearing fruit trees. 
There are also beautiful groves containing maple, 
Cottonwood, ash, catalpa, and 150 mulberry trees, 
with which our subject has beautified the home 
farm. 

Our subject and his wife have two children, El- 
mer and Cora Alice, the latter still living at home; 
Elmer married Miss Lizzie Casham. Mr. Groves 
is a member of the Farmers' Alliance, and has taken 
an active part in advancing the educational inter- 
ests of his community, having helped to organize 
the schools of his district, and having served as 
School Moderator. He is an ardent Democrat, and 
.as far as he is able he assists in the upbuilding and 
upholding of an honest administration. Personally 
he is endowed with an exterior which is a true char- 
acteristic of the inner man, and he presents a fine, 
noble appearance. He is a first-class, prosperous 
farmer, and is equally distinguished for his excel- 
lent qualities in his public career. 



^j, RTHUR R. FRANCIS, of Blakely Town- 

1, @//-JI I ship, has been pursuing the even tenor of 
his way on a good farm of 160 acres for 
the last twenty years, having secured this 
properly by homestead right in October of 1867. 
He had then been a resident of this county one year, 
and thus is fully entitled to the honors of the pio- 
neer citizen. His farm lies along the fertile regions 
watered by Cub Creek, is amply supplied with 
valuable timber, and to-day, with the improve- 



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f 



-4•■ 



252 



GAGE COUNTY. 




merits effected by the hand of industry and enter- 
prise, is numbered among tiie valuable homesteads 
of this region. 

Mr. Fr.ancis came to Nebraska from Benton 
County, Iowa, in the spring of 18G6, in companj- 
with anotiier family, making the journey overland 
with teams. He was born in Kalamazoo County, 
Mich., April 10, 1843, and is the son of Lyman 
Francis, a native of the Empire State, and of 
American parentage. The latter was a farmer by 
occupation, and spent his childhood and youth in 
his native county of Oneida, N. Y. Upon reaching 
manhood he sought for his wife a maiden of his 
own county. Miss Rachel Fuller, and they settled 
there and remained until after the birth of several 
children. The father then believing that he could 
do better for his family emigrated to Michigan, 
settling on a farm in Schoolcraft Township, Kala- 
mazoo County, where they were among the earliest 
pioneers. 

The Francis family sojourned seventeen years in 
Michigan, and in 1851 the father sold out and went 
with his motherless children into Will County, 111. 
They lived there on a farm three years. Then 
crossing the Mississippi, Lyman Francis this time 
located in Benton County, Iowa, where he spent 
the remainder of his life, his death taking place in 
October, 1873, at the age of sixty-eight years. His 
wife, Rachel, had died at the homestead in Kalama- 
zoo County, Mich., about 1851. Mr. Francis was 
for years a member of the Christian Church, and 
both parents are held in tender remembrance bj' 
their children. Of these there were born to them 
fourteen, nine of whom are living and residing 
mostly in Iowa. 

The subject of this sketch was the fourth child of 
his parents, and was in his boyhood when they left 
Illinois for Iowa. He was educated in the common 
schools of Benton County, and became familiar 
with farm pursuits as carried on in the Havvkeye 
State. He was twenty-three years old when the 
family came to Nebraska, and on the 25th of 
December, 1866, was married to Miss Ellen Pheas- 
ant. This lady was born in Tazewell County, 
111., Feb. 17, 1846, and is the daughter of Edwin 
and Isabel (Garton) Pheasant, who were natives of 
New York and Indiana, and are now living in Jef- 



ferson Count}', this State. Mr. Phe.isant, a farmer 
by occupation, was bora in New York Cit}', where 
he lived until a youth of fifteen years. He then 
came westward to Illinois with his uncle, locating 
in Tazewell Count}', where he grew to manhood and 
was married. His wife, the mother of Mrs. Francis, 
was born in Indiana, but reared in Illinois, After 
their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Pheasant continued 
residents of the Prairie State a number of years, 
then with their famil}' crossed the Father of Waters 
into Benton County, Iowa, whence in 1866 they 
came to Nebraska and now have one of the finest 
homesteads in Jefferson County. Mr. Pheasant has 
now reached his threescore and ten years, and his 
estimable wife is aged about sixty-three. Thej' are 
most excellent people and members in good stand- 
ing of the Christian Church. 

Mrs. Francis was a young lady when coming to 
Nebraska, and remained a member of the parental 
household until her marriage. Of her union with 
our subject there have been born seven children, 
two of whom, Clyde and Myrtle, died in infancy. 
Those living are Owen, Eugene, Edwin S., Nora B., 
John W. and Gertrude. They are a bright and in- 
teresting group, and are receiving both the sciiool 
privileges and the home training which will fit them 
for useful and honored members of society. Our 
subject and his wife are members in good standing 
of the Christian Church, and Mr. Francis, politically, 
is a Prohibitionist. 



^^EORGE GRANT, deceased. Among the first 
[|| g=. settlers in Grant Township was the subject of 
^^J the present writing, and if there was one fact 
more clearly evinced than another, prior to and at 
the time of his demise, it was that his habits, charac- 
ter and life had commended themselves to his neigh- 
bors and fellow-citizens, and that they held him and 
his bereaved family in the highest regard. If ever 
there is an opportunity to discover the true worth 
of a neighbor or friend, it is in the pioneer settle- 
ment, in which neighboring families are thrown 
almost entirely upon each other for that companion- 
ship without which life Is barren and destitute. 
Our subject came to Grant Township and settled 



-^•- 



► 1 1 ^^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



253 



I 



in tbe summer of 1858, pre-empted land on Turkey 
Creek and the Big Blue River, and upon it estab- 
lished his home, thus becoming perhaps the first 
prominent settler, and in his honor the township was 
named. At various times he held all the offices of 
the township, and was one of the first County Com- 
missioners, and so much had his official conduct 
commended itself to the people that he, as the say- 
ing is, "Carried the votes of the townsliip in his 
pocket." He was one of the most active and pub- 
lic-spirited citizens the county possessed, and withal, 
unselfish and disinterested. From his first vote to 
the last he was a firm and ardent supporter of the 
Republican cause, believed heartily in its principles, 
and supported its candidates. 

For the greater part of his life our subject had 
lived in pioneer settlements and had developed a 
large-hearted, genial, beneficent character, upon the 
basic principle of the Golden Rule, and found large 
opportunity for the full exercise of the same ; every 
man was a friend until he proved himself so utterly 
devoid of principle and manliness as to make him 
unworthy the name. What he was to his neighbors 
he was to the Stale and country — self-forgetful, 
generous to a fault, and true as compass needle is 
to pole, loving truth and justice as he did his life. 
It is not surprising that at his death he was mourned 
b3- all who knew him, as they mourn who lose a dear 
and personal friend. 

Prior to making his home in this State Mr. Grant 
had lived in Sauk County, Wis., where he had resided 
for over twelve years. He was one of a number 
of emigi'ants from Somersetshire, England, where 
he was born on the 14th of February, 1819, and in 
the same county bis family had lived, married, set- 
tled and died, for many generations. By trade he 
was a carpenter and wheelwright, and had learned 
and followed that calling in his native countr}'. 
While still in England he was married to Margaret 
Aver}', of his own shire. This lady accompanied 
him on his journey to the States, and landed in New 
York prior to the birth of the first child. Shortly 
after this event had transpired they came on to 
Wisconsin, and in August of 1858 the family re- 
moved to Nebraska and located in what is now 
Grant Township, where his vvife died in the year 
1861. This removal was made in the interest of 



the young people of the family, in order that they 
might have a better start in life than otherwise 
could bo. and It was the happiness C(f our subject to 
see them all make a most desirable beginning, with 
every prospect of continued and ultimate success. 

At the time of her death Mrs. Margaret Avery 
Grant was past middle life. She was the mother 
of seven children, and of these five are yet living, 
whose names are as follows : James A., John B., 
George E., Isabelle M. and Ann U. James is the 
owner of a farm in the same township; his brother 
John is the husband of Amelia Carey, and is also 
one of the successful farmers in the same neighbor- 
hood ; George, who is married to Ellen Buss, lives 
in Superior of this State, and is a wholesale liquor 
dealer; Isabelle, now Mrs. John Woodhouse, is a 
resident of DeWitt, where her husband follows the 
trade of a carpenter and builder, while the youngest 
daughter is the wife of John McCabe, a stone-cutter 
of Beatrice. 

Our subject was married a second time, at Crete, 
Saline Co., Neb., upon the 2d of Se()tember, 
1872, the lady of his choice being Miss Annie Mas- 
ters, who was born in Devonshire, England, on the 
30th of June, 1831. This lady is the daughter of 
William and Martha (Hodge) Masters, both of whom 
are now deceased. Her father was a farmer and 
blacksmith, and lived in Devonshire most of his 
life. Their daughter Annie was the ninth of the 
thirteen children born in this family. She was edu- 
cated in her native county, and there made her 
home until the years of young womanhood were 
reached. She is happy in being the mother of a 
daughter, who is a pledge of her husband's affection 
and a link that will ever hold her memorj' to him. 
This child has received the name Eleanor, and is 
now thirteen years of age. 

Mrs. Grant and family have all been brought up 
and remained in the Episcopal Church, of which 
our subject was also a member, and are among 
its most ardent adherents. Mrs. Grant, who 
enjoys the most complete confidence, respect and 
sympathy of the community', has throughout all 
her bereavement and trouble manifested a spirit 
of Christian resignation, patieiuie and hope, that 
reflects most highly ui)on her devotion to not only 
her husband and familj', but also her religious faith. 



•f 



^^ 



254 



GAGE COUNTY. 



Her erlucation, cliaracter and disposition combine 
to make her worth}' and fit to grace any position in 
the home or in society. Our subject went back to 
his old home in England in 1867, and brought over 
one sister, tliree nephews and two nieces; he made 
a second visit in 1871. 

W/ OHN E. KELLY. About half way between 
England and Ireland, and somewhat to the 
northwest of the Welsh Cape, HolyHead, 
lies a small but exceedingly beautiful island, 
the legendary law of its people being filled with 
countless historic, tragic and romantic incidents. 
It is chiefly inhabited by farmer fishermen, who in 
their little world are happy, peaceful and prosper- 
ous. They largely speak in their native tongue, 
the Mans, a relic of the ancient Celtic tribal lan- 
guage. Upon this island was born, March 16, 
1 845, the subject of this sketch. There also he was 
reared to manhood and received his education. 

In the steamer " The City of London" our sub- 
ject came to the United States shortly after his 
twenty-third birthday, starting upon the 6th of 
April, and landing in New York on the 21st of the 
same month. He made his w.ay soon after hi8 
arrival to Ford County, 111. There he engaged in 
farming and was quite prosperous. This property 
is situated on section 22 of Sicily Precinct, and 
comprises 240 acres of excellent land, splendidly 
adapted for purposes of husbandry, well improved 
and highly cultivated. 

Without circumlocution it is safe to say that the 
most happy decision in the history of our subject 
was that which culminated in the connubial felicity 
resultant from his union in marriage ties with Miss 
Esther A. Taylor, which event occurred upon the 
23d of March, 1873. This lady is a daughter of 
J.acob and Alice T.-iylor, of whom a sketch appears 
elsewhere in this volume. Their daughter was born 
in Lancashire, England, July 31, 1851, and con- 
tinued to make her home with her parents until her 
marriage, and in the pure atmosphere of that home 
the seeds of that noble character sprang forth and 
throve, and since her establishment in her own home 
have yielded results without which the life of her 



husband would have been possibly desolate and 
destitute of the prosperity which h.os crowned it, 
for when they joined their hands and hearts before 
the hymeneal altar they became one in the true 
sense of the word, and their interests have been 
unified from that hour. 

There have come to consummate the happiness of 
the home of our subject seven children, whose 
names are here appended in the order of their birth: 
Lewis E., born on the 13lh of August, 1874; William 
J., April 21, 1876; Bertha M., June 3, 1878; Fred- 
erick J., Sept. 7, 1880; Cora A., Nov. 21, 1882; 
James A., Feb. 15, 1885; and Pearl E., July 23, 
1887. 

With the exception of a few local matters our 
subject has voted the straight Republican ticket 
from the time when he cast his first vote for the 
martyred President, James A. Garfield. He is, 
however, a careful and earnest student of questions 
of the Government and political economy, and dis- 
tinguishes clearly between a quasi loyalty and true 
patriotism, and governs himself in regard to political 
questions accordingly. 



•»v^/-i.-v<Jl2^,'!!)-^^ 



^.g!;OTa»..-VW. 



"^ AMES CRAIG is a young man who takes a 
prominent rank among the business men of 
Barnston, having by his own activity and 
industry raised himself to a position of influ- 
ence as banker, re.al-estate and loan agent. He was 
born in Grundy County, 111., on the 5th of March, 
1850, and is a son of William Craig, who was a 
native of Ireland, having his birthplace near the 
city of Belfast. He emigrated to the United States 
when but a boy, and in this country he grew up to 
manhood and gathered about him a family and a 
circle of friends and acquaintances. He is now 
deceased. 

Our subject received his elementary education 
from the common schools, and then took a course 
of study at the college in Wheaton, DuPage Co., 
111., which fitted him for active business life. After 
his course at college he taught school for a short 
time, but having spent his earlier years on a farm 
he preferred to engage in agriculture until Novem- 
ber of 1885, when he came to Barnston and 



••> jf ^* 





V,^Sj, ^V 



IS 

H 




-<f^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



257 i^ 



engaged in his present Imsiness. He was early rec- 
ognized as an enterprising young man, bearing a 
good cluira(!ter, and lie at once received the hand 
of good-fellowship from the prominent residents 
here. He his entered heartily into the public affairs 
of this place, supporting the movements which 
tend to the advancement and improvement of the 
public welfare, and in every way has distinguished 
himself as a good and loyal citizen. 

On the 9th of February, 1886, our subject, real- 
izing the fact that it is not good for man to be 
alone, was joined in marriage with Miss Emma C. 
Wait, a daughter of Phillip Wait, of Sedan, Kan. 
Mr. and Mrs. Craig are prominent and influential 
members of society', and in the short time they have 
made their residence in this city they have gathered 
about them a circle of friends and acquaintances 
from the best families. The business in which our 
subject is engaged naturally brings him in contact 
with a large number of the most prominent citizens 
of the community, and he is becoming well estab- 
lished here. In this office he makes use of the im- 
proved time lock and burglar-proof safe. 



ON. L. B. BOGGS. Prominent among those 
who have assisted in building up the town 
of Filley is the subject of this sketch, a man 

J^ of wealth and influence, and one whose nat- 
ural abilities have won for him a high place among 
the financiers and business men of this part of the 
county. His portrait may be seen on the opposite 
page. He traces his ancestry back to Ireland, where 
his paternal grandfather, Andrew Boggs, was born, 
in 17.59. Upon emigrating to America he settled 
in Virginia, and spent the remainder of his life 
there. 

James Boggs. the father of our subject, was born 
in Virginia, where he lived until a young man 
twenty years of age. Upon leaving home he mi- 
grated to the embryo town of Newcastle, Ind., 
where shortly afterward lie w.as married to Miss 
Martha Stinson, who was born in East Tennessee, 
Oct. 20, 180G. Her lather, John Stinson, with his 
wife, was also a native of that State, an<l they spent 
their last years in Henry Count}-, Ind. 
<■ 




The parents of our subject continued residents of 
Indiana, where the father carried on farming until 
his death, which occurred Nov. 7, 1842. The 
mother survived a period of ten years, and died at 
the old homestead, March 6, 1852. Their family 
included seven children, six sons and one daughter, 
of whom the following are living, namely: L. B., 
the subject of this sketch; Milton M.. a physician 
of Lincoln, Ind. ; Anthony, a farmer of Argus, Mar- 
shall Co., Ind.; Joel L., a merchant of Argus, Iiid., 
and William J., vvho is farming in the vicinity of 
Saline, Ivan. 

Hon. L. B. Boggs was born Sept. 3, 1828, at New- 
castle, Intl., and was but fourteen years of age at 
the time of his father's death. He was thus thrown 
upon Ins own resources, and for two years follow- 
ing worked for his lioardand clothes, and attended 
school three months in the winter. He was always 
recognized !is a bright and ambitious lad, and de- 
termined to have an education. He followed farm- 
ing in the manner already described until twenty 
years old, and was then so fortunate as to be able 
to enter Wabash Valley College, in his native State, 
where he took a full classical course, including three 
years of Latin, and one year of Greek, besides the 
common English branches, and natural science. 

At the close of his college course young Boggs 
was employed in an elevator one year in Michigan 
City, and then took up the study of medicine, at 
Leesburg, Ind. Three years later he entered upon 
the practice of his profession at North Manchester, 
where he was located until the fall of 1858. He 
then changed the scene of his labors to Neponset, 
III., where he operated until 1S65. From there he 
removed to Argus, Ind., where he followed his pro- 
fession until 1870, and then on account of failing 
health turned over his practice to his brother, and 
for a year served as Deputy Marshal of the Third 
District of Marshall Count}'. At the expiration of 
the year he resumed practice, and continued in In- 
diana until September, 1871, when he traced his 
steps to this county. 

Dr. Boggs, soon after landing in Southern Ne- 
braska, purchased 185 acres of land in what is now 
Filley Township, but what was then designated 
:is '-Mud Creek." For this he paid $4.50 per acre, 
intending to (iominencu stock-raising, butassoonas 



1 



J= 



258 



■•► 



GAGE COUNTY. 




it became known that he was a physician he was in- 
duced to resume his profession. He, liowever, did 
not abandon his stock operations, in which he was 
alil3' assisted l)y liis sons. Ills practice in a short 
time extended for twenty miles in different direc- 
tions, his farm l)eing his office and headquarters. 

Dr. Boggs, in 1887, feeling that he Iiad done am- 
ple service in the professional field, and having edu- 
cated one of his sons to succeed him, retired from 
active practice, and is now for the most part giving 
himself up to the enjoyment of the ample fortune 
which he has secured by his energy and persever- 
ance. He lias given his cliildren a liberal educa- 
tion, and finds great pleasure in establishing them 
in business, and watching their careers, which there 
is every reason to believe will be but the reflex of 
his own. He has not been without his reverses, 
having like his neighbors fought tlie grasshopper 
scourge, and upon the occasion of one of the severe 
storms frequentlj' visiting this region suffered the 
loss of a fine barn, which was struck by lightning 
and burned. 

Our subject has dealt considerabl}- in real estate, 
and besides giving a farm to each of his six sons 
has 2G5 acres of good land in Filley Township. He 
usually keeps a herd of fifty cattle and thirty head 
of horses and colts. In August, 1884, Dr. Boggs 
and a number of other gentlemen interested in the 
temperance work organized a publishing company, 
of which the Doctor was made Vice President, and 
began the publication of the Ifew Republic, with 
which our subject remained associated until 1887. 
He then retired from its management, although not 
from any lack of interest in the work, which he be- 
lieves to be one of the most important on the face 
of the globe. He was born and reared a Democrat, 
and continued one until after the election of Pierce. 
From that time until the organization of the Re- 
publican party he was an Abolitionist until this 
part}' had accomi)lis!ied its object by the extinction 
of slaver}'. In 1880 he identified himself with the 
Prohibition party, and in 1884 was one of the Presi- 
dential electors on the Prohibition ticket. In 1876 
he was elected by the peojik- of Gage County as 
their Representative to the Nebraska Legislature, 
and assisted in that most imi)ort;int measure, the 
ailoption of the new constitution. In the House of 



Representatives he was the same industrious and 
energetic spirit that he has been always, and served 
on the Judicial Committee, besides being called 
upon for aid in the settlement of various vexed 
questions outside the province of this committee. 

During the term of Dr. Boggs as. a member of 
the House occurred the !?enatorial contest, which 
resulted in the election finally of Alvin Saunders, 
and in which contest the Doctor bore no unimpor- 
tant part. In his township and county there have 
always been offices at his command, but he lias pre- 
ferred the quiet of home surroundings, and to give 
his attention to his Oirm and his family. Socially, 
he belongs to the Masonic fraternity. He is a stock- 
holder and one of the directors in the bank at Fil- 
ley, and to various enterprises intended for the 
advancement of the jjeople around him has ever lent 
a cordial and generous support. 

The marriage of L. B. Boggs and Miss Virginia 
R. Fraser was celebrated at the home of the bride 
in Indiana, Oct. 26, 1854. Mrs. Boggs is the daugh- 
ter of James and Sarah (Campbell) Fraser, who 
were natives of Washington, D. C, and are de- 
ceased. Mr. Fraser was born in Alexandria, Va., 
July 3, 1798, and died July 4, 1884, in Indiana. 
His wife, Sarah, was born in Washington, D. C, in 
1808. They were married in Washington, and in 
the year 1834 emigrated to the vicinity of the em- 
bryo town of LaPorte, Ind., where Mr. F. followed 
farming. There the mother died in October, 1866. 
They had a family of eight children, of whom Mrs. 
B. was the third in order of birth. Six only of 
these children are now living: Catherine is the wife 
of Thomas K. Armstrong, a farmer of Johnson, Mo. ; 
Noval W. is superintendent of the broom depart- 
ment of the penitentiary at Lincoln, Neb. ; Virginia 
R., Mrs. Boggs; Mary, Mrs. William Shuuiaker, is 
the wife of a well-to-do farmer and merchant of 
Chilhowee, Mo.; Joseph R.,of LaPorte, is engaged 
in merchandising, and Cornelia, who lives there 
also, is unmarried. 

Mrs. Virginia Boggs was born in LaPorte County, 
Ind., March 28, 1830, where she was reared and 
educated, and remained under the parental roof 
until her marriage. Of her union with our subject 
there have been born thirteen children, eleven of 
whom are now living, namely: James F., born 



={■ 



■^f*- 



GAGE COUNTY. 



253 



Jan. 7, 185r(,anfl now carrying on farming in Filley 
Township, this county ; Charles 8., born June 19, 
1857, and practicing medicine in Filley ; Eva L., 
born Nov. 19, 1858, and now the wife of P. E. 
Plumb, a telegraph operator of Druramond, Wis.; 
Marj' Ellen, born Aug. 5, 18C0, and the wife of 
Wiiiiani H. Andrew, a lumberman of Table Rock, 
this State; Luther H.. born April 16, 1862, a livery- 
man of Filley: Thomas W., born March 8,1864, 
and farming in Fille3' Township: Benjamin F., born 
March 16, 1866, and assisting on the home farm; 
Alice C, born March 4. 1808; Virginia Belle, Dec. 
20, 1870; Lewis W.. Nov. 4, 1875, and Midge, 
Feb. 11, 1881. The 3-ounger children are all at 
home with their parents. The fine family of chil- 
dren, the beautiful and corafortal)le home where 
plenty reigns, the standing of a capable and ener- 
getic man in his community, form a picture pleas- 
ing to contemplate, and suggest Ihf true object of 
man's creation, namely, to glorify the Author of all 
good, and benefit the world around as opportunity 
occurs. 

— -^ 







B. ESSEX. Prominent among progressive, 
intelligent and industrious citizens, and one 
who has distinguished himself by honorable 
service in behalf of his country,, is the gentleman in 
whose honor we have commenced this sketch. He is 
the owner and manager of 400 acres of land on sec- 
tions 1 and 2, in Rockford, and thirty-five in Logan 
Township. His parents, Isaac B. and Isabella D. 
(Williams) Essex, were born in Albemarle County, 
Va., the former tracing his ancestry- to the Essex 
family of Maryland. The fatlier was a nurseryman 
and fruit-grower, and for a time after his marriage 
he was eng.nged in hf)rticulture in his native State, 
removing to Ohio in 1825. In the latter place he 
devoted In's attention to farming until he moved to 
Peoria, III., where he had charge of the first school 
ever taught there. He next changed his residence 
to Princess Grove. Putnam County, where he re- 
mained three 3'ears, afterward making his home in 
.Stark Count}' for several j'ears. 

The fatlier of our subject then moved to Rock 
Island Count}', where he conducted an extensive 
nursery and fruit business for thirty 3'ears. He then 





moved to Union County, beginning in the same 
business, in which he prospered very well. Unfort- 
unately he met with an .accident which caused his 
death, Nov. 7, 1877, at the age of seventy-seven 
years. The mother of our subject died in Rock 
Island County in 1859, aged sixty-two j'ears, after 
having reared a familj' of seven children, who bear 
the names of Elizabeth J., Elijah, Elisha J., Simeon 
E.. Ira B., Mary .S. and Truman B. The father 
married a second time, in 18C0, a lady from Ar- 
kansas, named Mrs. Carver, by whom he had five 
chihlren — Levi, Isabella, Ida and two infants un- 
named. 

Our subject was bom in Drury Township. Rock 
Island Co., III., on the 12th of July, 1837, and as 
he grew to an age in which he could be of help to 
his father he really took charge of the farm -^iiile 
his father attended to the nursery. In this way he 
receive<l many valuable lessons in the latter busi- 
ness which have aided him in the improvement of 
his own place. He also had a fondness for domes- 
tie animals and took care of those on his father's 
farm, now giving special attention to stock-raising 
on his own behalf. His education was limited to 
the common district schools, but in his acquaint- 
ance with the world he has gained a large amount 
of general and useful information, which is of more 
value than the elementar}' learning from text-books. 

On the 11th of September, 1862, our subject 
was united in marriage with Miss Louisa J. .Sev- 
erus, a daughter of Nye and Magdalene (Quick) 
Severns, who were natives of the Empire State, but 
were earlj' settlers in Rock Lsland County, 111. The 
mother died in 1876, at the age of sixty 3'cars, 
and the father died in December. 1877, at the age of 
sixty-five years, having eleven children in their 
famil}', of whom the wife of our subject is the 
ninth. She was born on the 24th of November, 
1845, in Drury Township, Rock Island County, and 
when she became of age to attend the district 
schools she received her earl}' education therein. 
Our subject had become the owner of a farm, on 
which they resided for three years after their mar- 
riage, part of which time was spent in the service 
of the country, it being the time of the late civil 
disturbance. 

Our subject enlisted for 100 d.ays' service with 



«► ir^ 



■•► 



200 



GAGE COUNTY. 



Company K. 140th Illinois Infantrj-, and was placed 
on dutj', guarding llie Memphis & Chailoston Rail- 
road, and was in Missouri at the time of Price's 
raid. After honorably serving for the time of his 
enlistment he returned home and went on his fa- 
ther's place, taking charge of the old homestead until 
the fall of 1873. He then came to Nebraska and 
purchased his present 400 acres on sections 1,2, and 
also 35 in Logan Township, having been very suc- 
cessful in his farming and giving special attention to 
the raising of live stock. He feeds cattle largely 
and ships two carloads of beef cattle and a car- 
load of hogs every year. His herd of cattle num- 
bers about sixt}', exclusive of the Ineeding stock 
and feeders. He makes use of his knowledge of 
horticulture to beautif}' his own farm. an<l on it he 
has a splendid orchard of 150 apple trees, plenty 
of small fruits, vines, etc., and a splendid grove 
containing several acres of cottonwood, maple and 
box elder trees. He has erected a very fine house, 
excellent barns and out-buildings, which greatly 
augment the value of his possessions. 

By his marriage with Miss Severns our subject 
became the father of five children now living, n.amed 
Elmer, Omer, Myrtie, Lelah D., Truman B., Jr., 
and a daughter. Alma, now deceased. His wife 
died in April, 1883, and he was married a second 
time in Rock Island County, 111., to Miss Augusta 
P. Davis, a native of that county, who was born 
on the 2d of July, 1847. .She had received ai> ex- 
cellent education in her early years, and for twenty- 
three years she adorned the profession of teach-ng, 
than which there is none more noble. Since her 
marriage with our subject she is the mother of one 
child, an infant, deceased. The parents of Mrs. 
Essex were Joseph S. and Amanda (Johnson) Davis, 
natives of New York State, and were married there 
in 1832. The mother died Sept. 18, 1880; the 
father died May 2, 1882, in Rock Island County, 
111. Our subject and his wife are honored members 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Summit 
Class, of the Holmesville charge. The service in 
behalf of his country entitles our subject to a mem- 
bership in the G. A. R., Rollins Post No. 35, of 
Beatrice, and he is also a member of the social 
order of I. O. O. F. Lodge, No. 19, in the same 
city, in which he has attained the degree of Past 




Grand. Politically, he is connected with the Re- 
publican party, and was elected to the office of 
County Commissioner, in which he served from 
1881 to 1885; in 1886 he was Supervisor, being the 
first to occup}' that office in Rockford Township. In 
the Judiciary Courts he has served on the Grand 
and Petit Juries, and is prominently identified with 
the educational work of the township, now serving 
.as Director of School District No. 49. His ability 
and service in behalf of the public institutions en- 
title him to an honorable mention among the most 
worthy of the township. 

ILLIS F. HAMMOND ranks among the 
U intelligent and prosperous young farmers 
I of Highland Township, of which he has been 
a resident for four 3'ears. He is a native of Jo 
Daviess County, 111., and was born on the 2d of 
Maj', 1859. His parents, Merwin K. and Samantha 
A. Hammond, are natives of Ohio and Pennsylva- 
nia respectively, and are now residing in the place 
in which our subject was born, having moved there 
from their native States in the year 1830, or about 
that time. Of the children who comprised their 
family eight are now living, and are named as fol- 
lows : Willis F., Charles A., Alice E. ; Anna Sophro- 
nia, the wife of William Koch, of Jo Daviess 
County. 111.; Frank N., Royal K., Freddie E. and 
Nellie A. Riley; one other child died in infancy. 
The parents are now in their prime, enjoying the 
fruits of a life spent in usefulness and well-doing, 
and are surrounded bj' relatives and friends who 
rally round them from long acquaintance, they hav- 
ing been among the early settlers of Jo Daviess 
County. 

Our subject, being the eldest of a large family of 
children, was early called upon to assume part of the 
labor necessary for their maintenance, and thus from 
his boyhood days he has led an active, busy life. 
His father lived on a farm and he was early taught 
all the duties pertaining to farm life, not obliged, 
however, to neglect his education, as has been the 
case with some less fortunate elder sons. He at- 
tended the public schools in his county until he was 
thoroughly posted in the elementary branches of 



n 



u 



GAGE COUNTY. 



•2GI 



learning, after which he for a time attended college 
at Galena, supplementing his course of instruction 
in the latter place by a partial course in the com- 
mercial department of the Normal School at Val- 
paraiso. Ind. Thus be was well equipped to start 
out in business for himself with a thorough educa- 
tion as the b.asis of whatever vocation he might 
choose, and since he had spent many years in farm 
labor he decided to continue in the same occupa- 
tion. 

On the '21st of September, 1882, our subject was 
united in marriage with Miss Lizzie Campbell, who 
was also born in his native county on the 28th of 
Marcli, 1 860, and is a daughter of John and Mary 
J. Campbell, the former of whom is deceased, and 
the latter is now making her home in Jo Daviess 
Countj'. By their marriage they are parents of one 
son, named Charles II.. who was born on the 28th 
of January, 1884. lu the spring of that year our 
subject came to this county and settled on his pres- 
ent farm in Higliland Township, section 17. consist- 
ing of 160 acres of well-improved and valuaHe 
land. Besides being extensively engaged in raising 
grain and general farm produce he gives considera- 
ble attention to bu^'iug and feeding cattle for the 
market, and by successful management and close 
attention to his business he receives a lucrative in- 
come, which has placed him in very good and 
comfortable circumstances, with well-improved sur- 
roundings. 

Mrs. Hammond's father was a native of Canada 
and her mother of the Empire State, and of the 
seven children born to them the following-named 
are living: Robert II., in Jo Daviess County, III.; 
David G. and John M. are deceased; the former 
was a physician. John W. resides in Humboldt 
County, Iowa; Lizzie J., the wife of our subject; 
Anne C, in Illinois; George E. M., in Illinois. 
Mrs. Hammond's mother is a member of the Pres- 
byterian Church of the city in which she now 
makes her home. Both our subject and his 
wife are influential members of the Congrega- 
tional Ctiurcli, in Cortland, and are highly es- 
teemed and active members of the society. The 
former is stoutly in favor of prohibition and has 
therefore joined the party which advocates tiie 
principles of total abstinence from intoxicating 



W 



drinks, and is alwaj's ready to lend a hand to the 
advancement of the public welfare and the improve- 
ment of the institutions of education and religion. 
lie is everywhere spoken of as a straightforward, 
conscientious business man, and a pleasant, accom- 
modating neighbor. 

F. DEWEY takes rank as a prominent 
citizen of Island Grove Township, having 
for many years been activelj' engaged .as 
an assistant in the management of public institu- 
tions. He is also an enterprising and successful 
farmer, and owns 280 acres of splendid land on sec- 
tion 24, eighty on section 13 and also eight3' on sec- 
tion 7. His father, Eliakin Dewej', was born in 
Massachusetts in 1788, and moved to Portage 
County, Ohio, in 1816, where he followed the oc- 
cupation of a farmer, and died in 1884. His mother 
was Lydia (Wolford) Dewey, who was born in 
Pennsj'lvania in 1808 and died in 1870, after hav- 
ing seen a family of nine children grown to man- 
hood and womanhood. 

Our subject was the fifth child of his father's 
family, and was born in Portage County, Ohio, on 
the 26th of December, 1834, where he made his 
home until he was twenty-one years old. He then 
went to Wisconsin, and in March, 18o8, came to 
this county, pre-empted a quarter-section of land, 
and prepared to make his home. In 1863 he w.as 
united in marriage with Miss Susan Perkins, who is 
a daughter of Solomon and Martha (King) Perkins, 
the former a native of Kentucky' and tiie latter of 
Ohio. Mrs. Perkins died in 1882, and Mr. Perkins 
is now a resident of Pawnee Count3\ They had a 
family of eight cliildren, of whom ftlrs. Dewey is 
the fifth, and was born on the 1.5th of February, 
1844, in Bureau County. 111. 

In the same year as that in which he was married 
our subject took up a homestead of 160 acres in 
Island Grove Townsiiip, but in 188.5 he bought 
1 20 acres adjoining that on section 24. where he 
now makes his home and gives especial attention to 
tlie raising of live stock. But while he is indus- 
triously engaged on his farm it docs not in the least 
disqualify him from i)articipating in the manage- 



t 



*' 



•>u < • 



^ 



-•► 



262 



GAGE COUNTY. 



ment of [nililic nffairs. and he has a nimiber of 
times filled the offices of his township with much 
credit to himself and satisfaction to tlie community. 
For two 3ears he has been Supervisor of his town- 
ship, and for twelve years he has served as Road 
Overseer. For a period of twenty years he has 
been closely connected with the educational affairs, 
having for that length of time served as a school 
officer. 

The family of our subject and his wife comprises 
nine children, on whom have been bestowed the 
names of Timothy, Mary, William, Henry, Edwin, 
Carrie, Eliza, Dora and Louis. Timothy married 
Miss Ida Alexander, Feb. 27, 1887, and resides in 
Pawnee County. Mr. and Mrs. Dewey are influen- 
tial members of the Christian Church, and are also 
weU-ijnown and active members of the Farmer's 
Grange. Their farm has been nicely improved and 
is tliu source of a lucrative income, while it is 
adorned with neat and well-arranged buikiings, and 
is separated into fields of convenient size by rovvs 
of good fencing. Our subject is entitled to his 
share of public honors, which is tlie just due of all 
early settlers, they having endured the hardships 
and trials incident to pioneer life, and prepared the 
way that those who came afterward might enjoy 
the fruits of their industry. 



-*-5a >rc:-< » 





ERD ALBER.S, a native of Oldenburg, emi- 
grated with his parents to America when a 
little lad eight years of age, they settling 
first in Claj-ton County, Iowa. There our subject 
lived until 1869, then made his way to Nebraska, 
settling first in Lancaster County, where he lived 
until the spring of 1875, then changed his residence 
to this county. Starting out for himself early in 
life, he had two years previously secured a tract of 
land from the Burlington efe Missouri River Railroad 
Company, on section 7, in Highland Township, 
upon which he soon settled and which is included 
in his present farm. In due time he added to his 
first purchase, and is now the owner of 160 acres, 
all of which he has brought to a good state of culti- 
vation. A fine illustration of the self-made man, 

^« — 



he has worked his way upward from the foot of the 
ladder, and is now numbered among the representa- 
tive pioneers of this count}'. 

Mr. Albers was born Feb. 4, 1853, and is the 
eldest son of Gerhard and Lena Albers, who were 
of pure German aneestrj'. They are stiil living and 
making their home in Lancaster County. Their 
family included eight sons and three daughters, all 
of whom are living and mostly residents of Ne- 
braska, with the exception of one, who resides in 
Colorado. 

Our subject a few daj-s after his twenty-second 
birthday was married, on the 7th of February, 1875, 
to Miss Maggie Dey. a native of Oldenburg, Ger- 
many, and whose parents were John ami Maggie 
(Wilkin) Dey. Her mother is dead; her father 
is in Nebraska. The young people began the jour- 
ney of life together in Gage County, Neb., and 
Mrs. Albers has proved a most efficient and worthy 
helpmate to one of the most industrious pioneers 
of his time. Of their union there have been boin 
nine children, who were named respectively : George, 
Lena, Fernando, Emma, Arnold, Mary, Melinda, 
Atie and Milly. 

The land of Mr. Albers when it first came into 
his possession was simply raw prairie, upon which a 
furrow had not been turned. He was the very first 
settler on section 7, and it is hardly necessary to 
say his neighbors were few and far between. As 
he looked out over the lonely country he fully 
realized the magnitude of the task which lay be- 
fore him, but he was not one of those to be dis- 
couraged by any ordinarj' circumstance. He put 
his shoulder to the wheel, labored early and late, 
practiced the most rigid economy, and made it a 
rule to live within his income. Such a course sel- 
dom fails to bring its legitimate reward. He is 
now well-to-do, with the prospect of a full compe- 
tence for his declining years. 

Mr. Albers cast his first Presidential vote for 
Hayes, and exercises the right of the free American 
citizen to support the man whom he considers the 
best qualified to serve the interests of the people. 
He takes a genuine interest in the various enter- 
prises which generally interest the farming commu- 
nity, and is one of the most efficient members of 
Buda Township Agricultural Society. He is serving 



f 



•^ »<• 




GAGK COUNTY. 



Hi3 




bis second term as Moderator in his school district. 
A self-made man in every respect, lie forms one of 
those independent and reliable characters which are 
so essential in upholding the moral and financial 
structure of all good society. 



THEODORE CARPENTER is extensively 
engaged in farming and stock-raising on his 
laud, consisting of about 400 acres in Lincoln 
Township, which he has conducted for four years, 
and has it well stocke<l with a good grade of cattle, 
horses and hogs. He is a practical and progressive 
farmer, and takes rank with the best in the county. 
He first came to the county in 1878, from Polo, 111., 
and secured land in Holt Township on which he made 
many improvemeuts, and lived for several years, 
after which he sold it to his father and came to his 
present farm. Previous to his coming to this 
county he had lived for eight years on a farm near 
Polo, 111. He was born near Hagerstown in Wash- 
ington Count}', Md., on the 16th of August, 1844, his 
mother, Susau (Cross) Carpenter, also being a native 
of that count}', and his father, Jeremiah, a native of 
Lancaster County, Pa. The parents were married 
in Washington County, and there made their home, 
gathering about them a family of seven sons and 
two daughters. In 1874 the parents and j'ounger 
members of the family moved to Illinois, where our 
subject had gone four j'ears previouslj'. They were 
engaged in farming, and made their home near Polo 
until they came to this State, now making their 
home in Holt Township, the father aged seventy and 
the mother sixty-eight 3'ears. They are members 
of the Church of God, and are highly respected citi- 
zens of their communit}'. 

Our subject, the fourth child of his father's 
familj', grew to manhood in his native count}-, re- 
ceived his education, and was there married to Miss 
Missouri Burk, who was born in Greencastle, Frank- 
lin Co., Pa., on the 29th of May, 1846. She is toe 
oldest child of the family born to Michael and Slary 
A. (Wingart) Burk, who were both natives of the 
same county as that in which Mrs. Carpenter was 
born. In 1881 they came to this county, and are 
now living on a farm in Holt Township, being com- 



fortably situated and surrounded by many friends. 
Mrs. Carpenter received a thorough education, and 
when a young woman went with her parents to 
Washington County, Md., in which place she married 
our subject. By their marriage they have become 
the parents of seven children, who are named Harry 
B., Mamie A., Viola Dell, Albert M., Addie G., 
Wyley and Charles M. 

Although our subject has been a resident of 
Lincoln Township for about four years, his progress- 
ive and enterprising spirit has been recognized by 
the people of his community, and he has been called 
to fill the offices of Supervisor and School Director. 
He is an ardent Democrat in politics, and has in 
every way proved himself a thoroughly good 
citizen. He is particularly to be congratulated 
upon the successful manner in which he manages his 
large farm and supplies it with modern conveni- 
ences which so facilitate the labor. His house, barns 
and stock buildings, are all in a good condition and 
well calculated to afiford abundant room for the 
storage of the lucrative yields from the fertile 
ground and protection to the stock. AVhere active 
industry has been able to make improvements they 
have been made, and have well repaid our subject 
for his trouble. He and his wife are prominent 
society people, and are well liked for their genial 
and pleasant dispositions, their courteous and hos- 
pitable manners, and their thoughtful consideration 
for the comfort and happiness of others. 

%^ ERBERT HILL. Some of the most glow- 
ing pages of our National history are those 
which have been provided by the Quaker 
'^ State, and its sons who have gone into newer 
countries have carried with them the characteristics 
of their people, and have made their way to the 
front ranks, advancing not simply their own inter- 
ests, but those of the present and future of the dis- 
trict in which they have settled. Our subject was 
born in Erie County, Pa., on the 27th of May, 
1856, and was there reared and educated, receiv- 
ing such instruction in books as supplied by the dis- 
trict schools of his native county. 

The parents of our subject, Arthur and Mary 



<^ 



i 



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'2G4 



GAGK COUNTY. 



A. (Hale) Hill, were natives of Vermont and Mas- 
saelnisetts respectively. The parents of Mrs. Hill 
liarl migrated to Pennsylvania while she was in her 
^•onth, and there the acquaintance had been formed 
which resulted in the above union, which was fruit- 
ful in the birth of eight children, our subject being 
the fourth child. There is no greater mistake than 
to imagine that the interests of the individual, the 
State and the country, are better served by celi- 
bacy than otherwise. The Creator, in the arrange- 
ment of these matters, has been proved to be "too 
wise to err," and he is the truest citizen, and more 
mindful of his country's interests, who adopts the 
course taken by Mr. Hill in regard to this matter. 
His life has been more complete, more successful 
and brighter because of his marriage. This impor- 
tant event was celebrated in his native county on 
the 18th of December, 1879, the lady of his choice 
being Miss Ettie Gardner, a daughter of Hammond 
and Elmira (Webster) Gardner, natives of Penn- 
sylvania. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Hill in- 
cludes three sons, who have been named Harry E., 
Clyde E. and Herbert. 

The chosen occupation of our subject lias been 
thatof luisbandrj', and he now owns a very fine farm, 
comprising eighty acres of excellent, arable land on 
section 34, Sicily Township. His properly is all 
well improved, and brought to a high state of agri- 
cultural efficiency. The farm is usuallj' operated 
with a view to supplying sufficient grain, etc., to 
feed his stock, only selling what he may have over 
and above that supply. He takes special interest 
in stock-raising, and is the owner of a f5ne herd of 
cattle and a large number of Poland-China hogs. 
Our subject is a man of large energy and what 
might be called a tireless worker, and by his efforts 
has brouglit his farm to a condition seldom sur- 
passed. 

Few men are there who are constituted so as to 
enjoj' their home more than our subject, and his 
chief delight is found in the society of his excel- 
lent wife and his three sons, who are developing 
such mental power and manly traits of character as 
to warrant the belief that there is a large future be- 
fore them, and that they will prove, as the years 
pass, a continuous source of legitimate parental 
pride to our subject and their mother. Political 

-4« 



matters do not absorb the attention of our subject 
so much as they perhaps would if he were living 
other than on his farm ; not that he is careless of 
the interests of the people or is disloyal in anj' re- 
gard, per contra, there are few who have more of true 
))atriotic fire than he. Although usually numljered 
with the Democratic party and voting its ticket in 
the larger issues, in more local matters attention is 
given first to the candidate's ability' and character, 
liis party being a secondary consideration. He is 
ever a consistent friend of good order and higher 
morals, and is regarded among the most sterling 
citizens of the township. 



3 RJsST BUTE came to Nebraska in the spring 
^ of 1874, and purchased eight}' acres of rail- 
L=if ' road land on section 1 in Clatonia Town- 
ship, which land is now included in his present 
farm. Since that time, however, he has added forty 
acres, and has brought the whole to a good state of 
cultivation. He commenced in life empty-handed, 
having nothing but his own resources to depend 
upon, and thus may be properly numbered among 
the self-made men of this county who have em- 
plo3'ed their time to good advantage, and are now 
classed among its well-to-do and reliable citizens. 
The German element of Gage County comprises 
a large proportion of its substantial men. The sub- 
ject of our sketch was born in the Kingdom of 
Prussia, Aug. 3, 1851, and is the son of Frederick 
and Henrietta (Lucte) Bute, the former of whom 
died when Ernst was a mere child. When a lad of 
thirteen he lost his only remaining parent, and was 
thus an orphan indeed. He was then taken into 
the home of a brother, and remained in his native 
Province until a youth of seventeen j-ears. In the 
meantime he attended school considerably, and 
now determined to seek his fortunes on the other 
side of the Atlantic. 

Our subject, in the spring of 1868, engaged pass- 
age in a steamer bound from the port of Bremen 
to New York City, and after an ocean voyage of 
more than two weeks set foot upon American soil. 
After looking about Mm for a short time in the 
great metropolis, he proceeded directly westward to 




^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



4> 



2G5 



8tophcnson County, 111., where he worked on a. farm 
three j'ears. and tlien changed his residence to Ogle 
County. From there he came, in the spring of 
1874. to Nebr.aska. 

Our subject, while a resident of Illinois, was ni.ar- 
ried, in 187G, to Miss Mary Gake, a native of that 
Slate, who was born Aug. IG, 1851. Iler parents 
were natives of Germany. The father is now de- 
ceased ; the mother resides in Illinois. Mr. and 
Mrs. Bute began the journey of life together in 
Gage County, and of their union theie have been 
born seven children, namely : Sophia, Elsie, Fred- 
ricka. John, Cora, Dora and an infant unnamed. 
The eldest is twelve years of age, and they all con- 
tinue under the home roof. 

Mr. Bute is not a member of any religious or- 
ganization, but he believes in church institutions, 
and gives his support to ever}- enterprise calculated 
to benefit the people morally and financially. Po- 
litically, he is a Democrat, is one of the School 
Directors of his district, and one of the three ap- 
praisers of the Clatonia Mutual Insurance Associ- 
ation. He is recognized as a leader among his 
fellow-citizens, is a man straightforward in his busi- 
ness transactions, and prompt to meet his obliga- 
lions. These qualities of character will furnish any 
man a passport to the esteem and confidence of his 
fellowmen. 



^ ^-*-B-" 




lik^ ARTIN Y. ELLIS is a young gentleman in 
excellent stan<liug, who is engaged in 
farming and stock-raising on section 25, 
Elm Township. His father, Thomas H. 
Ellis, was born in Kentuckj', and married for his 
first wife Miss Fuller, who was born in Tennessee. 
There was a family of three children as the result 
of this marriage — Sar.ih J., Serenah D. and James 
M. At the age of nineteen years the son, James 
M., enlisted, in the fall of 1861, in Company G, 
130th Illinois Infantr}-, and was present during the 
siege of Vicksburg, and the encounter at Jackson, 
"Miss. He was among the large number of brave 
men who enlisted in the war, and never again was 
permitted to see his home and friends, having been 
killed at Shreveport, La., in the spring of 18G4. 

M» ' 



The father of our subject was a second time mar- 
ried, to Miss Malinda Phillips, who is the mother of 
our subject. She was born in Tennessee, and after 
their marriage they moved to Coles County. 111., 
where the father died in 1861, at the age of forty- 
nine years. By this second marriage there was a 
family of six children, the names of whom are: May 
A., Martin V., Margaret L., John C, Matilda A. 
and McKnjie. After the death of the father the 
mother of our subject was married again, to J. W. 
Vaughan, who was also a native of Tennessee, and 
a minister in the Baptist Church. At present they 
are living in Mattoon, III., and have one child, 
Thomas M., who is traveling for a music house. 

Our subjnct was born on the 8th of May, 1850, 
in Coles County, III., where he received a common- 
school education, and remained .at home on the farm 
until 1878. He then came to Seward Count}-, this 
State, and staid one j'ear, after which he removed 
to Glenwood Township, this count}', and bought a 
farm, on which he lived for four years, making the 
necessary improvements. After four years he sold 
his land and came to J^lm Township, in which he 
bought eighty acres of land, and has since made his 
home here. He has made a great many improve- 
ments, among which are the setting out of a fine 
fruit orchard and a grove of shade trees. 

On the 21st of September, 1871, our subject 
was married, in Coles County, III., to Miss Mary A. 
Layton, who is a daughter of Henry C. and Martha 
J. (Logan) Layton, both of whom were natives of 
Kentucky. They moved to Macon County, 111., in 
1854, and in 1869 to Coles County, where they are 
still living. They are the parents of eight children, 
as follows: Elizabeth, William T., Marj' A. J., 
Hugh, Laura B., F'rancis M., Andrew I. and Charles. 
Mrs. Ellis was born in Kentuck}-, on the 19th of 
January, 1850, and by her marri.<ige she has become 
the mother of seven children, whose names are: 
Gilbert T. (deceased), Thom.as H., Jesse L., Ora P., 
Gertie A., Henr}' C. (deceased) and Hattie F. 

Mr. Ellis was elected Treasurer of the School 
Board in 1883, which office he still holds, and in 
various other ways does he share the labors of pub- 
lic enterprise. He has joined Company C of the 
State Militia, at Beatrice, and in politics he favors 
the Uepublican i)art3'. He and his wife arc meui- 



!?^r+^ 



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266 



GAGE COUNTY. 



bers of the Church of God, and are most consistent 
Christians at home and abroad. They are deeply in- 
terested in the future weif.are of their family, hav- 
ing a wealth of affection, and a desire to secure them 
every advantage, that they may grow up to be use- 
ful men and women. In her home Mrs. Ellis pos- 
sesses the charm of true Southern hospitality toward 
her guests, and entertains her friends in a ro3'al 
manner. 

I^J^ ARTIN L. CARPENTER has by industry 
and perseverance acquired valuable prop- 
erty during his four years' residence in Lin- 
coln Township, having risen from moderate 
circumstances since his arrival in this county, in the 
spring of 1884. Previous to his residence here he 
lived in Beatrice for a few months, to which place 
he had come from E.igle Point, Ogle Co., 111. He 
was born near Hagerstown, AVashington Co., Md., 
on the 22d of August, 1854. and is a son of Jere- 
miah and Susan (Cross) Carpenter, the former of 
whom was a native of Lancaster County, Pa., and 
tiie latter of Washington County, Md. The par- 
ents were married in the latter-named place, and 
there made their home, a family of seven sons and 
two daughters growing up around them. In 1874 
they came to Illinois, and made their home near 
Polo until they came to this State, and they are now 
making their home in Holt Township. The father is 
aged seventy, and the mother sixty -eight years, and 
they are members of the Church of God, enjoying in 
their later days the fruits of their early industry, 
and the esteem and friendship of the people of 
their community. 

Our subject spent the early years of his life in his 
native county, where he was educated in the public 
schools, and instructed in the duties pertaining to 
an agricultural life, after which he was united in 
marriage, near Greencastle, Franklin Co., Pa., on the 
27th of April, 1872, to Miss Anna Osbaugh. She 
was born in the above-named city on the 14th of 
February, 1855, and is a daughter of William and 
Harriet (Ruthrauff) Osbaugh, the former of whom 
is now living near Springfield, 111., aged about 
threescore years. He is a cooper by trade, and in 
connection with that business he owns and has 



charge of a store. The mother of Sirs. Carpenter 
died while she was making a visit in Lee Countj', 
111., in 1884, when she was about fiftj'-six years oltL 
She and her husband were members of the German 
Reformed Church, and were highly respected by 
all who knew them. 

Mrs. Carpenter passed her girlhood days in Green- 
castle, Pa., and as she grew up to womanhood she 
completed her education in the various branches 
of learning, and cultivated the womanly virtues 
which have made her so estimable a lady. In 1874 
our subject with his wife and his father's family 
moved to Ogle County, 111., where they remained 
for some time. They now have a family of four 
bright, intelligent children, whose names are IvaE., 
Zoe Adrian, Roy H. and Harley G. Since their 
residence here they have been prosperous and suc- 
cessful, and are rapidly becoming situated in a 
condition to enjo}' life without so much hard labor, 
which speaks well for the industrious disposition 
and careful management of our subject. He is a 
genial and affable man, and has won a large circle 
of admiring friends by his kindlj', considerate nature 
and his true, manlj' courtesy. He h.as held the office 
of Treasurer of his township with credit to himself 
and with satisfaction to the community, and where 
political matters are discussed he proves himself a 
well-informed and ardent Democrat. 

AVID S. FAULDER. It is the oI)ject of 
those who leave for the West or newer 
Territories to make for themselves a home 
there, or the means of purchasing one 
elsewhere, and the whole of the Great West is dot- 
ted over with the attainment of those hopes. Han- 
over Township supplies several cases in point ; among 
them, and one of the most pleasant, comfortable 
and happj^, is that of David S. Faulder, whose life 
is in this sketch briefly outlined. 

It was in the fall of 1878 that Mr. Faulder set- 
tled upon his now valuable and highlj' cultivated 
farm, situated on section 25, and comprising 160 
acres. Our subject is a native of Washington 
County, Md., and was born on the 9th of January, 
1832. He is a son of Samuel and Margaret (Rahr) 




•» ■ _ <»: 




GAGE COUNTY. 



267 



I 



Faulder, natives respoc-tivelj' of Maryland and 
Pennsylvania. This familj' is of Eiiglisli extraction, 
the paternal gran<lparents, John and Hannah Faul- 
der, having emigrated to this country about the 
year 1794. The}' landed, and for a time staid 
in New York, and then settled in Maryland. This 
gentleman was l>y trade a tailor, and also for a 
time taught school. His familj- included twelve 
children, all of whom were born in the United 
.Suites. 

The father of our subject was born in 1798. and 
learned the trade of cooper, supplementing the 
same with agriculture. His home was in Maryland, 
near the Pennsylvania border, and here, with the 
exception of some j'cars spent in the adjoining 
county, across the State line, his whole life was 
spent. His death occurred in the year 1872, his 
wife having died about fourteen j'ears previously, at 
the ageof sixty-fouryears, in 1858. They were the 
parents of three children : Marj',the wife of Reuben 
Shover, who make their home in Waynesburg, Pa.; 
David S., our subject; and Margaret, the wife of 
John Fahrney, of Maryland. 

The early daj's of our subject were spent upon 
the farm, between the duties of which and those of 
the school his boyhood was filled. Afterward he 
mastered the trade of a cooper, and continued to 
follow the same for about ten years. In 1853 he 
was united in marriage with Elizabeth Snj'der, who 
was also born in Marj-land, in Washington County, 
on the 27th of February, 1853. This ladj-, who 
possesses attributes and graces that qualify- her to 
make the home of her husband all that is contained 
in that expressive word, is the daughter of Simon 
and Amy Snj'der. After marriage the j'oung couple 
settled in their native State, and engaged in agricult- 
ural and pastoral pursuits, continuing the same 
with slow but sure prosperitj- until 1873, when they 
removed to Ogle County, 111., and made their home 
in the neighborhood of Polo. Here they leased a 
farm of 100 acres in extent, continued to reside upon 
the same for about five years, and in 1878 came to 
this State, and purchased the present 240 acres, 
" whereon his house has been erected. This change 
has been for the better, and each year has seen an 
increase of prosperity, and the farm includes 240 
acres of valuable, tillable land. The farm l)uild- 

<• 



ings, although, perhaps, not so elegant as some in 
older districts, nevertheless are commodious, con- 
venient and substantial. His home stands near a 
beautiful grove of forest trees, and a good orchard, 
and overlooks quite a splendid country, while 
within there pervades a cheery brightness and 
warmth of home feeling that are welcomed bj- not 
simply the stranger or visitor, but more so by mem- 
bers of the household. 

Upon the day of marriage our subject carried his 
fortune and inheritance in his pocket, and possessed 
only $30; from this as a beginning he has gone on 
accumulating }-ear by year until the present. Mr. 
and Mrs. Faulder are the happj' parents of eleven 
children, nine of whom are living. Their names 
are as follows: Jerome S.. Samuel R. ; Laura, now 
the wife of James Bogg; Katj-, happilj- married to 
Dr. Charles S. Boggs; Charles E. ; Annie May, now 
Mrs. M. H. Blackburn; Ira; Irvin and Lucy. The 
two sons who died in childhood had been named 
David W. and John, respectively. 

Our subject is holding the position of Justice of 
the Peace in a manner which reflects the greatest 
honor upon his intelligence, correct judgment and 
sense of justice. His political sj-mpathies are with 
the Republican party, and he has for many years 
been looked upon as one of the most reliable of his 
part}'. By the members thereof and bj' all who 
know him, he is held in high regard. In the Chris- 
tian Church at Beatrice our subject and wife find 
their religious life best sustained, and their interests 
more largely engaged, and have for manj' years 
been very devout members of that communion, 
bringing into their lives much of the beaut}' and 
sweetness of Christian living. 



^^ HARLES H. PRICE, whose farm and rcsi- 
(if dence .ire situated on section 1 of Midland 

\^; Township, is a brother of P"rank J. Price (see 
sketch). This gentleman came with his brother to 
Nebraska in 187f<, and is now the owner of a very 
pleasant home, and a well-cultivated, tillable farm 
of 1 20 acres, situated as above. He also was born 
in Ogle County, 111., his natal day being the 14th 



f 



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268 



GAGE COUNTY. 



4 



of July, 1858, to David E. and Helen E. (Rowland) 
Price. 1 1 is early days were spent upon the home 
farm, and from childhood he was allowed to assist 
in tasks i)roportionate to his strength, until he be- 
came quite a valuable assistant to his father. Like 
his brother, he was educated in the public schools 
of Mt. Morris. 

Mr. Price was just twenty years of .ige when he 
came to this State, and for two years was engaged 
in farming with his brother, and then started upon 
his own farm, which he has brouglit to its present 
state of efficiency from that of raw, unbroken prai- 
rie. In his chosen occupation he is abundantly suc- 
cessful, and for a j-oiing man has achieved a 
lirosperitj' of which he may well be proud. In 
the year 1881, at Maryland, Ogle Co., 111., he was 
united in marri.age with Miss Lizzie Stouffer, and 
shortly after taking that important step settled 
wliere he now resides, and by her bright and cheer- 
ing presence has been encouraged to go forward 
with his work. Tlie3' have a very pleasantly situ- 
ated, well-built and cheerful home upon their well- 
stocked farm. 

Mrs. Price was born upon the 1 1th of November, 
1860, to Benjamin and Mary (Koontz) StoufTer, 
who were natives of Maryland. Upon their mar- 
riage Mr. and Mrs. Stouffer settled in Washing- 
ton County, and there their daughter was born. In 
1864 the family removed to Franklin County, the 
same State, and resided upon a farm in that county 
until 1867. They then migrated to Ogle County, 
111., wliere the^- still reside. Besides their daughter 
Elizabeth, the wife of our subject, their family in- 
cludes ten children, whose names are as fallows: 
Julia A., the wife of Daniel Zellers, of Ogle County ; 
Franklin K., Ella E., Fannie M., William, Emma 
H., Helen M., Otis D., Bertie S. and Edith C. Mr. 
Stouffer is, with his family, deeply interested in the 
welfare of the Dunkard or German Baptist Church, 
of which they are all members and he is a minister. 
To the same communion are attached also Mr. and 
Mrs. Price. 

Although alw.ays anxious to see a higher class of 
morals in vogue throughout the community, and a 
larger religious interest manifested, and ever will- 
ing and read}' personally and by pro.\j' to labor to 
this end, Mr. Price does not take a deep interest 



in political affairs, but his principles and life are 
such as to win and retain for him the respect of all. 
In deciding the question of the use to which his 
ballot should be put he invariably considers the 
relative fitness of the candidate and office, afterward 
the question of party. 



f 



\1?0SEPH ROLLING WORTH. In the town of 
Melbourne, Derb3'shire, England, among the 
cotton and silk manufacturers, was one 
James Hollingworth, who, having followed 
this branch of industry from his youth, had become 
a more than ordinaiy skilled worker. This gentle- 
man in the year 1849 decided to leave his native 
country and make his home in the New World, in 
order that his children might have a larger oppoi'- 
tunity for advancement in life. He was accompan- 
ied by his wife, Elizabeth (Hemslej-) Hollingworth, 
and four children. Their famil}' included twelve 
children, whose names are as follows : P'rances, Myra, 
F'rancis, Charlotte, James, Thomas, Henry, Eliza- 
beth (deceased), Robert, Lizzie (deceased), Lizzie 
and Joseph. 

Our subject was born in the old English home 
on the 2d of November, 1836, and was twelve years 
of age when his parents came to this countiy. but 
having been a bright youth and of mercurial tem- 
perament, he had sometimes worked in the factories 
when not at school, and was a general favorite 
there. His father settled in Racine Count}-, Wis., 
where he took up land and commenced farming. 
In these newer engagements he was assisted by his 
sons, among them our subject. After eight years 
a removal was made to Stevens Point, in the same 
State, and they settled in the midst of the pine woods, 
and began clearing a farm, which at the same time 
provided material for a start in the lumber trade 
In 1861 they came west to Nebraska City, perform- 
ing the journey by wagon and team. The season 
was remarkably dry, so much so that every river 
was forded with ease, with the exception of the two 
great rivers, the Missouri and the Mississippi, which 
of course were both too wide and deep to admit 



n 



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^ii^h-*i 



GAGE COUNTY. 



269 



the thought of the experiment of such primitive 
and eSsy crossing; they had to depend upon the 
iielp of the ferryninn for i)rogrcss in these instances. 
The family pusiu-d straight on to Bhie Springs, of 
this county, where a farm was rented and held for 
two seasons. 

While residing in Blue Springs our subject was 
attracted to Miss Wealthy Jane Tinkham, and the}' 
were made husband and wife July 13, 18C2. This 
most estimable ladj- was born upon the 26th of 
October, 1841, in Morrow County. Ohio, and was 
the second child of nine born to the Rev. A. L. and 
Sarah (Wilson) Tinkham. She was fifteen years of 
age when her parents removed to Benton County, 
Iowa, which was her home until about her nine- 
teenth birthday, at which time she came to Ne- 
braska, where she met our subject, and was married 
two j-ears later. They have become the parents of 
eight children, whose names are here appended: 
Arthur J., Tliomas H., Alma E., Arvilla, George, 
Albert, and Archie and Aimee, twins. 

The father of Mrs. Hollingworth was born in 
Vermont and her mother in Ohio. Upon the pa- 
ternal siile the family is of English extraction. 
After their marriage they settled in Ohio, and sub- 
sequent to the sojourn in Iowa, above referred to, 
removed to this county in 1 860 and took up a home- 
stead claim. Their familj' includes nine children, 
who severally bear the names subjoined: Gilbert, 
Wealth}' Jane, Margery C, Elias W., James Leroy, 
Thomas L., Alice. Eddie D. and Bertie. Mr. Tink- 
ham, who is sevent3'-two years of age, is in the en- 
jojment of everj- faculty and good health, and is in 
his retired life reaping the pleasurable result of 
earlier years of toil. His wife is also living at an 
advanced age. Upon the marriage of our subject 
his father and mother, then somewhat advanced in 
}'ears, at the invitation of their son took up their 
residence with him in his new home, and there re- 
mained until their death. Mr. Hollingworth, Sr., 
departed this life in the year 1864, aged seventy- 
three years. His wife survived until the j'ear 1883, 
having reached the advanced age of ninety-two 
. years. 

Our subject and his wife continued on their 
homestead from the time of their marriage until 
1882. He had purchased a section of land the fall of 



the previous year in Nuckolls County. Neb., and re- 
moved as above, continiiing there until the summer 
of 1887, when a return was made to the old home 
in this count}', where they reside at present. In 
addition to the operation of the farm, our subject 
has, since the year 1887, been engaged in the gen- 
eral stone trade. His stone quarry is situated in 
Rockford Township, on the Burlington & Missouri 
River Railroad, three and one-half miles from Bea- 
trice, and was among the first stone quarries opened 
in the State, and is now one of the lai'gest and most 
extensively used, business in this department hav- 
ing increased with unusual rapidity. 

Besides the 240 acres of land in Rockford Town- 
ship our subject is the owner of 520 acres in Nuck- 
olls County, well improved and cultivated. The 
home farm (Rockford Point) has received a large 
share of attention, and is provided with a good set 
of the usual farm buildings, and hasalsoa beautiful 
orchard of over 100 choice trees, and in the neigh- 
borhood of the house is plentifully supplied with 
very fine groves of cottonwood, locust and other 
trees. There are also trees set out for a full half-mile- 
along the northern boundary of the farm, at once, 
an added beauty and utility. 

Thomas H.. the son of our subject, has charge of 
the Nuckolls County Farm; Arthur J. is married to 
Miss Jennie Chenault, and is the manager of the 
quarry. The political sentiments of our subject 
are in harmony with those of the Republican party, 
with which he has for many years voted and 
worked, and has long been considered a tried friend 
and supporter. He has watched with pride and 
absorbing interest the development of Nebraska, 
and was one to push forward the work of its admis- 
sion as a State. His name will be found upon the 
list of those who voted for the adoption of the Con- 
stitution of the State in 1806. He h.-is always 
taken an active inteicst in the educational advance- 
ment of his district and county, and has served nine 
years as School Director. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hol- 
lingworth are highly valued members of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church, of Holraesville, of which 
they are most consistent and devout members. The 
wife of our subject is also prominent in Sunday- 
school circles, and is identified with the institution 
at Holraesville. Nothing is too small to he worthy 



I 




»>-ll^^ 



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270 



GAGE COUNTY. 



of her labor and effort, nor too large for lier en- 
deavor, so long as it be for the benefit and advance- 
ment of the work. Both are most highly esteemed 
and their value appreciated. They are always 
found ready to aid in every good work or project, 
if it be but shown that such enterprise is worthy. 



-#^- 



y'lLLIAM A. IIOLLENBACK. One of 
the greatest questi(jns l)efore the civilized 
^J^ world, one tiiat is not confined by tlie lines 
of race, color or nationality, is tliat of the use and 
abuse of beverages which tend to prcjduce that 
brain effect which is designated by the term intox- 
ication. For many years tlie indiscriminate use of 
such articles has been gradually arousing the most 
determined and enthusiastic opposition, and firing 
the liearts of many of the best citizens with an im- 
passioned fervency of zeal, to lemove from the 
path of the joung, the untried and the tempted, 
everything which tends by seducing allurements 
to ruin them and bring disgrace upon their families, 
communities and country. The subject of the 
present sketch is one deeply interested in the 
solution of this great international problem, and 
stands pledged before the community of which he 
is a factor upon the side of the defense of those 
whom weakness, either from age, inexperience or 
repeated failure, has rendered defenseless. 

Our subject is one of the prosperous farmers of 
Sicily Township, and is the owner of 120 acres of 
exceedingly good farming land, which is situated on 
section 33. He is the son of George and Jane 
(Patton) Hollenback, who were both natives of 
Ohio, but removed to Woodford County, 111. Their 
married life was very bright and felicit his, and was 
only broken by the death of the mother of our 
subject in AVoodford County, 111., in 1859. They 
had become the parents of six children, who are 
still living, with the exception of their sou George, 
who died in Illinois when eight years of age. The 
names of the remaining children, according to the 
family gcnealog3-, are : John C, Isathan P., Elizabeth 
J.. Sarah K. and William A. 

Our subject was born on the 1st of April, 1845, 
in the home in Woodford County, and was reared 



to man's estate in the same place. His education 
was practical rather than extensive, and when it was 
completed he was ready to go to work upon the 
farm. He removed to his present home'in Gage 
County, Neb., and took up the tract of land which 
now comprises his propert3' when it was in an un- 
tamed condition, and by continued effort, and i^er- 
severance in hard work intelligently bestowed, has 
brought it to its present super-excellent condition. 

On the 3d of July, 18G6, Mr. Hollenbeck was 
married, the lady of his choice being Adeline Gil- 
crest, a daughter of Thomas C. and Eleanor (Guth- 
rie) Gilcrest. Her father was a native of Virginia, 
her mother of Ohio. The home of our subject has 
opened its portals to welcome three little ones, 
whose names are recorded as follows : Ellen J., Frank 
R. and Bertha E., who are still living .it home with 
their parents, aged twenty -one, seventeen and eleven 
years. 

Mr. Hollenback is a prominent member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, with which he has been 
identified for many years, having been received 
therein at Belle Plain, III., about the year 1864, but 
is at present identified with the church at Wymofe. 
He has been in office for the greater part of that 
time, as Steward, Sunday-school Superintendent 
etc., and still continues as Steward at Wymore. 
His wife is a member of the Christian Church, and 
just as enthusiastic and devout in that communion 
as her husband is in his. Both are most highly es- 
teemed for their work's sake. The difference of 
thought in regard to religious matters in no way 
hinders the uninterrupted flow of that jo^'ous com- 
panionship which marks the wedded life of the 
Christian. It may, however, be partl^^ accounted 
for bj' the fact that their parents follovveil in the 
same path before them, Mr. and Mrs. Gilcrest hav- 
ing been members of the Christian Churcli, and the 
father and mother of Mr. Hollenback members 
of the Methodist Church. It is a remarkable co- 
incidence that both mothers should have departed 
this life in a triumph of Christian faith, which 
was not marred by tvny shade of difference of 
creed ; also, that both fathers still live, and in their 
respective churches are prominent and regarded 
with the dee|)est respect and Christian affection. 

In former years our subject was an alliliatc of the 



f 



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GAGE COUNTY. 



-•»• 



271 



^ 



Republican party, but his studj- of the luatters re- 
feiied to in our opening paragraph led him to asso- 
ciate himself with the Pruliibition party. In this 
cause he is a constant and energetic worker. That 
his eflforts have been appreciated is shown in that 
at the last convention of this county our subject 
was nominated as candidate for representative by 
his partj'. At present he is filling in a most satis- 
factory manner the office of Clerk of his township, 
to which he was elected in the fall of 1887. Com- 
ment regarding the character of one thus associated 
and engaged is entirely unnecesssar3', and would de- 
generate into the fulsome remarks of the sycophant, 
therefore, it is preferred to leave this epitome as a 
whole to speak the worth and esteem of its subject. 



<ff| AMES ELERBECK furnishes a forcible illus- 
] tration of the power of industr}- and self-re- 
; liance, he having risen by successive steps 
(^1^ from moderate circumstances to his present 
position of affluence. He is a son of John and Eliza 
Elerbeck, who were natives of England, and was born 
on the 24th of Jul}-, 183C, in Bradford, Yorkshire. 
He spent his earlj' years in his native village, and be- 
cause of the moderate circumstances of his parents 
he was engaged in working in the worsted and cot- 
ton factories until he was eighteen years old, for 
which reason his early education was limited. His 
parents were Christian people and interested him in 
the work of the Sunday-school, so that he was a 
regular attendant and gained much information of 
the Bible and religious truths. 

Our subject conceived the desire to have a home 
of his own, and thinking that he would have better 
opportunities to make and save a competence in 
America, he sailed from Liverpool in 1854, placing 
foot on American soil in the month of May of the 
same year. His destination was Kenosha County, 
Wis., and after he had arrived there he worked out 
by the month for one and a half j^ears, after which 
he went to Racine County, and remained until 186G. 
Three years after his arrival in America he was 
united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Murgatro^'d, 
who is a daughter of William and .Sarah Murgat- 
royd. They were born in Yorkshire, England, 



where the father was a manufacturer of worsted 
and cotton goods, and was in very good circum- 
stances. The familj- came to this countrj' in 1848, 
and made their home in Kenosha County, Wis. 
The father now resides in Union Grove, Racine Co., 
W^is., having reached the advanced age of eighty- 
seven jears. The mother died in 1860, at the age 
of fiftj'-six years, leaving a family of seven children, 
who are now all living and are named as follows: 
Emanuel, Richard, Nann}', John, Mary A., Eliza 
and Anna. 

Mrs. Elerbeck was born in October, 1840, in 
Yorkshire, England, not far from Bradford, the 
birthplace of Mr. E. She had known our sub- 
ject in their native countr\-,and was eight years old 
when she came with her parents across the water. 
Young as she was she had already inspired an affec- 
tion in the heart of J'oung James Elerbeck, and who 
can tell whether or not it was with a desire to see 
his early love that our subject came to this country, 
and made her his wife when she was sixteen j-ears 
old. After their marriage the happ}- j'oung people 
made their home in Wisconsin, and in 1863 our 
subject, hearing that his mother was ver^' ill, left 
home to make a visit to the Fatherland, with the 
hope of seeing his dearly loved mother before she 
should have passed to the world beyond. And she, 
hearing of his coming, seemed to summon up strength 
to await the arrival of her darling bo^-; and with 
the sight of him it seemed as if a new lease of life 
were granted her, for she recovered sullicient health 
to live for three years afterward. She died in 1867, 
at the age of fifty-three j-ears. and our subject has 
alwaj's been thankful that he made his visit when 
he did. 

In the spring of 1864 Jlr. Elerbeck again set sail 
for America, and after having enjoyed one of the 
finest trips in his life he was happy to find his fam- 
il3' at home well, and waiting to extend a greeting 
to him whose presence was so welcome. He rented 
a farm in Wisconsin and prospered fairly' well, but 
wishing to see the much-talkcd-of "Nebraska," he 
started with a wagon team of three horses, with his 
wife and children, for the State of the Plains in 
May, 1866. He arrived at Beatrice in the latter 
part of June, and immediately took up his present 
homestead on section 18, Rockford Township. They 



iJ t <• 



M^ 



272 



GAGE COUNTY. 



lived in the wagon in which their journey was made 
nntil the shantj' could be built, and it being finished 
in October, they moved into their more commo- 
dious dwelling. Our subject dug a well, and made 
other necessary improvements as he was ai)le to 
make them ; the land being raw prairie there was so 
much to be done at once. His wagon was the first 
one ou the Blue River at the mouth of Cedar 
Creek. 

Our subject owns 370 acres of land, which he de- 
votes to the purpose of general or mixed farming, 
and his success has given hirn the reputation of be- 
ing one of the best farmers in the county. He has 
been very industrious and is a careful manager, con- 
ducting his business in the most afn^roved method 
and order. With his own hands he planted a grove 
which now contains trees of a size sufficient to make 
a respectable saw-log, and he h.as a fine orchard of 
apple, cherry, peach and other fruit trees. He has 
an artist's eye for symmetr3', and has laid out the 
yards and lawns to the best possible advantage for 
beauty and utility. He has erected a fine, large 
house, and cattle and horse barns, with all necessary 
out-buildings, such as granary, corn cribs, (jattle- 
sheds, etc. His stockyards are furnished with 
water forced by a wind pump, and in various other 
ways have labor and wealth made many improve- 
ments. 

Of the household of our subject and his wife 
there were five children, part of whom have left tlie 
parental roof and are nicely established in homes of 
their own. John T. married Miss Etta Irving, and 
with their daughter, Mabel, they reside in River- 
side Township, where they have a farm of 160 acres; 
Mary E. is the wife of Charles Tanner, and they 
reside in this St:ite; Sarah L. is the wife of 
Ellory Webster, residing in Logan Township; Wil- 
lie and Katie are still at home. Mr. Elerbeck was 
naturalized as soon as the Constitution would per- 
mit, and he has become one of the best and most 
loyal citizens. He voted for the adoption of the 
State Constitution in 1866. He is a member of the 
Republican party, liut has never cared to accept 
political offices though they have been tendered 
him. He has honorably served as School Director for 
eight years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Elerbeck incline 
towanl the Church of the Christian Scientists, and the 



former willingly shares the credit of his success in 
life and his popularity in the community with his 
estimable and highly respected wife, who has been 
a faithful companion and helpmate during all the 
years of their happy wedded life. 




OCERN W. KELLEV. In GrantTownship 
there is contained some of the best land in 
the county, and on sections 2 and 3 may be 
found some of the most fertile, arable and tillable 
in the township. The gentleman whose life fur- 
nishes the basis of the present sketch is the owner 
of a very fine farm on these sections, comprising 
IGO acres of highlj' cultivated and productive farm- 
ing land. His home is upon section 3; he has been 
a resident of the township since 1875, and since 
that time has devoted himself to the improvement 
of his properly, and at the same time has been 
identified with most of the important, practicable 
enterprises that have had as their aim and object 
the improvement of the environment, and the ad- 
vancement of the interests of the community at 
large. 

Our subject is one of the prominent citizens of 
his township, and has come to fill a warm place in 
the hearts of his fellows, being a genial, affable and 
courteous gentleman, sincere friend and honorable 
citizen. He has been very intelligent and diligent 
in all the efforts made in the operations on his 
farm, which is now well supplied with the various 
necessities in the shape of buildings, etc., and is 
well stocked with cattle of high grade of the best 
breeds. 

Our subject was born on the 27th of March, 1840, 
in Muiison Township, Geauga Co., Ohio. He is the 
sixtii child and fourth son of John A. and Mary A. 
(Woodard) Kelley. He was reared at the old 
home, and the memories connected with his school 
days cluster around the same place. Having drunk 
as deeply as was permitted at the fount of learning, 
his attention w.as directed to farming, in which he 
engaged until the present, making an entire success 
of all he undertook to perform, being quick to 
apprehend and understand the why and wherefore, 
and as ready to put into practice what he learned. 



■^f^ 



ii=i-* 



GAGE COUNTY. 



273 



The father of our subject was bora in Vermont, 
and is of Ii'ish descent, his father. Pardon Kellej', 
having served in the Revolutionary War, and 
fought for home and liberty with the "Green 
Mountain boys" in most of the ciiief engagements 
of those times. In later life he came to Oiiio, and 
erected a woolen factory and gristmill in Ashta- 
bula Count}', where he resided until his death at 
tlie ripe age of seventy years. His son .lohn, the 
father of our subject, was reared in Vermont, and 
was there married to a Lad}' a native of the same 
(state, and after the birth of several chiUlren, who 
died in infancy, John Kelley and wife removed to 
Ohio, and after several years of happy wedded life 
he there lost his flrst wife, whose maiden name was 
Mary A. Woodard. In the year 1857 he entered 
into a second marriage, the lady of his choice being 
Mrs. A. D. Sturdavant, who afterward accompanied 
him in his Western peregrinations. They are now 
residents of DeWitt, ISaline County, and are re- 
spectively eight3'-four and sixty-four years of age. 
The subject of our slvetch was reared at the old 
home in his native county, and there remained 
until he was of age, obtaining in the usual institu- 
tion the foundation of his education, which by 
much reading he hassince improved. On the 12th 
of August, 1861, he enlisted in the 2d Ohio Cav- 
alry, and served in Company B, continuing until 
Dec. 12, 1865, just four years and four months, 
with the exception of a brief furlough given him 
at the time he was veteranized. His regiment 
being assigned to the Army of the West, under 
the command of Gen. Blunt, was ordered to the 
Arkansas frontier, and saw a great deal of frontier 
life and skirmishing. They took Little Rock on 
the 10th of September, 1863, and then went to Red 
River on a raiding expedition. Returning, our 
subject was appointed to do duty with the regi- 
mental guards of the arsenal at Little Rock, and 
was veteranized in that city. With tiie exception 
of the strain upon his constitution from exposure, 
our subject went through the war unscathed; upon 
the fore-mentioned date he received his honorable 
•discharge, and returned to civil life. Accompanied 
by his wife he went to Missouri, afterward remov- 
ing thence to this count}'. 

During the time he was at home on furlough our 



subject took the opportunity of celebrating his 
marriage, and this step has proved one of the most 
happy he ever took. This important event trans- 
pired upon the 20th of February, 1864, the lady 
being Lucy C. Warner, the estimable daughter of 
William and Sarah (S.ifford) Warner. This lady 
was born in JIunson Township, Geauga Co.. Ohio, 
May 14, 1841. Her early life was spent at home, 
and pr.ictically herself and husband grew up 
together, the families being neighbors. Her par- 
ents were natives of Vermont; their acquaintance 
having been made and ripening into friendship, 
led to their marriage, which occurred at Sandgate 
in that State, They went to Ohia in 1833, where 
her father took land and followed husbandr\' as 
his chosen occupation. Her mother was killed in 
1864 in consequence of an accident that caused 
her to be thrown violently from a wagon. Her 
father still lives, and is a hale, heartj' old gentle- 
man of eighty-seven years. 

The family of our subject numbers two children, 
both adopted, Mrs. Kelley sustaining the relation 
of foster-mother to the little ones, Willie C. and 
Jennie M. Mr. Kelley has in a most complimentary 
manner filled the office of Township Assessor since 
last spring. He is a member of Curtis Post No. 
89, G. A. R.. at DeWitt, also of the A. O. U. W., 
of the same place. In his political position he pre- 
fers the principles of the Republican party, of 
which he has long been a tiied and true friend and 
sui)porter. 



^FLDEN E. day, of Highland Township, 
.@/lJII occupies a good position, socially' and finan- 
cially, among the well-to-do citizens of 
Gage County. He has for a number of 
yciirs confined his attention to farming and stock- 
raising, and is the owner of a fine tract of land on 
section 18. A native of the Province of Quebec, 
Canada, he was born Jul}' 16, 1834, and is the son 
of Jonathan B. and Nellie G. (Gilchrist) Day, the 
former deceased and the latter a resident of High- 
land Township. 

The father of our subject is believed to have 
been a native of Vermont and was of Scotch ances- 
try. The parental family included eight children, 




••► 



a. 



•274 



GAGE COUNTY. 



four only of whom survive, namely: Eusebia B., 
Mrs. Reeves, of Greene County, Iowa; Alden E., 
our subject; Samuel H., of Furnas County, anil 
Laura S., of Higlilanil Township, this county. When 
Aklen E. was a little lart four years of age his par- 
ents left the Dominion, and crossing over into the 
States, settled in Caynga County, N. Y., where the 
father engaged in farming, and wiicre they lived 
six years. Their next removal was to Lee County, 
Iowa, but they subsequently removed to LaPorte 
County, Ind., where our subject was reared to man's 
estate. In the meantime he had received careful 
home training and a common-school education, and 
had been taught those principles of industry and 
economy which are the surest basis of good citizen- 
ship. One of the most important of his plans for 
the future was the establishment of domestic ties of 
his own, and he was accordinglj- married, on the 
9th Of March, 1857, to Miss Almira Baldwin, the 
wedding taking place at the home of the bride in 
LaPorte County, Ind. 

Mr. and Mrs. Day commenced the journey of 
life together in a snug home in Indiana, where our 
subject engaged in farming. Of their union there 
have been born four children, three only of whom 
are living, namely : Ella C, RosieO. and George B. 
The deceased child was a boy and died in in- 
fancy. In the spring of 1872 Mr. Day came with 
his family to this county and homesteaded 160 
acres of land in Highland Township. The soil was 
in its original condition, and it has required years 
of labor to effect the transformation which we be- 
hold to-day. It is now highly productive, and the 
comfortable farm residence, with the barn and other 
out-buildings, are a standing monun)ent of the in- 
dustry of the proprietor. Mr. and Mrs. Day en- 
dured the hardships and privations common to 
pioneer life, and now occupy an honored position 
among the old settlers. Our subject, politically, 
is independent. He has served as Justice of the 
Peace and Assessor of Highland Township. No 
man is more interested in the growth and prosper- 
ity of his adopted county, and none have contrib- 
uted more cheerfully as far as they were able to 
this end. 

At the time of the outbreak of the Civil War Mr. 
Day was a resident of Indiana, and in July, 1862, 



seeing little prospect of a termination of the con- 
flict, he resolved to enter the Union Army, and ac- 
cordingly enlisted in Company G, 87th Indiana 
Infantry. His regiment was assigned to the 14th 
Colps, Army of the Cumberland, and Company G 
was mainly under Gens. Rosecrans, Thomas and 
Sherman. Mr. Day participated with his comrades 
in the Atlanta campaign, and on the morning of 
July 20, 1864, before breakfast, he was wounded 
in a skirmish at Peachtree Creek by a ball which 
penetrated his left limb near the thigh. He was 
confined in the hospital, and when able to leave it 
was granted a thirty-days furlough, which time he 
spent at his old home in Indiana. Later he re^ 
joined his regiment at Savannah, but not being en- 
tirely recovered from his injuries was assigned to 
the invalid corps. At the close of the Atlanta 
campaign our subject marched with his regiment 
up through the Carolinas, and at the conclusion of 
his military service under the command of Gen. 
Sherman, received his honorable discharge in June, 
18G5. He had the pleasure of participating in the 
grand review at Washington, and soon afterward 
returned to Indiana, where he once more entered 
upon the duties of an ordinary citizen. As an ex- 
soldier he belongs to Monitor Post No. 184, G. A. 
R., at Cortland, this State, of which he has served 
as" Quartermaster for a number of years. 



-*a£i2/S«-«-^^— »^JW»~-. 



^,: NDREW S. DAVIS. One of the most 
wfuv interesting families in Gage County, per- 
haps, is that of the subject of our sketch, 
W whose farm is situated on section 20 of 

Adams Township. To anyone at all acquainted 
with the district an introduction is needless, the 
name alone suffices to revive the mental picture of 
the memory, one exceedingly pleasant to think of 
or look upon. Our subject is the son of Jacob and 
Jane Davis, both of whom were born in Carolina, 
and are of English extraction and descent. They 
were the parents of twelve children, and of these 
our subject is the tenth born, which interesting 
event occurred in the little log cabin upon the 
farm near Cairo, 111. As a child he was taken by 
his iwrents upon their removal to Tennessee, and 



t 



-#•- 



"•►HI--* 



GAGE COUKT\. 



21 r, 



spent tlie dajs of his youth upon the farm not far 
from the Mississippi River. In tlie same distiict 
also he received some education, altliougli neither 
extensive iu range or treatment of subject. They 
were what was known as subsci'iption schools, and 
the standard of their efficiency was by no means 
high. 

The father of our subject worked at various oc- 
cupations in different States, chieflj', liowever, in 
Jlar^'land, Kentucky, Illinois and Tennessee. In 
' the year 1833 he removed with his family to Jack- 
son County, 111., where he rented a farm, but after 
u few 3'ears removed to Adams County, where he 
remained until his death. On account of his 
nomadic disposition and the heavy expense and loss 
necessarily attending such frequent removals, he 
failed to accumulate any considerable property, 
and uiion his death in 1835, although sixt^'-five 
years of age, he was comparativelj' a poor man. 

Upon the death of his father, our subject, being 
the eldest son, was naturally' called upon to take 
charge of the farm on behalf of his mother and 
sisters. This he continued to do until the death of 
his mother, in 1850, at the age of seventy-five 
years. On the 8th of December, 1837, he was 
united in marriage with Miss Rebecca Washburn. 
They made their home in Hancock County, where 
Mr. Davis purchased a farm and resided about six- 
teen years, but being prevented making certain 
payments on the proi)ert3' he lost it, and then de- 
termined to seek his fortune in the West. Tiiere 
were seven children born to our subject and his 
wife, whose names are subjoined: James II., John 
William, Benjamin F., Andrew J., Timothy U., 
Louisa and Mary. Mrs. Davis died in Nemaha 
County in the year 1872, having reached the age 
of fifty-two years. 

Upon coming to this State Mr. Davis purchased 
a farm, situated in Nemaha County, but being 
heavily involved, and suffering severe drouth the 
(irst year, and l)eing literally drowned out the next, 
he was again forced to abandon his home. In the 
year IHii'J he located upon his present homestead, 
^and the following j'ear reaped a harvest most bounti- 
ful and large, which might fittingly represent that 
referred to by the writer who said, •• There is a tide 
in the affairs of men, which, taken at the flood, 



leads on to fortune;" he took it, and has since 
])rospered. Just, however, .as success was crowning 
his efforts, the bereavement of his wife made the 
cup less sweet and the success less happy than it 
would have been. But this severe trial did not 
prevent him from taking every advantage of the 
leverage gained, and he pushed on the work of his 
farm, the erection of its buildings, the completion 
and beautifying of his home, which, incidentally-, we 
would remark, occupies one of the finest sites in the 
township. The surroundings of his dwelling have 
been rendered increasingly beautiful as the years 
have passed, and our subject, being a master in hor- 
ticulture as well as agriculture, has spared no pains 
or effort to this end. In addition to his flower 
garden he maintains quite an extensive kitclien 
garden. The groves near the house, which include 
maple, honey locust, cottonwood, walnut, elm and 
white ash trees, are of exceptionable beaut}-, as are 
also his orchards. The whole farm of eighty acres 
is enclosed by a well-kept, symmetrically trimmed, 
osage orange hedge, which is also utilized to m.ike 
the divisions necessary around the barnyard, gar- 
dens, etc. Thus he lias brought his property from 
a condition of wild virgin prairie to a very garden 
of delights, which he and Mrs. Davis are enabled 
fully to enjoy. 

AVhen the work of arranging and beautif3-ing his 
home as above described was becoming more and 
more complete, most naturally- our subject desired 
the companionship of some one with whom to share 
his home. The desire became a resolution, the 
resolution took shape in action, and March 19, 
1881. he was united in marriage with Mrs. Ester 
M. Lord, the lady who, by her many womanly 
graces and matronl}- qualities, her refinement and 
culture, graces his home and completes his life. 
She was born close to the Ossipee River, in Cornish 
Township, York Co., Me. Her ancestors were of 
English descent, and members of the Quaker com- 
munity. Their family was one of the earliest to 
settle in the State of Maine, and her father and 
mother, David and Anna (Ai'ers) Morrell, were 
of the most prominent families in York County. 
Her father, who was an extensive farmer and lum- 
berman, was a large land-owner: he was a man of 
the strictest business integrity, of more than ordi 



■"► ^ ■1 <• 



.^1^^ 



276 



GAGE COUNTY. 



nary ability, anrl of unusual prosperity. He was 
an adornment to his profession as a Quaker. In 
his political sentiments he was a Whig, and a strong 
anti-slaver^' man. After reaching the advanced 
age of seventy-five 3'ears he died in 1852, at tlie 
place of his liirth, lamented by the community. 
His wife, who had died the year previous, was 
sixty-eight years of age. Their family comprised 
ten children, six of them being sons. Mrs. Davis, 
who was bom on the 15th of December, 1819,^ was 
their eighth child. 

The early life of Mrs. Davis was spent amid 
surroundings which, to a person of her disposition 
and temperament, could not but result in the de- 
velopment of just such a desirable and beautiful 
character, for after all the soul is but a plant in 
the spiritual garden, and where the environment 
for successful spiritual horticulture be favoi'able, 
it buds and blossoms into habits of character that 
are after the order of, and approximate unto, the 
design in the mind of the great Gardener of the soul. 
She was brought up on the farm of her father; 
the educational advantages she enjoyed were lim- 
ited to the common schools, which in the lumber 
districts where her father had extensive interests 
were necessarily few and far between; and again, 
the school year was limited to about eight weeks. 
But bj' her own ambition and efforts she has so 
supplemented the school work that she possesses a 
good, sound and thorough English education, and 
is well read upon all general topics; so true is this 
that she was accepted as a teacher in the schools, 
and developed such talent in this direction that it 
was a matter of regret when she deemed it necessary 
for her to discontinue. But she received at that 
time a " more effectual call," and that to the high- 
est sphere of womanhood. Cupid had been at work, 
and his arrowshafts had done such execution as re- 
sulted in the plighting of faith and vowing of vows 
irrevocable between her and Samuel R. Lord. 

Mr. Lord was a man of sterling character and 
considerable means, although still a young man. 
They were united in marriage in the year 1838; 
shortly after this interesting event Mr. Lord pur- 
chased a woolen-mill at West Buxton, Me., where 
he continued for over seven years, enjoying, how- 
ever, only a fair degree of financial [irosperity, 



owing to the large number of mills which sprang 
up about that time. At the end of that period he 
sold out and returned to Cornish Township, and 
there continued engaged in farming for seven years. 
During that period they had become the parents of 
eight children, and in 1853 for their sakes they 
went West and settled in the much-talked-of, but 
little known, and, if anything, still less occupied 
Southern Wisconsin. Their home was made on what 
was known as '• F^mpire Prairie," which is situated 
in Leeds Township, Columbia County, and is about 
twenty miles from Madison. Their home, although 
not elaborate, was one of the happiest and brightest 
in the country until 1866, when it was beclouded 
by the death of the husband and father, which oc-- 
curred in his fifty-fourth year, leaving his widow 
with eight children, the youngest being but six 
months old. 

In this trying situation Mrs. Lord's strength' 
determination, character and motherhood were the 
powers that enabled her to rise to the situation, 
for, being left in moderate circumstances, she de- 
termined to give every possible advantage and op- 
portunity to the children who gathered around her 
and called her mother. Her brother, John L. Mor- 
rell, was at this time in Macoupin County, III., and 
was comparatively well off. With the magnani- 
mous, large-hearted generosity that would appear 
to be a characteristic of the family, this gentleman 
induced his sister to sell her property, and then 
helped her to locate in his neighborhood, where he 
could aid her in the struggle, and where the edu- 
cational advantages for their children were superior. 
It was the firm resolve and established resolution 
of Mrs. Lord to keep her children together and 
give them a home, and most nobly did she struggle, 
endeavor and labor to this end, which she con- 
sidered her mission. Her devotion has not been 
without its result or due appreciation, for her chil- 
dren recognize and understand fully how much her 
course in this extremity has meant for them, and 
without waiting for the future they have already 
arisen " and called her blessed " by a return of 
wealth of affection and devotion that is at once the 
greatest adornment, beauty and safeguard of their 
lives. In order to provide more fully for her two 
younger sons she removed with them, in 1878, to 



f- 



n 



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GAGE COUNTY. 



277 



\ 



*~ 



this countj' and settled in Highland Township. 
Upon arrival their exchequer contained only $17. 
The boj's immediately took hold of such work as 
could lie had upon neighboring farms, with the 
mutual satisfaction of seeing abundant and most 
gratifying success. 

The names of the familj- of Mr. and Mrs. Lord 
are as follows: Ci'rus M. (deceased), Lydia E., 
Ester E., Samuel R. (deceased), Sarah E., Hannah 
P., Harriet, Samuel and Anneva (the three latter 
being deceased). Georgie, Edith K., Elmer R. and 
Levi M. Lj'dia is happily married to George 
Dirkee, a farmer at De Forest, Wis., who was Post- 
master at that pKace from the time of Lincoln's elec- 
tion until a year or two ago; they are the parents 
of ten children — James Edgar, Eugene, M3'ra, 
Frank, Mabel, John ; the other names are unknown. 
Ester A., the widow of Mr. Holton, resides in Cali- 
fornia; Sarah, the wife of Mr. Gastin. of Luzerne, 
Iowa, is the parent of five children — Frank, M3'rtie 
M., Ellen, Ralph and John; Hannah, the wife of 
John Broderick, resides in Summit Citj', Mich.; 
they are also the parents of five children. Georgie 
is living in Meltonville, Iowa, and is happilj' mar- 
ried to Mr. John Bewick, this family likewise in- 
cludes five children — Leonard Lord, Mar^' May, 
Chilton, Burton and Dora. Edith K., now Mrs. 
Ross Carney, resides in Newark, Cal., and is the 
mother of three children — Ede E., Eva and Abbie; 
Elmer R. and Levi H. are both residents of Digh- 
ton, Kan., and are engaged in the real-estate busi- 
ness. 

Upon the contraction of her marriage with our 
subject in 1881, Mrs. Lord bix)ught to him a life 
and character that had been purified and rendered 
more happil}' spirituelle bj' her years of struggle, 
trial and devotion. As the ^-ears have gone by she 
has made it her pleasant duty to add constantly 
some new feature, beauty or refinement, making it 
a well-nigh perfect home. The house stands upon 
the farm surrounded by its eighty acres of land, 
every part of which is utilized either for pleasure 
or profit. The closing hours of life's day are all 
aglow with the sunset glories in a clear sk}', its rays 
and reflections painting with polychromatic tints 
the events and happenings as they occur. It would 
be impossible to find among the honored, we had 



almost said venerated, aged and prominent citizens 
any who more appreciate tiie sentiments accorded 
them and feelings expressed by their fellow-citizens 
or the pleasantness of their surroundings. 

For many years Mr. Davis has adhered firmly 
and consistently to the membership and work of the 
Missionary Baptist Church, as his wife has done in 
th.it of the Free- Will Baptist communion, where 
she has long been regarded as among its truest and 
best friends and supporters. The lite of Mr. Davis 
has been lived for the greater part in districts re- 
mote from large centers and beyond the noise and 
babel of "the madding crowd," and has not taken 
the prominent place in political matters he other- 
wise might have done. It has been his custom to 
work for and vote with the Democratic party, un- 
less by some mischance a candidate might present 
himself who, in the judgment of our subject, was 
unfit for the position sought. 



IMOTHY G. DEWEY has seen perhaps as 
r^yvj many of the changes that h.ave taken place 
in the western half of this countrj' as any 
other man residing in this county, having been 
early inured to pioneer life when the development 
of these States was j"et in its infanci'. He was born 
on the 20tliof May, 1828, in Portage County, Ohio, 
his father, Eliakim (now deceased), having been a 
native of Massachusetts and an early settler on 
the Western Reserve lands of Ohio. Our subject 
spent the early part of his life on a farm, engaged 
in the various duties of rural life, accompanied no 
doubt at that time with an infinite number of hard- 
ships and obstacles, which have since been re- 
moved. He was able to receive but a very limited 
education, not because his parents did not appre- 
ciate the value of learning but because the oppor- 
tunities were extremely limited. 

Late in the year 1849 our subject went to Wau- 
kesha County, Wis., and lived there for a time, 
then changing his residence to several other parts 
of the State, but in the fall of 18.58 he became dis- 
satisfied and, in company with his brother William 
F., he came to Richardson County, Neb. In the 
spring of 1859 he came to the western part of Paw- 




r 



:ll^ 



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278 



GAGE COUNTY. 



Dce County and took up some GoveiMunent land 
lying partly in that county and partly in this, his 
l)rother settling just across the line in Gage County. 
They were the first to break land bordering on 
Wolf Creek, and at that time the Indians held un- 
disputed sway, and wild animals made their home 
here. Herds of buffaloes were grazing not more 
than thirty miles west from here, liaving been 
driven already that far by the march of civilization. 

There was but one family (by the name of Ben- 
nett) living on Plum Creek when our subject and 
his brother came to this section, and that family 
was the only one living in Libert}' Township. 
While he was preparing to build his house, and 
that, too, in the most primitive style, our subject 
hoarded with this family. At one time the In- 
dians staid over night with them, and finding a 
sack of gold belonging to our subject, they took 
$20 of the amount contained in it, not daring to 
take the remainder lest the theft should be sus- 
))ected. The earlj' settlers of this section suf- 
fered quite a number of losses from the pilfering 
of these Indians, who claimed to be friendly, but 
who could not resist carrying away with them 
small articles of value on which they could lay 
their hands. 

Several new families settled in Plum Creek in 
the fall of 1859, which no doubt was a grateful ad- 
dition to the lonely little settlement. Our subject 
returned to Wisconsin in the fall of 1860, and in 
1861 he went to Mitchell County, Iowa, where he 
remained until the 13th of April, 1862, on which 
da}' he was united in marriage with Margaret A. 
Pilcher, a daughter of Joshua Pileher (deceased). 
They gathered about them a family of nine chil- 
dren, seven of whom are living, namely : Minnie, 
Celestia, William L., Charles E., Belle O., Adaline 
and Daisy. 

Our subject settled on his present farm on sec- 
tion 5, Liberty Township, in 1883, and owns 160 
acres of good land, which he devotes to the pur- 
pose of general farming, also paj'ing attention to 
the breeding of graded stock. For a period of 
almost fifty years he has watched the westward 
course of civilization, which still continues on her 
way, and in that time the section of the country 
which was a frontier and Western Reserve, has be- 



come the center of colonization, while stretching 
far beyond it are iniprovrments far exceeding 
those of the Eastern States half a centurj' ago. 
The railroads tiaverse the country in ever}' direc- 
tion in place of the stage coaches that were once 
thought to be a great convenience. The telegraph 
lines form a connecting link which joins this section 
to the most distant parts of even the great world, 
while the religious and educational advantages 
now offered here are unsurpassed. Of all these 
changes our subject has taken note, and has done 
his share toward the development of his immediate 
section. 






jlj SAAC D. CASEBEER is a son of John and 
|l Elizabeth Casebeer, the former of whom was 
i\ born in Seneca County, Ohio, in 1832, and the 
latter in Wood County, Nov. 14. 1835. The 
father was engaged as a cariienter and painter dur- 
ing his residence in his native State, and in 1877 
he came to Nebraska, after which he engaged in 
farming in this county, and now makes his home 
in Blue Springs. The mother w.as unfortunately 
killed b}' lightning, Aug. 4, 1887, aged fiftj'-one 
years, seven months and twenty-one days. The 
following is taken from a local paper: "Mrs. Case- 
beer, who was so suddenly called away from earth, 
leaves a husband and four children, and a host 
of warm friends to mourn her untimely death. 
The funeral services were held on Saturday at 11 
o'clock from the Methodist Episcopal Church, in 
this city. Rev. Mr. Maxfield officiating, but on ac- 
count of the absence of her son, I. D. Casebeer, 
and her son-in-law, R. G. Hotham, who were known 
to be on their way to attend the funeral, the burial 
services were postponed until Sunday morning at 
9 o'clock, at which time the entire family were 
present, and the remains were laid at rest in the 
Blue Springs Cemeterj'." Two sons and two daugh- 
tei-s comprise the family of Mr. and Mrs. Casebeer, 
all of whom are now living. 

Our subject was born on the 16th of October, 
1856. in Toledo, Ohio, and he remained at home 
until he was twenty-two years old. He received 
his education in the public schools until he was 
thirteen j-ears old, at which age he began to learn 



■» J1 <• 



i 



^•^r^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



279 



the printer's trade. When lie was twenty-three 
years old he began in business in Toledo, where he 
continued for three years, but his health failing him 
he discontinued the business. In 1881 he came to 
this county, and for two j'ears was engaged in 
farming, after which he spent two j'ears in the 
printing-office in Blue Springs. The next period 
of two years was silent in Missouri and Arkansas, 
where he w.as engaged in following his trade, and 
in 1887 he took possession of the farm on which 
he now resides. 

May 12, 1878, our subject was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Lois Parkhurst, at Bristol, Ind. 
She was bom in Sandusky County, Ohio, on the 
1st of May, 1861. She is a daughter of Joseph S. 
and Beulah (.Shutts) Parkhurst, who were natives 
of New York but had moved to Ohio when young, 
and had lived there until their marriage. The 
mc>ther died July 12, 1869, and the father now 
makes his home with his daughter, Mrs. Casebeer. 
Thomas Parkhurst, a brother of Mrs. Casebeer, died 
in Island Grove Township in the j-ear 1887. B3' 
their marriage our subject and his wife have be- 
come the parents of four children, whom they 
have named Archie B., James T., Eunice L. and 
Effie L. 

Mr. Caselieer is in favor of the policy advocated 
by the Rc|)ublican partj-, and while he has an in- 
terest in tlie welfare of the communitj- in which he 
lives, he does not seek pulilic honors, but gives 
strict attention to his occupation. He is a member 
of the Typographical Union, of the A. O. U. W., 
and in good standing among his fellowmen. 



Jfl M. BENNETT is at present engaged in 
I buying and selling grain, and is in partner- 
l{ ship with W. H. Leacoek in the management 
J/ of the Hoag Elevator, of Iloag Station. He 

is also a partner of John Scheve, and they buy and 
ship .all kinds of stock, shipping annually more than 
100 carloads from the station, and in this branch 
alone their sales amount to nearly 8100,000 an- 
nually. Our subject established the grain buying 
business here in August. 1887, and his private 
share of the transactions amounts to a handsome 



i~ 



profit per year. By his honest dealing he has 
justly gained a reputation without blemish, and at 
its present rate of increase his business will soon 
assume proportions second to none in the State. 

Mr. Bennett is a native of the Empire State, 
having been born on the 6th of July, 1851, in 
Otsego County, near the Susquehanna River. His 
father, Russell Bennett, is a native of New York 
State, and his ancestors had lived on the same farm 
in Otsego Count3' since the Revolutionary War. 
The original purchaser of the estate was Ezekiel 
Bennett, who was a Captain in the Revolutionary 
War. and had secured the jiatent for the tract of 
land from the owner of a British estate. The suc- 
cessor in ownership was Perry Bennett, the paternal 
gr.nndfather of our subject, who lived and died on 
the old homestead. Still later it came into the pos- 
session of Russell Bennett, who held it until quite 
recently, when it passed out of the family. The 
father of our subject married Miss Harriet Hop- 
kins, who was born, as was her husband, in Otsego 
Count}-, and recentl}' thej' came to Nebraska to 
live. The mother, wishing to make a visit to her 
earlj- home, started for New York and stopped in 
Harrison County, Iowa, to visit her sister, and 
while there she was taken ill, and died on the 27th 
of May, 1888, at the age of sixty-two years. .She 
was an estimable woman and a member of the 
Christian Church, of which church her husband is 
also a member, and after her death he returned to 
New York, where he is now making bis home with 
his sister. 

Our subject is the only child living, and re- 
mained under the shelter of his parents' roof until 
he was of age, having in the meantime received a 
business education. In 1873 he came West and 
engaged in farming and stock-raising in Iowa, at 
which he continued for four years. His health be- 
coming impaired, he took a trip West to the mount- 
ains in order to recuperate, and remained in that 
region for about one year, then returned to his old 
home in New York, previous to his going to Iowa. 
On Mr. Bennett's return to New York he pur- 
chased a large farm and engaged in the dairy busi- 
ness, building a large creamery, which he operated 
for five j'ears prior to coming to Nebraska. 

On the 3d of February, 1873, Mr. Bennett w.as 



i 



•«► 



280 



GAGE COUNTY. 



united in maninge with Miss Jennie Chase, who is 
a native of Otsego County, nnd was l)orn on tlie 
20tli of October, 1852. She is a (laughter of Na- 
than and Louisa (Denraan) Chase, hotii natives of 
New York, and tiic former of whom died when 
he was a little past middle life. The mother 
still lives in her home in New York, aged about 
sixty-three years, and has seen her family of four 
children, two sons and two daughters, grown to 
manhood and womanhood. Mrs. Bennett is the 
eldest child, and received her education in her na- 
tive county, making her home with her parents 
until the time of her marriage. IShe is the mother 
of fonr children, whose names are: Ferry R., Ber- 
tha E., Stella M. and Fred M. 

Mr. nnd Mrs. Bennett are now making their 
home in Hoag Station, where they are pleasantly 
situated and carrying on a flourishing business. 
They are both members of the Christian Church, 
and are prominent and influential members of soci- 
ety. The reputation which our subject bears for 
straightforward, honorable dealing in business, 
places him in the first rank among public-spirited 
citizens. In all matters of political import he is 
closely identified with the Republican party. 



\fACOB H. HOLLENBACK. Upon the 26th 
of Fehrnary, 1851, there was born in one 
of the pretty faimhouses of Woodford 
County, 111., a child, who shortly after re- 
ceived the name which stands at the head of this 
sketch, who in the years which have succeeded has 
abundantly justified the rejoicing of which he was' 
the occasion at that time. In the above county our 
subject spent his early days occupied with the 
sports and pastimes incident to childhood, gradu- 
ally taking his place amidst the sterner duties of 
youth and young manhood. Mingling with the 
exercises of the school-house were those that could 
be entrusted to him in connection with the farm 
work, until, almost unconsciously to himself, he was 
ready to take his place as an able worker in any 
department thereof. 

Our subject was one of five children born to 
Jacob and Margaret Hollenback. The father of 



our subject was a native of Ohio, but removed 
with his parents in his youth to Illinois; his mother 
was horn iti Pennsj'lvania. She also, early in life, 
removed to the same State, and under similar cir- 
cumstances. They became acquainted, were mar- 
ried, and settled in Woodford County, living upon 
the farm where they first settled until the fall of 
1887, when they removed to Washburn, 111. Of 
the brothers and sisters of our subject, one died at 
the age of one month ; all the others were reared 
upon the old homestead, and on arriving at matur- 
ity they were married ; Margaret E. became the 
wife of Josiah Kerrick, who is at present the Mayor 
of Minonk, in which city they reside; Clara B. is 
married to Frank Combs, who is a prosperous far- 
mer not far from her old home. Both these gentle- 
men affiliate with the Republican party. 

Upon the 13tli of M.ay, 1873, the subject of our 
sketch was united in marriage with Indiana F. 
Poole, a lady of admirable di'^position, possessed 
largely of those personal characteristics and attri- 
butes that throw around womanhood an eternal 
charm. They first came to Sicily Township in 1883, 
and settled on section 27. In January, 1885, they 
returned to Woodford County, 111., on a visit, where 
they remained until February, 1 885, but returned 
to this township and settled at their present home 
in March of the same year. 

The home farm includes 200 acres of excellent 
land for agricultural purposes, and is situated on 
section 28. It is cultivated in the interest of grain 
and stock raising, and in both of these our subject 
has been very successful. His propertj' shows that 
he knows his business, and also that he is diligent 
and earnest in his attention to the same. The 
whole farm is thoroughly well improved, and every- 
thing, whether in the field, barn or stable, is in the 
most excellent condition. Their home circle has 
increased and includes three children, whose names 
are as follows: Gracie E. M., Florence B. and 
Ethel A. 

In the Methodist Church Mrs. Hollenback and 
her two eldest daughters find their religious home, 
and are, by their earnest Christian life and efforts, 
both within and without the circle of church life, 
held in highest estimation. Politicallj', our subject 
affiliates with the Democratic party, of which he 



^ tJ¥ •*• 




RESIDENCE OF HENRY RICH AR D50N , SEC .15 , GRANT TP. 



••"^^^S^^^f" 



- -Jk'^ii^ss v rf y< '-^^ T' ? o^^>ig- 




RESIDENCE OF HENRY R EIIYIOND ,5EC.3G, B LAKELY TP. 










RESIDENCE OF 5ILA5 L . mORR 15 , 5EC.24, GRANT TP, 



^u 



^•►Hh-^* 



GAGE COUNTY. 



283 



has been a member for many j'ears. The only 
offlco lie has ever held is that whicli he occupies at 
present, and is that of School Moderator, in which 
he is working with conscientious diligence. lie is 
a man of large humanitj' and public spirit, anxious 
to do his part in everything that promises to be a 
bcDefit to his surroundings, whether in the county 
or in society. 



-*~~ -»*iiae'®~^*'^^^»^-5Wzra»'~ 



(^^ AMUEL V. JEWELL. The subject of this 
^^^ sketcli settled in Clatonia Township during 
|(l/_^) its pioneer days, and is numbered among 
its oldest living residents. His home lies 
on section 36 and comprises a well-improved farm 
of 320 acres, with comfortable buildings and all the 
appliances of the modern agriculturist. Mr. Jewell 
has labored industriously and practiced the most 
rigid economy, and now in his later years is enjoy- 
ing the fruits of his toil and good management. His 
record as a citizen and neighliorhas been creditable 
in the extreme, and he consequently enjoys the con- 
fidence and esteem of those around him. 

Our subject was born in Ogle County, III., Feb. 
20, 1851, and is the son of Monroe and Emily 
(Biggers) Jewell, who were both natives of New 
York State. His paternal ancestors are believed to 
have originated in England, and were first repre- 
sented in this country during the Colonial days. 
The mother traced her forefathers both to England 
and Ireland. Their family included five children, 
four of whom are living, namely : George, a resi- 
dent of Grant Township, this county; Clark, of 
Cheyenne County, Kan., where Henry also lives, 
and Samuel V., our subject. 

Mr. Jewell remained a resident of his native 
county until the twentieth year of his age, and in 
1870 made his way to Nebraska, settling at once in 
Clatonia Township, this county. Here he emplo3'ed 
himself at farming until 1876, then took possession 
of the land comprising his present farm. It was 
then an uncultivated prairie, but Mr. Jewell set 
about the task of building up a homestead with 
that resolution and energy which are the salient 
features of his character. He was prospered in his 
labors, brought about tiie improvements necessary 



to his comfort, .and added to his re.al estate until he 
is now the owner of 320 acres of as fine land as any 
to be found in this county. He has been quite 
prominent in local affairs, having served a number 
of years as School Director and also officiated as 
Road Supervisor. To those enterprises calculated 
to develop the country and benefit its people he has 
ever given his cordial and liberal support. He has 
witnessed with the warmest interest the transforma- 
tion of a wild country into cultivated farms and beau- 
tiful homesteads, and may most properly feel that he 
has been no unimportant factor in l)ringing about 
this desired state of things. 

One of the most important events in the life of 
our subject was his marriage, which occurred Feb. 
3, 1870, in Lee County, IlL His bride. Miss 
Elizabeth Carpenter, was born Sept. 2, 1852, in 
New York City, and is the daughter of James and 
Julia (Foster) Carpenter, who were natives of New 
York, and are now deceased. This union resulted 
in the birth of three children: Emily J., born 
April 9, 1871; Nelson M., Oct. 12, 1872, and Alta 
A., June 22, 1878. 

Mrs. Jewell came with her parents to Lee County, 
111., when a little girl six years of age. Her 
brothers settled on a tract of land, and in common 
with the other pioneers of that region the family 
endured all the hardships and privations incident to 
settlement in a new country. There were seven 
children, five of whom survive, namely: Eunice, 
wife of James Patterson, of Lee County, 111. ; Josiah, 
of Ogle County; Cynthia, the wife of John Savage, 
of this county; Martha J., Mrs. George W. Jewell, 
of this county; and Elizabeth, the wife of our sub- 
ject. The parents are now deceased. 

Mr. and Mrs. Jewell enjoy the friendship of a 
large circle of acquaintances, and are active in those 
pleasant social matters which bind a community 
together in its common interests. Mr. Jewell votes 
the straight Republican ticket, but bej'ond the 
good which he might accomplish in his own com- 
munity in discharging the duties of an unsalaried 
office, has no aspirations for political preferment. 
He and his estimable wife are known and respected 
by everybody, and no more hospitable home than 
theirs maj' be found in this region. A man of 
sterling integrity and sound business principles, his 



r 



4- 



284 



GAGE COUNTY. 



word is considered as good as bis bond. To such 
men as Mr. Jewell is the countrj' indebted for its 
wonderful progress and development, and his name 
will be remembered with gratitude long after he 
has been gathered to his fathers. 




RANKLIN GRAF. From the land of the 
Alps there came to America and settled in 
Pennsylvania many years ago a young man 
— Samuel Graf. It was not long before he was 
industriously employed, working at his trade as a 
tailor. After some time he made the acquaintance 
of and was united in marriage with Miss Louise 
Anna Parker, of Somerset County, in that State. 
They then settled in Illinois, about the year 1833, 
upon a farm which he continued to operate success- 
fully until the year 187G, when he died at the ad- 
vanced age of seventy-five 3'ears. His wife is still 
living in the old home, and has reached the allotted 
threescore and ten years. They were the parents 
of our subject, Franklin Graf, who was the fourth 
child of eight born to tiiem, whose names are here 
appended : Margaret, David, Mary, Kossuth, Frank- 
lin, Elias, John and Wilhelmina. By a former mar- 
riage the father of our subject had become the 
parent of four children, whose names are not here 
given. 

Our subject was born on the 28th of December, 
1851, in Northville Township, LaSalle Co., 111. 
The incidents that comprise the experience of his 
boyhood differ in no way materially from those of 
the average youth. His time was occupied by the 
engagements incidental to school and farm life, and 
from the time his education was completed until he 
arrived at man's estate he devoted all his time to 
making himself proficient in all the details of farm 
life. 

In tlie spring of 1875 our subject was united in 
marriage with Miss Helen Hupach, daughter of 
Andrew and Augusta (Glaas) Hupach. Her father 
was a native of Prussia, and her mother of Nassau, 
Germany. He had come to America as a young 
man, seeking the larger opportunity for progress 
and advancement in life. His wife had come with 
her parents while yet a little girl. Upon their mar- 



riage they settled in LaSalle County, 111., where 
Mrs. Hupach died, aged forty-three years, in tlic 
year 1880. Her husband, who still survives, has 
reached the advanced age of seventy years. Their 
family included eleven children, whose names are 
as follows: Henry, Helen, Cecelia, Isabelle, Emmie, 
Alfred, William, Elenora, Annie, Casper and an 
infant. Their daughter Helen, the wife of our 
subject, was born on the 5th of M.aj-, 1855, and 
made her home with iier parents until her marriage. 
Since that felicitous event she has become the 
mother of eight children — Elddie, an infant, <le- 
ceased; Mira, Willie; Grace, who died at the age 
of one 3"ear; Harrison, an infant deceased, and 
Edna. 

Some one h.as said, "Expect great things, attempt 
great things, and great things will result." This 
may not be absolutely true in every ease, but in 
that of our subject it most undoubtedly is. Ne- 
braska might almost be called "the 3'oung man's 
State," so many brilliantly successful men has she 
within her borders, .and among that class would be 
included the subject of this writing. Looking at 
his early opportunities, and the many circum- 
stances and happenings in his life that have opposed 
themselves to his progress, only to be comb.ated 
and overcome by his intelligent enterprise, inde- 
pendence and push, which in later years have been 
supplemented b3' the inspiration and enthusiasm 
of his estimable wife, and the increased unselfish 
ambition born of bis affection for his children. 
Since coming to Nebraska in 1875, upon the 1st 
of April of which j-e.ar they arrived in Beatrice, 
hard, continuous labor has been the order of the 
day, but as the days have come and gone they 
have seen "something attempted, something done," 
that h.as earned for them the most gratifying re- 
sults. 

Our subject has brought bis farm to an unusu- 
ally' high perfection in agriculture, and has planted 
in the vicinity of his house a very fine orchard, 
where may be found in season an abundance of 
apples, plums, cherries, etc. Within his home are 
found many marks of that inherent refinement and 
culture th.at make it the brightest and most attract- 
ive place to those whose privilege it is to be mem- 
bers of the family, and a memory the loss of which 

•► 



f 



I 



-^•- 



GAGE COUNTY. 



285 



is undesirable to those who have en joyed the hos- 
pitalities thereof. Our subject is holding the of- 
fice of School Treasurer, one which he has for a 
long period filled to the unbounded satisfaction of 
all concerned. In political matters he has been a 
Democrat since casting his first vote, and has al- 
waj-s given to his part3' his hearty and unstinted 
support and help. With such citizens and homes, 
Nebraska must retain the high place she occupies 
in the list of States of the greatest Republic the 
world has ever known. 






. « » — .•\**i— 




LBERT HUBKA. There are man}' beauti- 
ful and extensive farms in Sherman Town- 
1 ship of this county, but it is to be doubted 
if they are of larger extent or more perfect 
in their operation and working than that of our sub- 
ject, which includes in all about 640 acres of excellent 
land, situated on sections 1 and 12. The father of 
our subject was Joseph Hubka.a native of Bohemia, 
in which countr\' he was born about 1814. His 
occupation was that of farming, and in it be was 
thoroughl}' successful. He became the husband of 
Anna Blaha, a native of the same countr3% who was 
about four years the junior of her husband. In 
that countrj- her father was born, and continued to 
live; there, also, in later days, when the shadows of 
life's evening gathered around him, he lireathedhis 
farewell to the world and lay down to take his last 
rest. 

The father of our subject died in the year 1874, 
his wife in 1878. Their family comprised twelve 
children, of whom only six attained their majority. 
Their names areas subjoined: John, who in 1868 
became a farmer in Pawnee County; Anton, a 
farmer in Bohemia; Josephine, happil}' married to 
Michael Kara, a farmer in the same country; 
Michael, one of Pawnee's good citizens, who came 
to America in 1882; Anna, the wife of Lorens 
Stepanck, also of Bohemia; and Albert, the subject 
of this sketch, who is the youngest of the family. 

Bohemia was the birthplace of our subject, and 
the daj' of his nativity April 22, 1846. He con- 
tinued to make his home witli his parents until he 
, was fourteen years of age, when be went to Ger- 



i~ 



M^ 



man}', where he remained about five years. At the 
close of that period he returned to his native 
country for about one j'ear. After remaining at 
home for that period the war with Prussia was de- 
clared, and our subject returned to Baltimore. 
From that cit\' he removed to Chicago, where he 
remained for a short time, and then removed to 
Richland Count}', Wis. During his residence in 
Chicago he was eng.aged in school teaching, and en- 
joj'ed considerable success. From Richland he re- 
turned to the Garden City, and was engaged to 
work in a liimber-}\ard and sawmill for about 
twelve months. During this time he was enable<l 
to save $345, with which he migrated to Pawnee 
Count}' of this State, and took a homestead of 160 
acres, and not long after bought an additional forty 
acres. In that county he was engaged in farming for 
about fourteen years. In 1871 he exchanged his 160 
acres in Pawnee County for 480 acres on the south 
half of section 1 and the northeast corner of section 
12. The year following he purchased an additional 
160 acres situated upon the northwest quarter of 
section 12, and is now the owner of a whole section 
of land, being one-half of section 1, and one- 
half of section 1 2. These are situated one on 
either side of the road. 

Our subject has 350 acres of his land broken, and 
in a first-class condition. At the time of purchase 
it was valued at $4,808. but now so improved has 
it become that it is worth $19,200, and this he 
would not accept. The specialty of our subject is 
cattle-raising, and there are seldom less than 150 
head upon his premises. His income is about $2,000 
per annum, and he will have about 10.000 bushels of 
corn in the present year, 1888. He also breeds upon 
his own farm, both for his own use and for sale, 
some of the most useful, strongest and speediest 
horses of the State. 

Mr. Hubka became the husband of Mary Kovanda 
in 1867. This lady is the daughter of Albert and 
Fanny Kovanda, and is of pure Bohemian family. 
She was born in that country on the 2d of May, 
1847, and came to the United States in 1867 with 
her parents. They settled in Pawnee County of 
this State, and continued to reside there. Their 
family includes seven children, all of whom are 
residents of this State. Their daughter Mary was 



f 



286 



GAGE COUNTY. 



the second child born to them. Our subject and 
wife are tiie jjarents of eiglit children, all of whom 
are at home, the sons taking an active part in the 
working of the farm. Their names are as here re- 
corded: Frank, Joseph, Anna, Fannie, James, Emil, 
Amelia and Julia. 

It is a significant fact that at the time of his 
marriage Mr. Hubka was in debt just $ I ; to-day he 
is worth over $30,000. It is to be questioned if in 
any other country such a thing would be possible 
in so short a space of time. He has always been 
very earnest in the endeavor to make his farm the 
ver3' best in the district, and to this end has la- 
bored most arduously, with no small amount of suc- 
cess. For two terms he held the office of School 
Director, and for five years was Treasurer of the 
school district. The office of Township Treasurer 
was pressed upon him but declined. His political 
position is in the ranks of the Democratic party, 
which for many years has numbered him with its 
most influential and valued adherents. Oursubject 
is a self-made man, and has all his life been a true 
and honest friend and supporter of that life, char- 
acter and principles that will boar the most search- 
ing scrutin}^ and which lie back of all true, upright 
and honorable citizenship. 




^RANK J. PRICE. In Nebraska, as in every 
(^ new country, there are found not simply 
representatives of countries beyoud the 
sea, but also of our own country in its various 
States, and of these latter there are few States 
better represented than Illinois; her sons are 
among the best citizens, ablest farmers and busi- 
ness men of the West. Among these few are more 
worthy of mention than Mr. Price, who at present 
resides upon the northwest corner of section 1 of 
Midland Township. This gentleman was born in 
Ogle Count}', of the Prairie State, upon the 3d of 
September, 1854. 

The parents of our subject were David E. and 
Helen (Rowland) Price, natives respectively of 
Franklin County, Pa., and Virginia. They were 
married in Ogle County, III., and settled near Mt. 
Morris, where they resided for a period of thirt^- 



five years. Here their famil}' was born and brouglit 
up, and a competency accumulated which should 
serve them in the day wlien toil and labor would 
be too heavy a task for them. In the spring of 
1888 they moved into the town of Mt. Morris, 
and have since lived a quiet and retired life. 
There were born to them ten children, two of whom 
died in childhood, and their daughter Kate at the 
age of twenty-three years. Those living are named 
as follows: Frank J., Charles; Sadie, wife of John 
Young; Elmer, Samuel, Harvey and Nannie. 

The early days of our subject were spent amid 
rural scenes and farm life. With his brothers and 
sisters he attended the schools at Mt. Morris, and 
there received the foundation of an education that 
he has since extended and broadened b}' his own 
research. At the age of twenty he left home, and 
until he was about twentj'-three j'ears of age 
served as a farm hand. On the 2.5th of December, 
1878, he was married to Miss Katy Myers, a lady 
possessed of much charm and grace, both of person 
and character. She was born on the 1st of August, 
1856, in Huntingdon County, Pa., and is the 
daughter of Enoch X. and Nancy (Garver) Myers. 
In the year 1856 Mr. Myers and family removed 
to Illinois, and settled in Jo Daviess County, where 
the mother died in the year 1877. Mr. Myers 
returned to Pennsylvania in the year 1886, and is 
now living in Huntingdon County with his second 
wife. By his first marriage Mr. Myers became the 
parent of nine children, whose names are here 
given: David, Wilson, Kate, Ira, Allen, Ida, 
Sherman, Clarence and Laura. 

After his marriage our subject resided in Jo 
Daviess County for one year, and then came to 
Nebraska, his residence in Midland Township dat- 
ing from the 14th of February, 1879. After ten 
years of prosperity and success he purchased and 
settled upon his present property. His farm com- 
prises 200 acres of good, fertile, rolling prairie 
laud. Upon his farm, in addition to his pleasant 
and commodious residence, he has a good and com- 
plete set of farm buildings, fully equipped and sup- 
plied with the necessary conveniences for the 
effective working of a stock farm. 

The father of our subject is an Elder of the 
Dunkard or German Baptist Church, and is, in fact, 






-^•- 



GAGE COUNT y. 



••► 



287 



I- 



t 



one of the most prominent members, which, per- 
haps, wouhi account for the fact that our subject 
also is a member of the same communion. His 
father was called upon in the j'ear 1886 to serve as 
Moderator of the Assembly at the National Con- 
ference of the church. Mr. Myers, father-in-law 
of our subject, was for several years one of the 
leading citizens of Jo Daviess County, and was fre- 
quentlj' called upon to fill various public offices. 
Mr. Price is one devoted to his church, and enthu- 
siastic in its mission work in the different States, 
although still leaving him much opportunity for 
home work. Mrs. Price is also connected with the 
Dunkard Church, and is held in high esteem by all 
who know her. 



eHARLES P:LLI0TT. In the present sketch 
will be presented succinctly some of the more 
prominent features of the life of the first 
Supervisor of Riverside Township, a selection on the 
part of the electors that was so wise as to lead them 
to repeat their action at the subsequent election. This 
gentleman was born in Troy, Ohio, on the 11th of 
July, 1840. There he made his home until 1856, 
and in that time received a good, practical common- 
school education, and was fully initiated into the 
various departments of farming work. When six- 
teen years of age he removed to Winnebago County, 
111., and there continued engaged in farming for 
twenty-four years, a period filled with the usual 
difficulties, viscissitudes of fortune, successes and 
reverses, but for the greater part he was prosperous 
during this time. 

In the spring of 1880 Mr. Elliott came to this 
county and located upon his present property, 
which is situated on section 12 of Riverside Town- 
ship, where he owns a very excellent farm, some 
160 acres in extent. This property is operated 
partly' in grain farming and the remainder in stock- 
raising, and in both departments our subject has 
usually been rewarded with unqualified success. 
He uses and raises only the best stock and high- 
grade Short-horns, and by an intimate knowledge 
of his work, and his assiduous labor, he to-day 
occupies a position in the community and a repu- 



tation in the markets that is unquestionaljly grati- 
fying- 

In Cumberland Count}', Pa., upon the 8th of 
June, 1870, our subject was united in marriage with 
Miss Anna Montgc)mery, of Franklin County, Pa. 
This lady was born at Fannettsburg, Dec. 7, 1846, 
aud until her marriage resided with her parents. 
She has become the mother of three children, to 
whom the names appended have been given : Martha 
M., who was born Aug. 14, J871; Carrie M. C, 
Aug. 27, 1872; and Edwin M., May 29, 1876. 

During the Civil War our subject sought to 
serve in the defense of his countr}-, and enlisted 
upon three difi'erent occasions, but was rejected each 
time, owing to his being subject to inflammatory 
rheumatism. The father of our subject, Mitchell 
Elliott, is a native of Perry County, Pa., and now 
lives in Rockford, 111. The maiden name of his 
wife, the mother of our subject, was Mary A. Lynn. 
She was a native of the same State aud county as 
her husband, and after a happy wedded life of about 
forty-two years, she died at Rockford, in the year 
1874, having reached the ripe age of sixty-four 
years. 

Of the above family there were born eight chil- 
dren; seven of these lived to attain years of 
maturity, six of whom survive: Edwin M. died 
in prison at Andersonville, where, after suffering 
all the horrors of that place for a somewhat lengthy- 
period, he was, it is believed, poisoned. He was a 
member of Company B, oi the 92d Illinois Mounted 
Infantry. This family in company with thousands 
both sides of Mason and Dixon's line must forever 
bear the scar of the late war. 

Our subject bought his farm in 1878; it was 
then slightly improved, but the labor he has since 
put into it, and the money he has exi)ended upon 
it, have resulted in making him the owner of a 
really beautiful, fertile and highly productive prop- 
erty. It is well supplied as regards the usual and 
necessary farm buildings; his fields and pastures 
are well fenced, and there is an abundance of good 
water. His liouse, while not, perhaps, remarkable 
for any uniqueness of designer's art, presents every 
feature of comfort and convenience to our subject, 
and to him affords what manv more pretentious 
residences never could to any man, the true home. 




288 



GAGE COUNTY. 



Mr. Elliott vvas appointeil Supervisor of the 
township in 188G. The township was formed in 
188.5; in the fall of 1886 at the election he re- 
ceived the suffrage of the people and served a sec- 
ond term. His service gave every satisfaction to 
the people, and they have shown their appreciation 
in various ways. In addition to the above office 
he has filled that of Elder of the First Presbyterian 
Church, of Beatrice, for a period of eight years. 
His membership witli the comnuinion ilates from 
the 3-ear 1857, and he united with the local con- 
gregation upon first coming to the county. He is 
one of its active members and must able sup- 
porters. 

The father of Mrs. Elliott, Dr. James Montgom- 
ery, is a native of Pennsylvania, and there settled, 
and married Martha 8. Klliott. His wife died in 
that State on the 22d of February, 18G3. There 
were eleven children born of this family, and of 
these the wife of our subject, who was born on the 
7th of December, 1846, is the sixth child. After 
the death of his wife Dr. Montgomery continued 
his residence in Pennsylvania until the year 1879. 
He then removed to Nebraska and took up his resi- 
dence with his son-in-law, our subject, and has since 
continued to make his home here. 

It is hardly necessary' to remark that our sub- 
ject is a straight Republican, and that he is a 
recognized supporter of the cause. His reputation 
in political matters and as a man and citizen is be- 
yond question, and he enjoys the esteem of his 
fellows. He is regarded as being one of the sub- 
stantial members of the community and eminently 
successful farmers. 

ILLIAM H. JEWELL. In the front rank 
of successful farmers and stock-raisers 
stands the gentleman whose name is at the 
head of this sketch, whose farm comprises the whole 
of section 26 (640 acres). His life is a record of 
what may finally be the outgrowth from small be- 
ginnings by a wide-awake, tireless energ}", persever- 
ance and intelligent labor. 

The parents of our subject, Jacob and Julia Ann 
(Brooks) Jewell, were born respectively in New 



u 



York and Kentucky. His mother is a second 
cousin of Gen. Robert E. Lee. Upon their mar- 
riage his parents settled in Warren County, 111., in 
1838, and are still living, aged seventy-five years. 
The3' are the parents of seven children, whose 
names are as recorded: William H., Charles (de- 
ceased), Henry L., Olive, Dudley, Emma J. and 
Decatur (deceased). 

William H. Jewell was born on the 12th of April 
1844, in Lennox Township, Warren Co., 111., and 
his first recollections are cast among the scenes of 
the i)rairies of Illinois in the days before it was 
crossed by any railroads. He grew up upon his 
father's farm, which included 540 acres of excellent 
farm land. Our subject distinctly remembers the 
erection of the first common school in their district, 
that was put up at Windy Ridge, and has also a 
clear recollection of the tiiree miles' walk to school 
from his home. So great were the difficulties of 
obtaining an education that but for his own deter- 
mination and toil he would have been largely in 
ignorance. After finishing the course at the com- 
mon school he entered the school at Monmouth, 
III., and continued there as a student for about one 
and a half years. 

At the breaking out of the war our subject was 
living upon the farm, but with enthusiasm he loyally 
answered his countiy's call, and enlisted inthe 138th 
Illinois Infantry, and was mustered in at Quincy, 
in 1864, for a term of 100 days. The preparatory 
drilling took place at Quincy, and he was stationed 
at Ft. Leavenworth, serving the greater part of the 
time in Eastern Kansas and Missouri, and for about 
ten days doing guard duty on the Iron Mountain 
Railroad. He was mustered out at Springfield, 
III., and honorably discharged in the fall of 1864, 
when he returned home. 

The one step in life that as a rule either makes 
or breaks the life of the contracting parties is that 
which was taken by our subject upon Dec. 6. 1866, 
when he vvas united in marriage with Miss EuimaC. 
Wonderl3', who has since that time brought into 
liis life and home such influences as have resulted 
in the happiest possible manner, and rendered their 
union most unregretable. They continued in Illi- 
nois until 1877, but in the spring of that year re- 
moved with their family to Beatrice, and rented a 
■■ •^ 



»► m" <f 



^i^K-* 



GAGE COUNTY. 



281) 



I 

I 



farm for four years, and then in 188"2 purchased 
IGO acres in Keniaha Tov/nship, residing upon it 
about four 3 ears, removing in 1887 to tiieir present 
home. Tlieir family comiirises ten children, whose 
names are as follows: Charles, Archie (deceased), 
Edwin, Laura, Clara, Cora, Trinda, Chester, Guy 
and Oliver, who are all still at home. 

Mrs. Jewell is the daughter of .John and Mar- 
garet Wonderly, natives of Pennsylvania, who upon 
their marriage settled in the same State. They now 
reside at Monmouth, 111., her father having reached 
the good old age of seventy years, her mother that 
of sixty-eight. Their family' included nine chil- 
dren, whose names are recorded as here appended: 
Mary, Emma, Daniel, Auna and George N. (de- 
ceased), John W., Martha, Clara (deceased) and 
Charles. Mrs. Jewell was born on the 2 1st of May, 
1 847, near Carlisle and Harrisburg. in Cumberland 
County, Pa. She was about seven years of age 
when her parents removed to Indiana, and there tlie 
rudiments of her education were obtained, this im- 
portant process of development being completed in 
Warren County, 111., whither her parents removed 
after staying in Indiana about nine months. 

In addition to his farming interests our subject 
has been so placed as to bring him into the real- 
estate business, which has thus become a part of his 
regular work. He is the owner of the Rock Island 
Hotel in Beatrice, and a number of business and 
resident blocks iu different parts of the city. In 
addition to these he has a fine business lot at Crab 
Orchard, two in Liberty, two in Odell and four in 
Topeka, Kan. His dealings in stock liave grown 
to be quite extensive, and he ships upon an average 
100 head per annum. Uiion his farm he keeps 
about fifty head of cattle and 100 head of hogs, and 
has constant work for two teams. In the associa- 
tion known as the Farmer's Alliance he is one of 
the prominent members, and takes delight in the 
work of tlie society. 

For several years Mr. Jewell has been School 
Director for his district, and has always performed 
the duties incidental thereto in. -i manner tliat must 
be gratifying to those by whom he was placed in the 
position, as reflecting most favorably upon their 
judgment. It has been Iiis habit, dictated by his 
political sentiments, to vote unifornily and consist- 



ently with the Democratic party, being an ardent 
admirer of its principles. He is a member in good 
standing of the Baptist Church, as his wife is also 
of the United Brethren Church. In every circle, 
whether religious or otherwise, they are received 
with those sentiments which make their life and 
home in the community the most pleasant. Our 
subject served as Coilstable and Treasurer for a 
number of years iu Illinois before coming to this 
State. 



;| JIILLETT B. SYKES. The fine farm of 280 
\/iJ// acres which occupies the southwest quarter 
W^ of section 14 in Clatonia Townsiiip, and 
also a portion of the northeast quarter, attracts the 
universal admiration of the p.asserby, and exhibits 
in a forcible manner the industry and enterprise 
of the proprietor. This gentleman, the subject of 
our sketch, began in life a poor man, and has worked 
his way up through the difficulties which are the 
common lot of all. He is now numbered among the 
independent farmers of the county, and one who, 
by his straightforward course in life, has earned in 
a marked degree the esteem and confidence of his 
neighbors. Comparatively young in years, having 
been born Dec. 21, 1850, he is a native of Tioga 
County, Pa., and the son of Charles and Susan 
(Black) Sykes, the father now deceasetl, and the 
mother a resident of Lake County, Ind. 

The parents of our subject were natives respect- 
ively of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and to 
them were born a family' of twelve children, eight 
of whom survive, namely: Jasper, of Clatonia 
Township, this county ; Mary, the wife of George 
Hay ward, of Lake Countj', Ind. ; John, a resident 
of Weld County, Col.; George, of Lake Count\', 
Ind.; Willett B., our subject; Sarah, the wife of 
John Zeigler, of Macon City, Mo. ; Henry and 
William, of Lake County, Ind. Those deceased 
are Rebecca, Hattie, Charles and Melissa. 

When about two 5'ears old our subject was taken 
by his parents to Lake County, Ind., where he was 
reared to manhood and began his apprenticeshi|) at 
farm life, which he has since followed so succei-s- 
fully. His studies were completed in the High 
School at Crown Point, Ind., and having been a 



^►^i-^ 



•►Hl^ 



290 



GAGE COUNTY. 



reader all his life, he is well posted upon the gen- 
eral topics of the day. While a resident of Indi- 
ana lie was married, March 25, 1878, to Miss Mary 
A. Weiler. who was born in Lake Count}', that 
State, Aug. 28, 18.57, and is the daughter of Chris- 
tian and Anne C. (Reicker) Weiler, who are na- 
tives of Germany, and are now residents of Lake 
County, Ind., where the}' settled many years ago, 
soon after their emigration to the United States. 

To our subject and his estimable wife there have 
been born three children: Susie A., May 14, 1880; 
Jennie E., June 27, 1885, and Ervin, Oct. 3, 1887. 
In the spring of 1878 Mr. Sykes came with his 
family to this county and purchased the land which 
he now occupies in Clatonia Township. He first 
secured 160 acres, and subsequently added to his 
original purchase, while at the same time he ef- 
fected those improvements which have rendered it 
one of the most valuable estates in this section. 
His property is the accumulation of his own indus- 
try, as for sis or seven years after becoming of age 
he worked on the farm by the month, saving what 
he could of his earnings, and thus made his start in 
life. He vras particularly fortunate in the selection 
of a wife and helpmate, Mrs. Sj'kes having been the 
assistant of her husband in all his labors, sharing 
his toils and struggles, and being willing with him 
to forego many luxuries for the sake of an unin- 
cumbered home. 

The parents of Mr. Sykes upon emigrating to 
America were in limited circumstances, but their 
career as pioneers of Lake County, Ind., was very 
successful, and in their declining years the}- are 
surrounded by all the comforts of life, while at the 
same time enjoying the friendshij) of all who know 
them. 

\Tp^ENJAMIN DOLAN is a prominent farmer 
\^^^^ and land-owner of Blakely Township, now 
owning about 500 acres of land lying on the 
east side of the Big Blue River, on section 
2. The greater part of the land is in a fine state of 
cultivation and produces abundant crops of a supe- 
rior quality of the various cereals. Our subject 
came to this county in 18G4, and secured a home- 
stead of IGO acres which he still owns. It includes 

< • 



some vi'vy good timber land which is valued very 
highly, and taken as a whole the location of the 
farm is a most desirable one. 

Our subject was born on the 12th of March, 1817, 
in Wayne County, Ky., and is a son of Edward and 
Anna (Burk) Dolan, who were natives of Wash- 
ington County, Va. The father was a farmer, and 
moved to Kentucky when he was a young man, 
where he met the lady whom he made his wife, she 
also having gone to that State when she was young. 
After they were married they continued to reside 
on a farm in Wayne County, and after both had 
reached the Jige of threescore and ten years, and 
had seen a large family of children well launched 
into manhood and womanhood, the}' both died in 
the home in which they had commenced life to- 
gether. There were eight sons and three daughters 
in their family, of whom four of the former and 
one of the latter are yet living. 

Mr. Dolan grew to manhood's years in his native 
county, and was married there, on the 8th of No- 
vember, 1843, to Miss Nancy Chesney, who was bwn 
in Pulaski County Kj'., on the 2d of November, 
1819. She is a daughter of John and Mary (Elliott) 
Chesney, who were natives of Kentucky, but whose 
ancestors were from the States of Virginia and 
Maryland, and of Irish descent. Mr. and Mrs. 
Chesney lived for a number of years in Kentucky, 
and later in life the}' moved to Holt County, Mo., 
where they lived to a ripe old age, and were re- 
spected as worthy people. Mrs. Dolan is the eldest 
of nine children, four sons and five daughters, of 
■whom three of the former and three of the latter 
are yet living. 

Our subject and his wife lived for some years in 
Kentucky, and then with tiieir four children they 
moved to Missouri and located in Holt County, 
where they engaged in farming. Thence they 
moved to Kansas, and shortly afterward came to 
Nebraska and began to built up a home in the wilds 
of Big Blue River Valley. There vvere many dis- 
couragements, no doubt, in the carrying out of 
such an undertaking, but perseverance and indus- 
try accomplished what seemed to be almost impossi- 
ble tasks, and now our subject has one of the finest 
and most delightfully situated farms in the county. 

Since their residence in this Western country, 
•► 




^. ^. ^. 




-^r*- 



GAGE COUNTY. 



293 



four other children have been added to their family, 
but two of them imve died, Anna and Benjamin, 
and the names of the surviving members of the 
family are: John, Emily, P>dward, Harriet, Prather 
and James. John married Miss Ararainta Henton, 
and now lives on a farm in Marshall Count}', Kan.; 
Emil}^ is the wife of James Benjamin, and they live 
on the homestead farm belonging to our subject; 
Edward married Miss Mary Thompson, and lives 
on a farm near Bailey; Harriet is the wife of Thomas 
Bowen. who is engaged in farming in Holt County, 
this State; Prather married Miss Annie Rossite'r, 
and lives on a farm in Blakely Township; James 
is at home and has charge of the farm on which our 
subject resides. 

Mr. Dolan is an entei-prising business man of 
sound judgment, as is evinced by the amount of 
wealth which he has accumulated and the success 
with which he has placed his farm under cultiva- 
tion. He is a reliable man, and possesses the con- 
fidence of his fellowmen. In matters of politics he 
is identified with the Democratic party. 



— ^tS**-^*is?> 



Iff**? x^iitf^ 



^^ LBERT D. SAGE. If it were required to 
v@A-JI summarize in one sentence the historj' of 
I ISi this gentleman, it could not be better done, 
'' perhaps, than by employing the three words, 

business, enterprise and prosperity. Our subject is 
one of the well-to-do farmers and highly esteemed 
citizens of Midland Township, of which he was 
one of the pioneers. He is the son of Chauncey and 
Mar}' (Patterson) Sage. His parents were born in 
Massachusetts, and there began their married life. 
Our subject is a worth}' descendant of the Sage fam- 
ily, not entirely unknown in the annals of the early 
history of New England. The first representative 
of this family to come to the United States was 
David Sage, who came from England about the 
year 1 630, and whose descendants in the Northern 
States so far .as is now known number over 900 
families. 

The father of our subject followed the occupa- 
tion of a cloth dresser, and was skilled in his call- 
ing. Not long after his marriage he removed to 
Oneida County, N. Y., and turned his attention to 



agriculture; in 1846 he went to Wisconsin, and is 
still living there at Delavan, and has attained the 
ripe age of eighty-nine years. His wife, the mother 
of our subject, died in the year 1 876, aged seventy- 
six years. She was the mother of ten children, 
whom it was her joy to see enter honorable posi- 
tions in life. Their names are recorded as follows: 
Henry, Edward, Chauncey, Mary J., Cordelia, Ellen, 
Albert D., Frances, James and F'rank. 

The subject of our sketch w:is born on the 20th 
of December, 1835, in Westmoreland Township, 
Oneida Co., N. Y. He began to attend the dis- 
trict school, and gained some rudiments of educa- 
tion. The removal of his parents to Wisconsin 
occurred when he was ten years of age, and there 
he attended school until he was old enough to fol- 
low the plow, when he was transferred from the 
school-house to the field, and began the active duties 
of .agricultunil life, which from that time he has 
continued to follow with the exception of the time 
in which he was engaged in bricklaying and plaster- 
ing, which trades he began to learn when he had at- 
tained his twentieth year. 

The matrimonial experience of our subject is 
twofold; he was first married in 1860, to Libbie 
Woolfenden, who was born in Massachusetts, and 
w.as the daughter of Robert and Mary Woolfenden. 
Mr. and Mrs. Sage rented a farm, expecting shortly 
to follow the "Star of Empire" in its western course. 
Accordingly, in 1863, he loaded his household 
effects upon his wagon, and with his wife and two 
children started upon the long contemplated jour- 
ney. The "Far West" was then a very vague ex- 
pression, and was almost synonymous in meaning 
with '"the unknown." In their journeying they 
passed through Des Moines and Nebraska City, but 
kept on their way and came to Beatrice, which was 
then only represented by a gristmill, and perhaps 
ten or twelve log houses and indifferent shanties. 
The country was still largely occui)ied by its origi- 
nal denizens, such as deer, antelope, beaver, wild 
geese, turkeys, and other game. 

The first few years Mr. Sage combined business 
and agriculture, being successful in both. A beaver 
colony situated close to his farm numbered several 
hundred occupants, and tliey were not there with- 
out being a continual temptation to our subject to 



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294 



GAGE COU^•TY. 



enrich himself at their expense. The honoestead 
cntr}' of the property of our subject is dated 1863, 
althougli lie has since, as above noted, added to the 
original quarter-section. He built his first house 
upon this land in 1863. The material used was Cot- 
tonwood logs. When not engaged on his farm 
our subject was busilj' employed iu hauling freight 
to the mountains, Denver City, and Ft. Kearney. 
His farm produce he was compelled to haul to St. 
Joseph, the nearest market, and there trade for 
other merchandise as needed. The hardships, trials 
and suffering of his pioneer life were without doubt 
much worse and more severe than anything there 
is in pioneer life to-day, ami he is happj' in being 
able to enjoy the fruit of his labor. It must not, 
however, be understood as being entirely of this 
character; there was a bright and even joyous side 
to this life, and it was replete with experit-nces, the 
memory of which is still treasured. 

The wife of our subject died in 1870, leaving to 
the care of her husl)and four children, viz: Alfred, 
Mary, Frances and Albert. Of these Alfred has a 
homestead well improved in Rollins County, Kan.; 
Mary is still at home with her father; Frances is 
happily married to William Patmore, and Albert is 
a machinist successfuUj' engaged in his business at 
Freeport, 111. Our subject was married a second 
time, the lady being Miss Mary Thing, daughter of 
Charles H. and Adelia (McKee) Thing. The father 
of this lady was born in New Hampshire, and her 
mother in Vermont. The family is of AVelsh-En- 
giish descent on the paternal side, and French on 
that of the mother, whose great-grandparents came 
from France in Colonial days, and were of Huguenot 
blood. 

The father of Mrs. Sage was a merchant iu Olean, 
N. Y., and also a banker. He was engaged iu the 
oil business, and was veiy successful financially, 
but was taken with the oil fever, and died in the 
year 1865, leaving three children, namely: Mary 
N , Maria A., and Adelia P., now Mrs. Sage, who 
was born in the above town, on the 27th of May, 
1841. Her father was enabled to provide her with 
first-class private instruction until she attained the 
age of fifteen years, when she was ready to enter 
Mt. Holyoke Seminary. She was a careful, in- 
telligent and })erseveriiig student, constant and as- 



siduous in her attention to her school duties, and 
would doubtless have been graduated with honor, but 
her health gave waj-, and she was reluctantly com- 
pelled to forego that honor of entering the above 
seminary. She gave special attention to languages 
and music. 

One memorable period in the life of Mrs. Sage 
was that wherein she accompanied her aunt, Laura 
A. IMcKee, upon her lecturing tour in behalf of the 
anti-slavery cause, through the States of Michigan, 
Illinois and Wisconsin. The time thus occupied 
afforded many pleasing and valuable experiences to 
the ladies, and it was at Delavan, Wis., that she 
met, and finally married, our subject, on the 5th 
of March, 1 872. Her aunt will be remembered as 
being almost the first lady "stump speaker" and 
political lecturer in the country, and although so 
many have since occupied a like position, the name 
of this pioneer in that department is not over- 
shadowed and forgotten thereby. 

Our subject has an experience as a pioneer settler 
worth}' of more extended notice than is possible in 
this volume, some of them startling and almost 
tragic. He has fought the elements, snatching his 
property from them as they threatened by fire or 
storm. The grasshoppers also have been met, and, 
in spite of all they could do, they could not con- 
quer the indomitable spirit of our subject. At the 
time of the Indian raids he did not leave his fam- 
ily and property, as did so many of his neighbors, 
but remained to stand by and protect them, and 
fortune has continued to smile upon him. It is his 
intention to spend the remainder of his days upon 
his beautiful property, and in his pleasant home 
upon the banks of the Big Blue River. He is still 
an active, energetic man, enjo3Mnggood health, and 
is able to carry on his farm as heretofore. 

Of late years Mr. Sage has directed his attention 
to the breeding of high-grade road horses, and gen- 
eral stock-raising. In this department he has seen 
much success, and is the owner of Hambletonian 
horses, and high-grades of cattle, of the Short-horn 
varieties. He has set out a ver^' fine orchard, which 
includes some 300 trees, ami also some beautiful 
groves of shade and forest trees. From his first 
coming in the community Mr. Sage has been fore- 
most in every project that promised to .advance its 



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GAGE COUNTY. 



295 



interests. He has always sought to encourage such 
enterprises as the county fair, which is so calculated 
to stimulate the ambition, increase the enterprise, 
and extend the knowledge of those attending. He 
has frequently exhibited fruit grown upon his farm, 
and in several instances has carried off the first prize. 
Recognizing tiie benefit a railroad would be to the 
comniunitj-. he gladly gave right of w.ay to the Bur- 
lington & Missouri Rivei Railroad, the first railroad 
in the count3\ 

The subject of our sketch is one of those whose 
privilege it was to vote for the State Constitution 
of Nebraska, in the 3'ear 1866. He has always 
been a strong advocate of temperance, and at all 
times energetic in its behalf. Although several 
public offices have been at different times pressed 
upon his acceptance, he has neverseenhisw.iy clear 
to <levote to them such time and attention as would 
be required in order to do justice to the interests of 
the people, and has consequently declined. In poli- 
tics, he is a stanch Republican, and a strong Harri- 
sonian. The portrait of this gentleman we present 
on an adjoining page. 



JONATHAN A. DORNING, V. S. ,In the 
study and contemplation of works of art, 
the play and effect of light and shade is 
marked, and frequently the true beauty of 
the subject contemplated is greatly enhanced if not 
produced 113' such light and shadow. So in some 
lives, with their kaleidoscopic changes, their effect- 
iveness and points of interest are revealed by the 
same play and contrast. In the present biography 
this is well illustrated. 

Mr. Doming is of English birth and parentage. 
He is the son of Jonathan and Ann Doming, who 
were bom respectivul3' in Lancashire and Yorkshire 
of that country-. His father was by occupation a 
farmer, and operated about forty acres of land in 
Lancashire. This he sold in order to come to the 
United States, bringing his famil3', at that time com- 
prising his wife, six sons and two daughters, wish- 
ing to provide for them a home in the new countr3'. 
His oliject in removal was to give his sons a better 
chance in life, and bring them up surrounded by the 



influences and institutions of this free country. He 
first settled in Racine Count3', Wis., and purchased 
a section of land of the Government and imtuedi- 
ately began to improve it. This was in the year 
IS-li. He became a very influential and leading 
citizen, and more cspcciall3' so in connection witii 
the Baptist Church, of which he was a member. 
Previous to his death he had amassed considerable 
wealth and real estate. He was called to his last 
rest in the month of February, 1854, at the ad- 
vanced age of sixty-two 3'ears. His widow is still 
residing on the same iiomcstead,and is eighty V'ears 
of age. Thej- were tlie parents of nine children, 
whose names arc recorded as follows: Helen (died 
in England), Joseph, Jonathan A., Robert, Samuel, 
Peter, John, Margaret and Ann. 

Our subject was born in Lancashire, England, on 
the 30th of October, 1839, but removed to this 
country with his parents at an age too tender for 
any recollections to be retained concerning the life 
there. The home in AVisconsin supplies his early 
memories, and there he was brought up, received 
his education in the usual institution, and made his 
acquaintance with farm work. Quite early in life 
he developed a liking that was almost a passion for 
every kind of stock, but more especiall3- of cattle 
and horses, and from seeing them in sickness very 
early formed the desire to become a veterinar3' 
surgeon. As soon as he had come to 3'ears of early 
manhood he began to read for this profession under 
the careful instruction of Dr. Lawton, of Racine, 
who had quite an extensive practice, and was thus 
enabled to offer daily practical illustration of what 
his pupil read in his text-books. In his twentieth 
year he went to Chicago and entered tlie veterinary 
institution in that cit3', and took a three-years 
course of lectures under Profs. Coleman and Dadd, 
being graduated with the class of '61. 

Our subject then enlisted in the army as Veter- 
inary Surgeon of the 2d Wisconsin Cavalry, and in 
that connection obtained valuable experience. He 
was in a number of engagements; among them were 
Tupelo, Miss., and Prairie Grove, Ark. In the lat- 
ter battle our subject received a wound in the calf 
of the leg, but speedily recovered and took his 
place again in the ranks. He received his discharge 
at Prairie Du Chien, Wis., on the 25th of July, 1865, 



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290 



GAGE COUNTY. 



4 



having served in the Western Division of the army 
at tlie front for three years aiul nine, months, and 
only receiving his discharge because of physical 
disability. He returned to his home, and upon re- 
cuperating he commenced farming on part of the 
original homestead. 

On the 2d of November, 1 865, our subject be- 
came the husband of Miss Frances Ann Yates, a 
daughter of James and Elizabeth (Conway) Yates, 
wlio were natives of Lancashire, England. Her 
father followed the business of pharmaceutical 
cliemist in England, and upon coming to this coun- 
try with his family he settled in Kenosha County, 
"Wis., and engaged in farming. He died in the 
year 1854, aged forty-five years. He was survived 
about ten years by his wife, who died about the 
close of the war, aged seventy years. Their chil- 
dren number in all eight, whose names are recorded 
as follows: Martha. James, Deborah, Thomas, Sam- 
uel, Dorothea, Francis A. and Elizabeth. The wife 
of our subject was born July 25, 1844, in Ke- 
nosha County. She made the acquaintance of our 
subject while quite young, and attended the same 
school with him, and without doubt the intimate 
acquaintance there begun had grown stronger, 
broader and deeper until the happ^' result of their 
union was attained. The subsequent history of 
their lives has abundantly proved that the step was 
a right one. Their family includes eight children, 
whose names are as subjoined : Francis E., Jona- 
than, Jr., Elizabeth, Amy, James, Kate, Ida and 
Helen. 

Upon his marriage our subject settled in Racine, 
and perfected arrangements for working in his pro- 
fession, in which he continued with an ever-increas- 
ingly lucrative practice, which he supplemented 
by some farming until the fall of 1878. Then for 
the same reasons that actuated the removal of his 
father from England to America, he determined to 
go West, and according!}' removed to this count}', 
purchasing his farm of eight}' acres situated in Ne- 
maha Township. At the time of purchase there were 
only thirty acres broken, but he immediate!}' set to 
work to improve the property, and has made for 
himself a beautiful home and highly cultivated and 
productive farm. His house, whether for situation, 
arrangement or finish, is an ideal residence for one 



in the position of our subject, and all his farm 
l)uildings are in keeping. Owing to his success in 
his profession and farming, he is one of the few dis- 
abled soldiers who have never applied for a pen- 
sion. His practice has grown to be one of the 
largest in the district, and is more than one person 
can readily handle. As may be surmised, it is quite 
extensive also in I'egard to territory, and our sub- 
ject cannot travel less than 1,500 miles per annum 
in order to attend to it. 

Tliere are three things in the immediate vincinity 
of his home that add largely to its attractiveness: 
The elegant and well-developed shade trees, the 
large orchard, containing besides plums, cherries 
and abundance of small fruits, over 100 choice, 
select apple trees, that produce some of the finest 
fruit in the district; the orchard is supplemented by 
an extensive vinery, from which an abundant sup- 
ply of grapes of various kinds is obtained. Another 
attractive feature is a large and well-stocked fish 
pond, which the Doctor put in in the year 1887, 
and from it he obtains some very choice specimens 
of the finny tribe, and is enabled to supply his 
table with piscatorial dainties of an unusually high 
quality. 

There are few citizens in the United States more 
thoroughly Republican in their sentiments than Dr. 
Doming, and in all political campaigns he is 
found taking a prominent part in the interests of 
his party. His army service has given him a deep 
interest in the G. A. R., and he occupies the posi- 
tion of Commander of the J. B. Wyman Post No. 
101, and is looked up to by its membership with 
much esteem, which sentiment is shared in by the 
community at large, and embraces not simply our 
subject, but also his wife and family. 



►^^ 



<jll jf- A. GRAY", the present Treasurer of Adams 



\rJ/l Township, is a man of widespread influ- 
V5^ ence, who is prominently identified with 
village and township affairs, and especially are his 
services and influence valued in the Presbyterian 
Church. He possesses the confidence and admira- 
tion of all who know him, counting his friends by 
tlie scores, and winning new admirers at every turn 



f 



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GAGE COUNTY. 



•2'j7 



bj' his genial and generous disposition and his truly 
Christian and consistent walk. His parents. Will- 
iam and Christiana (Alexander) Graj', were natives 
of Bedford County, Pa. His great-grandfather, 
William Gray, came from England and made bis 
home near Camden, N. J., at the time of the Revo- 
lutionary War, sending three of his sons to de- 
fend his adopted countrj' against the incursions of 
his native land. The Alexanders were natives of 
Ireland, but our subject's raotlicr was born in Penn- 
sylvania, in which place she was married. After 
their marriage the parents of our subject kei)t a 
hotel for several years, and in the latter part of 
their lives they engaged in farming until the death 
of the father, on the 2tth of April, 1 872, at the age 
of eight3--two 3'ears. The mother died in 1827, on 
the 19th of July, at the age of forty-one years, 
leaving one child, our subject, named William 
Alexander. The father married a second time, 
Miss Elizabeth Enslow, of Ray's Hill, Bedford Co., 
Pa., b}' whom he had two children, named Mary A. 
and .Sarah. 

Our subject was born on the 21st of August, 
1822, in Bedford County, Pa., at Bloody Run, now 
called Everett. He has vivid recollections of the 
events and scenes of his youth, and after the death 
of his mother, which occurred when he was four 
ye.nrs and eleven months old, he was brought up by 
his aunt, Mrs. Sar.ih Bradley, one of the family of 
Alexandei's. She had no children, so she and her 
husband became as loving parents to him, bestow- 
ing upon him all the wealth of love which parents 
lavish upon their own children. He grew up under 
their care only a few miles from his father's home, 
receiving some early lessons in agriculture and cul- 
tiv.ating his mind for the future life work, whatever 
it might be. The first school which he attended 
was held in a log house, with floor of earth, and all 
its appurtenances, rude as well as ru.stic, in Wells 
Valley, known also as "'Double Alexander's Valle3'," 
bearing the latter name from the name of one of 
the ancestors of our sul>ject, Alexander Alexander, 
who was its first permanent settler, making his 
home there prior to the Revolutionary War. 

Our subject has alwaj-s looked with great inter- 
est on the development of his countr_v, and well re- 
members the time of the rate school system, the 



free sj'stem of public schools being established in 
1834. At the age of twenty-four 3-ears he enterecl 
the .academ3' of Tuscarora Valley, in which he 
took a course of two years' instruction, and by that 
time (1848) another academy, known as the Mel- 
wood Academy, was started nearer home, in which 
he also took a two-3'ears course. Not satisfied, 
however, with his educational attainments, he en- 
tered Jefferson College, where he pursued a special 
course, but was not allowed to complete it because 
his aunt was in delicate health, and leaving the col- 
lege with the rank of junior, he remained at home 
until the death of that dear relative. 

On the 31st of December, 1856, Mr. Gra3' was 
united in marriage with Miss Julia A. Moore, a 
daughter of Dr. and Harriet Moore, of Wells Val- 
le3'. The father was from Juniata Count3', and the 
mother from Shirle3'sburg, Fluntingdon Count3', 
and further notice of them will be found in the 
sketch of B. Frank Moore. The3' had eleven chil- 
dren, eight sons and three daughters, and all the 
brothers of Mrs. Gr.ay were in the Union service in 
the late war, in wiiieh the3' distinguished themselves 
nobly. Mrs. Gra3' was born in Shirleysburg, Hunt- 
ingdon Co., Pa., on the 28th of Januar3', 1829, and 
during her earl3' 3'ears she attended a seminary in 
her native town, moving to Wells Valle3' in 1841. 
After their marriage our subject and his wife en- 
gaged in farming, in which the3' were verj' prosper- 
ous, and the former was made Superintendent of 
the countj' schools, which office he was eminently 
qualified to fill, retaining it for five j'ears, until the 
breaking out of the war. 

There being still more vital questions to agitate 
the minds of American citizens than the one of 
education, our subject left the field of learning to 
engage on the dangerous field of war, and enlisted 
as a private under Capt. Decker of Company K, 
202d Penns3'lvania Infantry, in 1864, being then 
forty-two 3-ears old. Prompted by patriotism he 
could not withstand the desire to place himself at 
the service of his countr3', and he was mustered in 
at Harrisburg, sent to Eastern Virginia, defended 
the outer defenses of Washington, and was on duty 
assisting to guard the National Capitol. At mid- 
night on the 14th of April. 1865, news of the as- 
sassination of President I^incoln came to their cars, 



• ^jk < • 



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298 



GAGE COUNTY, 



and the giinrds were immcfliately clouMcd. great 
excitement and surrow prevailing every wiiere. 
The negroes presented a wocfnl appearance as they 
sadly uttered "Uncle Sam is killed!" and no doubt 
at the time tiiere seemed ample cause for lamenta- 
tion lest the freedom that was dawning upon their 
horizon should be revoked; but there have been 
other great and noble men to continue what that 
master-mind conceived and began, and the institu- 
tion which he protected is now dear to the hearts of 
all true Americans. Our subject was mustered out 
at Harrisburg, and honorably discharged after hav- 
ing acquitted himself in a valiant and courageous 
manner. 

Aftei- the close of the war Mr. Gray returned to 
his home in Wells Valley, wliere his family wel- 
comed him with outstretched arms, but while he 
received a loving greeting from his wife and three 
children, his heart was saddened because of the ab- 
sence of one little child who had died while he was 
away from home. He then continued the peace- 
ful pursuit in which he had been engaged before the 
war until the spring of 1868, when with his wife 
and family he came to Nebraska, having traveled 
extensively during the previous year, and pur- 
chased 610 acres of land in Adams Township. He 
built a sod house, and being determined to success- 
fully combat the hardships of pioneer life, he philo- 
sophicall)' took things as they came and made the 
best of them. He was among the number of early 
settlers who voted for the adoption of the State Con- 
stitution, and ever since his first act in behalf of the 
advancement of our glorious State, he has proved an 
able abettor of her institutions. In the year 1874 
there was an entire failure of the corn crop, and a 
l)eriod of great want was anticipated, but some of 
the other harvests were more abundant, so that our 
subject saved enough to pay his taxes, and obtain 
the necessities of life. In various ways has he suf- 
fered a loss in common with the farmers of this 
State, but he has been al)le to overcome those mis- 
fortunes, and has risen to a position of affluence and 
ease. 

Our subject now owns 460 acres of splendid land 
in one farm in Adams Township, on which there 
are two good houses, barns, stables, and other neces- 
r sary out-buildings, all in good condition. Twenty- 



five acres are i)lanted in timber, consisting of cotton- 
wood, maple, elm and other kinds of trees, and these 
trees were all planted by the hands of our subject. 
Besides the necessary work and time devoted to 
the improvement of his farm, he has taken an act- 
ive part in the organization of the township, his 
influence being great and widespreading. He is 
identified with the Republican party in politics, but 
has refused to accept any public offices tendered 
him from their hands. He was a strong anti-slaver}' 
man, a Whig, and voted for John C. Fremont. He 
is now occupying tlie office of Treasurer of the 
township, and in every contingent of public affairs 
in which the advice of a thoughtful and careful 
mind is needed oui- subject is consulted, and his 
mature and wise counsel received with general ap- 
proval. He and his vvife are members of the Pres- 
byterian Church, of which the former is a charter 
member and one of the Elders, while he endears 
himself to the younger peoi)le of the community in 
his capacity of teacher in the Sunday-school. 

To these loving and considerate parents there 
have been given six children, of whom we have the 
following record; Anna is at home; Edward Ever- 
ett died when young, in Pennsylvania; Caroline 
is the wife of R. C. Pierson, a grain buyer, and re- 
sides in Adams ; Emma died while our subject was 
in the war; William C. is at home, engaged in the 
grocery business, in which our subject is also inter- 
ested ; James K. is deceased. The mother is a re- 
fined and talented lady, a true Christian woman, 
sensitive, social and generous, and is the warm friend 
of a host of admirers among both young and old. 
Her husband is also distinguished as a man of ad- 
mirable social qualifications, and the words of our 
pen are insufficient to portray his excellent anil 
Christian disposition and character. 



JEREMIAH BAILEY. Among the names of 
the early pioneer settlers of Highland Town- 
ship will be found that of the subject of this 
sketch, and there are few more worthy of a 
place in a biographical work of this description than 
he. Since the fall of 1887 Mr. Bailey has resided 
in Cortland, after enduring for many years such 



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ch A 



i 



GAGE COUNTY. 



299 



hardships, dilflculties and trials as those that come 
to men whose lives are spent in frontier districts. 

There was born on the 7tli of March, 1 843, at the 
home of Francis and Sarah Bailey, near Hamilton, 
Ontario, Canada, a son, whose history provides the 
material for this epitome. His parents were both 
natives of England. The father is deceased. His 
mother is now the wife of Harrison Gillett, of High- 
land Township, section 28. She was wedded to hira 
seven years after the death of the father of our sub- 
ject, who gave his life in defense of his country in 
the month of December, 1864, while fighting as a 
soldier in tiie late Civil War. 

The family circle of Mr. and Mrs. Bailey included 
nine children, and our subject was the second eld- 
est son. He was brought up and educated in 
Canada, which w.as his home until he attained his 
m.ajoril3', when he went to Galena, 111., where he 
made liis home for fivej'ears; at the end of that 
period he came to this county, and in the spring of 
1871 settled in Highland Township, section 28, 
where he pre-empted eighty acres of land, and sub- 
sequently homesteaded another eighty. 

Upon coming to this State our subject was quite 
a poor man, and was swayed alternateh* by hope and 
fear regarding the final outcome. But bending all 
his energies to the task, allowing neither hardship 
nor ditliculty to daunt him, or any natural adverse 
circumstance to baffle hira, his experience of pio- 
neer life has developed within him those traits and 
characteristics that have brought him the respect 
and admiration of his fellows, and his material pros- 
perity and success are the reward of his labor. He 
resided upon his farm, and was ever engaged in the 
various duties connected therewith until 1 887, when 
he removed to Cortland. The latter years of his 
life he devoted chiefly to stock-raising and feeding, 
and he still gives considerable time and attention to 
stock baying and shipping, the chief point of con- 
signment being Omaha. 

A red-letter daj^ in the history of our subject 
was the 16th of September, 1877, the day whereon 
lie w.as united in marriage with Amelia Meserve,of 
Nemaha Township. This estimable lady was born 
on the 4th of December, 18.55, in Livingston 
Count^s 111. She is the daughter of Joseph and 
Elizabeth (Call) Mcserve, natives of Maine and 



New York respect! vel}'. There have been four 
children born of this union, wliose names are here 
appended : Freda B., who w.as born on the 29tli of 
September, 1878; Jeanette, Jan. 16. 1880; Phebe, 
Sept. 28, 1 885, and J. L., Dec. 3, 1 887. One i'& de- 
ceased, F. J. 

The father of Mrs. Bailey was by occupation a 
potter, and is a descendant of an old English fam- 
ily. When their daughter Amelia was about seven 
years of age, her parents removed from Illinois, 
where they settled prior to their marriage, to Powe- 
shiek County, Iowa, in 1863, and there took land 
and eng.aged in farming, making it their home until 
1877. Then they removed to this county and set- 
tled in Nem.aha Township, where they still reside 
upon the land originally- taken bj^ them at that time. 
They were the parents of ten children, six of whom 
are living, whose names are recorded as follows: 
Joseph M., William II., Harriet L., Charles C, Min- 
nie C. and Amelia. Mr. and Mrs. Meserve have for 
many years been members of the Christian Churcli. 
They are still practicall3' in tlieir prime, and fully 
appreciate the start in life they have been enabled 
to give their children, and also the many comforts 
that are for them to enjo3\ 

Our subject is in political matters a strong Demo- 
crat, and has so continued the greater part of his 
life. Although he has now retired from his farm, 
he is still actively engaged, indeed, idleness to one 
of his disposition would be a misery. He has large 
real -estate interests in Highland Township, which 
make large demands upon his time and attention. 
Mr. and Mrs. Bailey move in the best circles of so- 
ciety in Cortland, and are highly esteemed by all. 



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"fw) OEL DOBBS. One of the enterprising, pro- 
I I gressive and prosperous mercantile houses of 
the growing town of Rockford, in the town- 
ship of that name, is that of Messrs. Dobbs 
& Willis, and in this epitome is briefly sketched the 
life of the popular senior partner of the firm, a man 
of education and ability, who owes his present po- 
sition almost entirely to his own aml)ition. He is 
tlie son of Ilussell L. and Cynthia (Hurst) Dobbs, 
natives respectively of Tennessee and Indiana. The 



V 



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300 



GAGE COUNTY. 



f 



loj'al patriotism of his grnndfatlier led him to take 
up arms in his coMntr3's defense in the War of 
1812. and fire from the same altar still burns in the 
breast of our subject. 

The Dobbs family came to America over l.")0 
years since, and settled in Tennessee among the 
Blue Ridge Mountains, in the days when the State 
was just being opened up. In this district the 
family grew and flourished; generation followed 
generation in their life among these beautiful hills. 
The parents of our subject were married in Put- 
nam Count}', Ind., in 1837, and the father remained 
following the chosen calling of his life until 1844, 
when be removed to Andrew County, Mo., and w.as 
among the earlj' pioneers of that district, and still 
lives upon the old farm. He has attained the ad- 
vanced age of sevent3'-one years, but does not seem 
to feel their weight pressing so heavily as many do 
at a lesser number. He still enjoys good health and 
is active, still able to perform a great deal of work 
on and about the farm. In his time he has held 
many important offices, and h.as been an active 
politician. The mother of our subject died in the 
year 1867, .aged forty-eight years. They were the 
p.arents of nine children, whose names are recorded 
as follows : Emeline, Abraham, John, Amelia Jane, 
Martha, .Sarah, Julia, William F. and Joel. By a 
former marriage there were born to the father of 
our subject two children, who received the names 
respectively of Mar}- and Susan. 

Mr. Joel Dobbs w.as born July 23, 1857, upon 
the old homestead in Missouri. His first great 
trouble came with the death of his mother when he 
was ten years of age. At eleven he started to do 
battle with the world on his own account, and has 
from that time continued to do so. After the 
death of his wife the father of our subject was un- 
able to attend to business on account of sickness 
caused by his wife's death, for two 3'ears, owing to 
the severe strain caused by that trouble. This was 
the immediate cause of our subject and the rest of 
the family being thrown upon their own resources. 
Until he was eighteen years of age our subject con- 
tinued to work upon a farm, and it was his prac- 
tice during winter especially to work for liis board 
in order that he might attend school. At eighteen 
years of age he began teaching school in Andrew 



and Nodaway Counties, and continued successfully 
in this profession for nine 3'ears, interspersing it, 
however, during his vacations with work in con- 
nection with mercantile life, and by farming upon 
rented land, and although he was compelled from 
the nature of his other engagements to employ 
hired help in its cultivation, he realized quite a 
good profit. 

The sentiments of Miss Alice E. Perkins and our 
subject being found upon inquir}' to be in perfect 
accord, they became husband and wife March 17, 
1878. This lad}' is the daughter of Avery A. and 
Martha (Abbott) Perkins, natives of Kentucky and 
Ohio. As the name intimates, the Perkins family 
are of English extraction; they settled in this 
country in an early day. Upon their marriage 
Mr. and Mrs. Perkins settled in Hancock County, 
111., in 1840, where he followed the occupation of 
agricultural pursuits until 1872, when he removed 
to Nodaway Count}', Mo. Of this union there 
were born ten children, whose names were recorded 
.as follows : John .S., Ephraim. Lucina. Jane, Edith, 
Alice E., Nancy, Annie, Avery A., and George, 
deceased. By a former wife there were born four 
other children. 

Mrs. Dobbs was born in Hancock County, in the 
State of Illinois, in April, 18o8, and continued to 
live with her parents until her marriage. She was 
fifteen years of age when she accompanied her i)ar- 
ents to Missouri, and there she made the acquaint- 
ance of our subject while be was eng.aged in teach- 
ing. Until the year 1883 they continued to live 
in Missouri, then came to Nebraska and settled 
upon a farm four miles north of Blue Springs, 
where our subject continued engaged in farming 
for two years. Then he came to Rockford and 
established the business which still engages his at- 
tention ; from that time on there has been a contin- 
uous and steady increase in the business, so that 
other help was required and a larger stock de- 
manded. He has, however, been enabled to keep pace 
with this most desirable and happy growth, and will 
doubtless contrive to do so, however far it m.ay 
extend in the future. 

Our subject has erected a very pretty and com- 
modious residence in Rockford, and has supplied it 
witli numberless conveniences that are a daily ap- 



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GAGE COUNTY. 



301 



4^ 



preciation. Although no pnins have been spared 
to make this home liright and pleasant, its chief 
adornment to our subject is his wife and children. 
There have been born of this unit)n six children, 
three of whom died in childhood. Their names 
are as follows: William S. ; Annie, vvho died aged 
nine months: Bernice; Russell L., who died when 
three 3'ears of age; Elmer, and an infant who died 
iinnameil. 

To Mr. Dobbs came the honor of being appointed 
the first Postmaster of Rockford, a position which 
he filled with universal satisfaction within the 
sphere of operation. He was elected Justice of the 
Peace in the year 1887, and there won fresh laurels. 
This was, doubtless, one reason why he was made a 
delegate to the Republican County Convention of 
1888. It will be seen, therefore, that the current 
of his political principles and sentiments is with 
the "grand old party," of which for many years he 
has been a stanch friend. These things are but 
effects; the cause must be sought in the character 
of the man, who has achieved such success and 
gathered around him so many friends, who hold 
him in their high regard. 

ARVEY W. G IDDINGS is an intelligent and 
k^ industrious farmer residing on section 36, 
MidlaiKl Township, who has accumulated his 
present fine and valuable property by his 
force of will, perseverance and industry, having 
successfully combated reverses which would have 
caused a less energetic man to despair. He is a son 
of John W. and Hannah (Stafford) Giddings, the 
former of whom was born in Massachusetts, and 
the latter in the southwestern part of New York. 
The Giddings family are of Scotch descent, the 
great-grandfather of our sidiject coming to New- 
York from Scotland, and making a matrimonial alli- 
ance in that State. The Staffords are of English 
descent. The father of our subject followed the 
pursuit of agriculture, and was a hard-working 
man, his sympathy in political matters always 
strongly in favor of the Whig and Republican 
parties. He died at the age of seventy-seven 3'ears 
in 1881, and his wife died at the age of seventy-six 



3'ears in 1885, after having gathered about them a 
famil3" of eleven children, on whom were bestowed 
the following names: IIarve3' W., Elmira A., Sarah 
L., Rol)ev S., Miron A., Clinton and Caroline (the 
former of whom died when a boy of thirteen years), 
Francis, Emil3', Augusta (deceased at the age of 
four 3ears), and John C. 

Our subject, the oldest of bis father's faniil3% 
was born in McKran Township, Erie Co., Pa., on 
the 11th of Januar3-, 1830. and when he was but 
four years old he began his attendance on the com- 
mon schools. He has a very retentive memory, 
and the early scenes having made a vivid impres- 
sion on his childish mind, he can describe them with 
great iirecision, and is able to place evei'y maple, 
beech and chestnut tree on the wa3' to the old 
school-house. His parents were in moderate cir- 
cumstances, and he was early taught to apply him- 
self diligently to work in order to assist in the 
maintenance of the large famil3'. In June. 1840, 
the family removed to Warren Count3', 111., where 
they were among the early pioneers. 

Our subject remained at home until he was 
twent3'-flve years old, when he returned to Penn- 
sylvania to claim the conipanionshij) of the lad3' of 
his choice, Miss Rebecca E. McClure, a daughter of 
George W. and Elizabeth (Shirer) McClure. Her 
father was born in Ireland and her mother in Hol- 
land, and they moved to Illinois from Penns3'lvania 
in 1865. The father died in 1883 at the age of 
sevent3'-six years, and the mother still lives, having 
reached the age of eight3' 3'ears, and seen her ten 
children, eight girls and two bo3'S, become useful 
men and women. Mrs. Giddings is the fifth child 
of the famil3', and vvas born on the 16th of October, 
1836, and after reaching the 3'ears of girlhood she 
attended school in the same old school-house under 
the chestnut tree that is so dear to the memory of 
her husband. 

After their marriage our subject and his wife 
came to Illinois, the former rejoicing with gratified 
pride that he had prepared a pleasant home for his 
bride, having a comfortable home and 1'20 acres of 
land to share with her. He was financially suc- 
cessful, and became the owner of 9,000 acres of 
land in Illinois, but by going securit3' for other 
parties, and the3' proving unable or unwilling to 



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302 



GAGE COUNTY. 




pay off the amount of their indebtedaess for which 
our subject had gone security, he met with reverses, 
and was virtualij' bankrupt. This word originalij"^ 
had a deeper significance than it now bears, being 
derived from the Italian words "banco rotto," which 
means literally "broken bench," and originated 
from the custom of the ancient Italian niercliants 
and business men of transacting business behind 
stands or benches on the street; when one of them 
became insolvent or unable to pay his debts, his 
bench was literally broken to pieces, and he was no 
longer permitted to transact business. But that 
meaning does not now attach to the word, ample op- 
portunilj' now being afforded an unfortunate man 
to redeem his fortune, and our subject having lost 
all he had through the lack of honor in others, was 
constrained to begin anew, and again rise to a po- 
sition of wealth. 

Our subject determined to take advantage of the 
inducements offered by our State to regain his lost 
footing, and in the spring of 1871 he came to 
Buffalo County, where he rented some land. Here 
he again passed through a pioneer experience, and 
after much hard labor in sowing his first crop it 
was destroyed by the grasshoppers, and he was 
almost in despair. In 1873 he came to this county-, 
and leased a section of land for two years' time, but 
his lessee sold the farm in 1875. He then moved 
on the Kansas & Missouri Stage Company's farm, 
which consisted of 1,200 acres, of which he broke 
475 acres, and fenced it all with wire. He prospered 
exceedingly well, and remained on that farm for 
seven years, in the meantime (1879) buying his 
present farm of 240 acres, and when he moved on 
to it in 1882 it was virtually paid for, he having 
built up a reputation as one of the best farmers in 
the county. 

Our subject and his wife have become the par- 
ents of ten children, of whom Flora E. died March 
3, 1883; Carrie, April 22, 1882, and Edwin W., 
Nov. 16, 1884; the remaining members of the family 
bear the names of Jennie, S. E., Harry, Carl, Susie, 
Ralph, and an infant, Rebecca E. When the family 
were living on the Kansas & Missouri Stage Com- 
pany's farm the father built on his own farm a 
handsome and commodious full two-story house at 
a cost of |!l,750, containing all modern improve- 



ments and conveniences. The children possess 
great musical talents, and when they get together 
the handsome parlors resound with strains of sweet- 
est music. The mother is inclined to the Presby- 
terian Church, and her husband has for his motto 
the Golden Rule, his neighbors testif^'ing that his 
principles are in strictest accord with its teaching. 

Our subject has been engaged in the dairy busi- 
ness, for which purpose he has eighteen good milch 
cows, and his milk-house is cool, sweet and clean. 
He operates 600 acres of land, leasing 320 acres, 
and has 200 acres devoted to the growth of flax, 
100 to oats, seventy-five to corn, and eighty acres 
to meadow land. He has ten teams of horses, sixty 
hogs, and raises about a carload of beef cattle an- 
nuall3% feeding all the grain that he raises. His 
former reverses seem only to have incited him to 
still greater effort, the results of which are his present 
abundant means and influential standing among his 
fellowmen. 

Our subject has taken great interest in the edu- 
cational advancement of his township, having been 
instrumental in building the school-houses in the 
district, since which time the young people have 
enjoyed the advantage of a nine-months school 
every year. Of his reputation we might say with 
old John Brown of "marching on" fame, that one 
good, industrious, true and believing man in a com- 
munity is worth a thousand who have no religion 
and no fixed principles. He has served with credit 
on the Grand and Petit Juries, and is foremost 
among the advocates of law and order. In politics 
Mr. Giddings afDliates with the Republican party. 



«-i-4- 



o.SS-^||lK>-jiS!-o 




i-HADDEUS GREEN was born in Ross County, 
Ohio, on the 18th of April, 1837, and when 
he was about two years old his parents, 
Thomas W. and Eleanor (Moser) Green, removed 
to McLean County, 111. There he grew up to man- 
hood, receiving his education in the district schools, 
and there he was married, on the 2d of November, 
1864, to Miss Mary Hall. He engaged in farming, 
and remained in Illinois until the 1st of March, 
1883, when he came to Nebraska and located on 
the farm on which he still lives. 

Our subject is a great admirer and s^'mpathizer 



I 



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GAGE COUNTY. 



303 



4- 



witli the beauties and resources of Nature, and he 
takes a natural delight in developing them, prefer- 
ring a peaceful, hapiiy life on his farm eng.aged in 
the various duties incident to a rural life rather 
than any other life which the busy, bustling world 
can offer. He has a very good farm of 200 acres 
on section 17, Sicily Township, and gives attention 
to the raising of both grain and live stock. His 
farm is well watered, having an inexhaustible supply 
from a well, and -Sicily- Creek, which passes through 
his farm, furnishes plent}' of water for his stock. 
The creek never dries in the summer or freezes in 
tlie winter, so that his stock has free access to it at 
all times and in all seasons. 

Mr. Green has improved his farm bj' building a 
good house and barn, with good fencing to serve 
as the dividing line between the various fields, 
which adds ver^' much to the fine appearance of the 
place. He has a good orchard of fine young trees 
just beginning to bear nicely, and he takes great 
interest in keeping them well pruned and ia a good 
bearing condition. For his reward and painstaking 
he will enjoy seeing the branches loaded with a 
supply of delicious fruits, for when Nature is well 
wooed she does not fail to respond. 

Our subject and his wife have a family of six 
children, all of whom are living. The parents are 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 
Blue Springs. The mother of our subject was a 
native of Berks County, Pa., and she died on the 
27th of January, 1871, while his father was born 
in Philadelphia, and died on the 25th of April, 
1879, the death of both the parents occurring in 
McLean County, 111. They were members of the 
Methodist Church, esteemed and active Christian 
people, and in that faith they died. 

The father of Mrs. Green, Prior, and her mother, 
Mary (Thomas) Hall, were natives of Ohio, but 
both removed to Illinois when young. When the 
inhabitants of the countrj' became so excited over 
the discovery of gold in California, there were vast 
trains of emigrant wagons stretche<i across the 
prairies and along the mountain roads. These vast 
trains of emigrants were really pioneers in the part 
of the country through which they passed, in some 
places having to fell trees, build rude bridges, and 
otherwise prepare the way before they could reach 



the end of their journey. The f.ither of Mrs. Green 
was one among the large number who hastened to 
the gold mines, making the journey to California 
in 184'J, but after enduring many hardships and 
privations he sickened and died in that distant 
.State, in the year 1851. The mother died in Illinois 
in October, 1 8(32, having lieen the mother of seven 
children, of whom the wife of our subject is the 
sixth one. 

Our subject has two brothers anil three sisters, 
all of whom are living except one sister, Margaret 
E., who died in Illinois, and all married except 
Mary D. His brother John M. was in Company 
F, 116th Illinois Infantiy, and served in the capac- 
ity of a soldier for three years, coming home with- 
out having received a wound, though his health 
was impaired by the exposure. Our subject is 
earnestly in favor of the administr.alion of the Re- 
publican party. 



"jj^^.ORVEL LEWI.S is one of the most enter- 
|| jjl prising and successful farmers in Rockford 
lli^ Township, where he has a splendid farm of 
IGO acres, and .another of the same size in Logan 
Township, devoted to the purposes of general 
farming and stock-raising. His father. Mills Lewis, 
was born in New Jersey, near Perth Amboy, and his 
mother, Jane (Carr) Lewis, in Indiana. Both had 
early come with their parents to Warren Countj', 
111., where they grew to manhood and womanhood, 
and after their marri.ige they made their home at 
that place, continuing until the present time, the 
father having reached the age of sixty-three years, 
and the mother sixty -one years. The father has 
been prominently identified with the political af- 
fairs of Warren County, and was sent by his con- 
stituents to the Illinois State Legislature during 
the terra of 1880-81. He represented his county 
in an able manner, and served with honor to him- 
self and his constituents. His famil}' numbered 
nine children, bearing the following names : Norvel, 
Mary, Henry, Jud, Emery, Sarah, Lula, Effie and 
Edwin C. 

Our subject, the eldest in his father's family, was 
born on the 12th of July, 1850, in Warren County, 



:?^r+-^ 



304 



GAGE COUNTY. 



• ^W. "* • 



Burwick' Township, and spent Lis earlj' life on a 
farm. In order to receive the advantages of edu- 
cation offered by the nearest school, he was obliged 
to go two and a half miles, but did not attend 
after he was sixteen years old. He remained with 
his father until he was twenty-two years olil, when, 
in 1872, he was united in marriage with Miss 
Millie Murdock., a daughter of John and Fannie 
(Milligan) Murdock, who were both natives of 
Pennsylvania. The father was a farmer, and after 
their marriage in Pennsylvania they went to War- 
ren County, 111., where he continued the pursuit of 
his occupation. He died in 1887, at the age of 
seventy-eight years, but the mother still lives at 
her home in Illinois, and is seventy-four years old. 
She was Mr. Murdock's first wife, and there was a 
family of eigiit children, whose names are: Jonas, 
Margaret, Mary, George (deceased), Millie, Allen, 
Mina and Edward. 

Mr. and Mrs. Lewis were the parents of one 
child, named Henry M., who died when he was six 
months old, and the mother died in October, 1873. 
Our subject was a second time married, to Miss 
Rachel Dickie, of Pennsylvania, who died in No- 
vember, 1883. Mr. Lewis came to this county in 
the spring of 1881, and in the fall of the same year 
he purchased his present quarter-section of land, 
expecting to make his home here, bringing his wife 
in the spring of 1882. He was a third time mar- 
ried, on the 27th of January, 1884, to Miss Mattie 
Shaw, a daughter of Holcorab and Ruth Shaw. Her 
parents were born in Pennsylvania, and two 3'ears 
after their marriage they came to Illinois, where 
they made their home for six years, after which, in 
1869, they came to this county. They are still 
residing here, the father at the age of fifty-eight 
years, and the mother fifty-three, and have cared 
for a family of eight children, on whom they 
bestowed the names Dora, Mattie, Charles, Mary 
and Ruth (deceased), Pearl, Herbert and Rupert. 

Mrs. Lewis was born on the Gtli of September, 
18G2, in Ogle County, 111., and was six or seven 
j'ears old wher she came to this State. She at- 
tended school in Cottage Hill, near Fille}', the first 
school-house in Filley Township, and having re- 
ceived a very excellent education she has been 
identified with the educators of this county for four 



or five J'ears. She attended the first summer Nor- 
mal held in this county, and prepared herself to 
engage in the profession of teaching; but leaving 
the care of many little ones to others, she became 
the wife of our subject, and is a devoted mother to 
the children that have been given her. The elder, 
Harry E., died when he was two years and three 
months old, and the only remaining child is named 
Norvel M. 

Mr. Lewis is the owner of 320 acres of fine land, 
half of which lies on section 5, Rockford Township, 
and the other half in Logan Township. He gives 
special attention to the breeding of Hambletonian 
and Bashaw horses, and is the owner of the famous 
Oakland stud of twenty to twenty-seven horses. 
In the work of his farm he uses three teams of 
horses, and has improved it to a very fine condi- 
tion; and from his uniform success he has built up 
a reputation as a successful agriculturist which is 
second to none in the count}-. He is well known 
and influential in the management of public affairs, 
and in matters of politics he lends his influence to 
the Democratic party. Mrs. Lewis is an estimable 
lady, and an influential member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church at Beatrice. 



REDERICK GRUND. Adams Township 
has within its borders few better men or 
citizens than the subject of this sketch, who 
has had a wide and varied experience in life, and 
has made the most of his opportunities. He now 
owns and occupies a good farm on section 28, and 
while engaged in the cultivation of the soil has like- 
wise carefully tended the garden of his mind, and 
by a steady and judicious course of reading kept 
himself well posted upon matters of general interest. 
He is a fine scholar, both in English and German. 
In conversation he is interesting, and the story of his 
travels over a large portion of the Great West forms 
a narration well worth the listener's time and at- 
tention. 

Of German birth and parentage, our subject first 
opened his eyes in the Province of AVittenberg, 
July 17, 1833. His parents, Leonard and Mary N. 
(Munch) Grund, were natives of the same, where 




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GAGE COUNTY. 



305 



tlie father eanierl on fniming, and was accidentally 
killed by the fall of a tree in 1842. at the age of 
fort3--two years. The mother also spent her entire 
life upon her native soil, and died in 185G, when 
fift3'-eight years old. Their family included two 
children onlj', of whom Frederick, our subject, was 
the younger. His sister. Mar}- Magdalene, is now 
in Nebr.aska. Mr. Grund, in common with the 
majoritj' of the children of German}', was placed 
in school at an early age, and pursued his studies 
quite steadily for a period of eight years, until he 
was fourteen. He was a little lad of nine j'ears at 
the time of his father's death, and continued with 
his widowed mother until a youth of twenty. The 
mother then rented their little homestead, and 
F"rederick started out for himself, determined to 
make his way to the New World. Embarking at 
Havre, France, on a sailing-vessel bound for Amer- 
ica, Oct. 14, 1854. he landed in New York C'it}-, 
November 20, and proceeded to the town of 
Marietta, Susquehanna Co., Pa., where for a brief 
time he employed himself at whatever he could 
find to do. 

From Marietta j'oung Grund went to Harris- 
burg, where he was employed in farming and dairy- 
ing at $4 per month. His first employer took 
advantage of his inexperience, and sought to make 
the most of it, but the young man soon found out 
liis game, and left him for a more humane task- 
master, who paid him $10. He was soon afterward 
taken down with chills and fever, which greatly 
crippled him financially, and was the cause of much 
discouragement, but he finally rallied both in mind 
and bod}', and worked two years longer in the Key- 
stone State, and until a recurrence of his old trou- 
bles led him to seek a change of climate, when he 
migrated to Chicago, HI. 

In the Garden City Mr. Grund was employed in 
a meat market, and continued there until the spring 
of 1858. He then started for the Territory of 
Nebraska. He traveled bj' rail first to St. Louis, 
Mo., thence up the Missouri River to Leavenworth, 
Kan., arriving there at the time of the border war 
when men were shot down in the streets in cold 
blood. .Six weeks at that point sufficed, and Mr. 
Grund proceeded on his way to his final destination. 
taking uf) his abode finally in Nebraska Cit}', which 




then bore little resemblance to its present condition. 
There he became the craploj'e of Messrs. Russell, 
Major & Waddell, who had a Government contract 
for the hauling of provisions to Salt Lake City. 
Teams were fitted out, and wagons loaded with 
barley, oats, corn, sugar, bacon, salt, etc., and our 
hero in charge of one of them set out with a num- 
ber of others for the place mentioned. The train 
consisted of thirty wagons, e.ich wagon drawn b}' 
twelve oxen — Texas steers. Upon arriving at Ft. 
Bridger, in Wj'oming, they were obliged to stop 
on .account of the snow, and Mr. Grund returned 
to Nebraska City, arriving there Jan. 5, 1859. He 
now eng.aged in a brewery, where he remained for 
four years following, and in the meantime, with 
genuine German thrift and prudence, saved a snug 
little sum of money, which he invested in land in 
Adams Township, this county, in the year 1862. 

The above }'ear, also, Mr. Grund took unto 
himself a wife and helpmate. Miss Emily A. Golden, 
to whom he was married in Nebr.aska City, March 
3, 1862. Mrs. Grund was born in Crawford Count}-, 
Pa., Dec. 12, 1842, and remained there with her 
parents until a maiden of seventeen years, when she 
came to Nebraska City with them. Soon after their 
marriage our subject and his wife settled upon their 
land, but a short time later abandoned it for the 
time on account of Indian troubles, and returned 
with their cattle to Nebraska City. Mr. Grund, 
however, was soon enabled to possess his property 
again, and had the satisfaction of participating in 
the first Fourth of July celebration in the Nemaha 
Valley. 

The Indiiin troubles finally terminating, the par- 
ents of Mrs. Grund cami; to this section, where 
they continued until 1863. Our subject, however, 
again returned to Nebraska City, where he engaged 
in farming, and remained until the year 1869, 
then homesteaded his present farm of 160 acres, 
and here has since remained. He has made some 
fine improvements, putting up good buildings, plant- 
ing orchard and shade trees, and otherwise adding 
to the value and beauty of his property. He has 
seventj'-five fine apiile trees in good bearing condi- 
tion and a quarter of an .acre in blackberries, be- 
sides other fruit for the enjoyment of the family. 

Mr. and Mrs. Grund are the [iarents of eight 



f 



t. 



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t 



306 



GAGE COUNTT. 



children — Catherine R.. now deceased: Tillie. Ben- 
jamin. Anna M., Minnie 5L. Hiram L.. Luella J. 
and Bessie. The eldest daughter. Tillie, i.s the wife 
of Frank Lj'ons. and resides in Adams: they have 
two children — Charles H. and Elsie. Anna M. is 
the wife of William Blackhart. and a resident of 
Adams. The other children are at home with their 
parents. Mr. Grund cast big first Presidential vote 
for Grant, and is a stanch supporter of Republican 
principles. He has been in all respects a worthy 
representative of one of the best nationalities on the 
face of the globe, from whence sprung a Martin 
Luther and numbers of other illustrious men whose 
names have been handed down to the posterity of 
both continents, as the names of those whose careers 
have been worthy of imitation. 



m 



f OHX G. PAUL. In Sicily Township there 
are few farms presenting a more perfect 
picture of successful, thrifty agricultural 
prosperity and beauty than does the prof>- 
erty of our subject, which is situated on section 16, 
and includes about 1 60 acres, all of which are highly 
cultivated. Our subject was bom in Janesville, 
Ohio. July 11, 1842. His educational advantages 
were very meager. He has. however, recognizing 
this fact, given careful attention to reading, in order 
to improvement upon that deficiency. 

When our subject was stUl an infant, his mother 
removed to Illinois, and located in Rock Island 
County. His father. John G. Paul, died in Ohio 
sis months after he was bom. The mother of our 
subject was Margareta (Churchill) PauL By her 
first marriage she had two sons — Adam and our 
subject. Her second marriage occurred Oct. 8, 
1844, when she was united with Adam Vogel, in 
Rock Island County, 111. Of this marriage there were 
three sons, who were named respectively : John, 
James and Jacob, all of whom are still residents of 
Illinois. 

Our subject was reared and married in Rock 
Island County as above; his wife was Miss Julia 
Walter, whom he led to the altar on the oOth of 
March, 1869. and wholi.os been a faithful and true 
helpmate through all the succeeding years. The 



happiness of their wedded life owes much of its 
brightness to the presence of the little ones who 
have been born to them, of whom there are six : 
John A., bora May 2, 1870; Anna. Sept 28, 1?<72: 
Charles, Oct 20, 1874; Joseph, Feb. 2. 1879; Mary 
A.. Oct 16. 1881 : and Rosa, Dec. 1 1, 1884. Mrs. 
Paul was bora- in Germany, on the 25th of October. 
1848. and is the daughter of Francis and Cesillia 
(Bookmiller) Walter. Her fatlier is snccessfnlly 
engaged in fanning. 

Besides his home farm, oar subject has quite ex- 
tensive property elsewhere, including 320 acres 
upon section 13 of Elm Township, on which he 
has 120 acres well cultivated, also 160 acres on 
section 1, in Sicily Township, and seventy-five 
acres on section 18 of Blue Spring Township. 
Upon the property on section 1 there is an excel- 
I lent house, stable, granary and other buildings. 
Upon tlie home farm our subject has erected with 
bis own hands all the necessary farm buildings, 
also a well-arranged ice house, work-shop, corn- 
crib, extensive stabling, and an exceptionally fine 
bam, but as is simply to be expected, has devoted 
far more time and care to his dwelling. These are 
all weU planned, well built and nicely painted and 
decorated, although the latter would apply more 
especially to the house. When it is considered 
that these various works are the result of his own 
l.ibor. it is an achievement of which manly pride is 
justifiable. In addition to the above, the whole 
farm, with the exception of a small jxtrtion of 
board fence around the yard, is all separated into 
the various divisions required by a well-kept wire 
fence, and the whole property is in a most excellent 
state of repair and finish. 

Our subject has realized in the presence and 
faithful help of his life companion that this di- 
vinely instituted relation is the best condition of 
life. The property that he has been enabled to ac- 
cumulate would {K>ssibly never have been but for 
this. Without exaggeration it were safe to say 
that by continued diligence, industry and labor our 
subject has acquired property to the value of 
about ^22.000, and of this property there was no 
promise at the death of his father, or the subsequent 
years of his mothers widowhood. He had already 
begun the strussle when he received t2,000 from 



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GAGE C0U:N'TY. 



307 



his mother's estate, which was afterward supple- 
mented by an additional ^1,000 upon his marriage. 
This is all the help he received; the remainder is 
the result of his own exertions, and the iuspiring 
influence of his wife. 

Our subject and his wife and family are mem- 
bers in good standing of the ■ Catholic Church of 
this place, and among its most devout members. 
Mr. Paul, although mietirg cheerfully all his obli- 
gations as a citizen, is not prominent in civic and 
political matters. He gives his suflfrage consistently 
to the Democratic party, .ind has for man}- years 
been counted as a stanch member of the party. 



1^7 RANCIS M. RICKARDS.the well-to-do far- 
mer and stock-raiser whose property is on 
section 10 of Riverside Township, was born 
in Adams County. Ohio, on the 24th of October, 
1831. He was reared in his native county, and in 
its common schools received his education. In 1857 
he made his way to Pern. Neb., and remained for 
two years. The State at that time was very little 
known, and this city was unknown, and upon its 
site stood a solitary bouse. 

At the close of his second year in this State our 
subject started to return to Ohio, but stopped in 
Lewis County. Mo., and was there married, on the 
26th of November. 1858. to Miss 31ahala S. Pollard. 
After his marriage, accompanied by his wife, he 
continued his journey to his home. The young 
couple continued to live in Ohio until October of 
1 86 1 , our subject engaging in fanning, and was re- 
warde«l by a good measure of success. In the above 
month he enlisted in Company F. 70th Ohio In- 
fantni-.and served until the 14th of August, 1865. 
He enlisted as a private, but in September, 1864, was 
promoted to the rank of Sergeant, His regiment 
was attached to the 15th Army Corps, and served 
under the command of McPherson and Logan. Be- 
sides a large numl)er of engagements of lesser im- 
portance, our subject took part in the Iiattles of 
.Shiloh. Corinth. Vicksburg, Jackson. Miss, and Mis- 
sionarj- Ridge. He received an honorable discharge 
and returned home without a wound, but with his 
health impaired by exposure. In his home is found 

4» 



a highly-prized relic or memento of those stirring 
times: it is a camp chair, presented to him by Lieut. 
Ileaton. of A. R. Q. M..of the 70th Ohio Regiment. 

Returning to Ohio in the fall of 1865, our sub- 
ject remained recuperating until the spring of 1866; 
then he removed to Illinois, in which State he con- 
tinued to live for some sixteen years. His home 
was in LaSalle County, near Seneca, and through- 
oat this lengthy residence he was engaged in farm- 
ing, and every year witnessed an increase of pros- 
perity and success. At the end of that period he 
removed to this county, locating in 1882 upon the 
farm on section 10. which is 160 acres in extent 
From the time of his settlement he has been con- 
tinually and industriously employed in its improve- 
ment. He has moved both house and barn to their 
present position, has planted a row of trees along 
the south and east sides of his farm, has set out an 
orchard of nearly 200 apple and other fruit trees, 
besides planting a large number of grai)e vines, etc. 
His house is most admirably situated amid pleasant 
surroundings, while its interior is no less happily 
inviting. Quite a large section of the farm is util- 
ized for agricultural purposes, chieflv" the raising 
of grain and for stock purp)oses. 

Mr. and Mrs. Rickards are members of the Meth- 
o<1ist Episcopal Church, of Beatrice, in which faith 
they are educating their 6ve children. Sociall}-. 
our subject is connected with the G. A. R. and the 
A. F. <fe A. M.. at Beatrice. In piolitical matters 
he is a stalwart Republican, voting for and with 
the party whose cause he sustained at the front 
during 1861-65. 



NOS RISHEL. As a whole Nebraska repre- 
sents one of the most jjerfect climates of any 

Stale in the Union, and from its general 

topographical features affords the most pleasing 
variety of scenery; it is not like the proverbial 
search for a needle in a bale of hay to find a good 
location for a home spot and rooftree. But among 
the most pleasant for situation, beautiful in general 
outline, fertile and productive, is that part of which 
is included in the property- of our subject upon sec- 
tion 1 7 of Sherman Township, which is a farm cul- 



t 



I 



4 



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308 



GAGE COUNTY. 






tivated in the interest of general grain farming, 
altiioiigli some attention is given to stock-raising. 

In Schuylkill County, Pa., was born William 
Rishel, the father of our subject. There he was 
brought up and began to labor, continuing therein 
until he was twenty -sis years of age. At that time 
he went to Clinton County, Ind., where, he still 
resides. His chosen occupation through life has 
been tliat of a blacksmith, which business he has 
followed with much ability and considerable finan- 
cial success. The maiden name of his wife was 
Lyilia Snyder. Their marriage was celebrated in 
Pennsjivania, and immediately afterward they re- 
moved to CiintoTi Count3', Ind. During her life she 
enjoyed, with her husband and familj'.tiie religious 
help and consolation offered in the Lutiieran 
Church. Her death occurred about the j'car 1848. 
Our subject was the second of four children born 
to his parents, of whom only he and his brother 
John are living. His brother is a resident of How- 
ard County, Ind., where ho follows the business of 
a painter. 

Enos Rishel, the subject of this writing, entered 
upon the stage of things mundane in September of 
1844, and made his home with his parents until the 
year 18G7. His youth was occupied in laying a 
broad, solid foundation for his after experience, in 
the shape of a good, practical education, and from 
tiie time of leaving the institution of learning until 
the above date be was occupied in various occupa- 
tions. The years from 1869 to 1876 were spent in 
traveling through the States of Illinois, Missouri, 
Nebraska, Iowa and back home; away again 
through Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, 
back through Ohio to Indiana, down to Missouri 
and back to Illinois and on to Nebraska. He pur- 
chased a quarter of section 17, at $1.50 an acre, in 
May, 18C8, before he started on his journey through 
the East. His father also purchased the adjoining 
quarter-section not long after, for which he paid 
$6.25 per acre, the entire half-section now l)eing 
operated by our subject. He first broke the prai- 
rie on his farm in 1876, finished forty acres, and 
then rented it for $1 per acre. In 1879 he built a 
house, commodious, convenient, and not entire!}' 
lacking in jjoints of embellishment. In the mean- 
time he had been occupied with iuiproving his land ; 



in the year after his entry he broke an additional 
forty acres, and rented the same for one-third grain 
rent, which amounted to $85. The year following 
(IS78) he broke an additional seventy-five acres, 
and rented them upon the same agreement, realiz- 
ing $90. He now superinteuds the work of the 
entire farm and takes great pleasure therein. His 
specialty in stock-raising is large cattle, and in this 
he has had much success, having made a careful 
study of the subject and become perfectly familiar 
with it in its many important practical and neces- 
sary details. 

Not until Jul}', 1883, did our subject forsake the 
lonely' pleasures of bachelordom and seek out a 
companion and helpmate. Lord Beaconsfield, bet- 
ter known to the world at large as Benjamin Dis- 
raeli, upon being twitted in the English Parliament 
by the opposition, quietly remarked. "All things 
come to the man who waits. I can wait." This has 
been the experience of Mr Rishel, and his waiting 
has proved of more value to him than the haste 
of some who figure conspicuouslj', if not pleasantly, 
though certainly more publicly. On the 10th of 
the above month he was united in marriage with 
Sarah Mangus, daughter of William and Catherine 
(Gerst) Mangus, natives of Virginia. The wife of 
our subject was born on the 28th of December, 
1862. in Roanoke County of that State, and came 
to Illinois with her parents when five years of age. 
In 1881 her parents removing to this State, slie ac- 
companied them and here met her husband. Their 
household is completed by two bright, happy chil- 
dren, who are increasingly necessary to that home. 
Tliey have received the names respectively of Mar- 
tin Lutiier and Catherine. 

Mr. Rishel is not a politician, although he has his 
opinion concerning the leading questions of the 
political economy of America, and usually votes 
with tlie Republican party. He endeavors faith- 
fully to i)erform every duty .and bear every respon- 
sibility of a true and loyal citizen, but is naturally 
so constituted as to be numbered among that class 
of men who believe they can serve the State as well 
and faithfully in a faithful attendance upon those 
matters that come to them in the course of business 
or profession, and b}' a faithful attendance to the 
same, and also the faithful discharge of the obliga- 



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JK; 



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GAGE COUNTY. 



311 



1- 



tions arising from the family relation, that in the 
proper training of their children, in the atmosphere 
of home, pure, bracing and healthful, this may be 
best accomplished. Consequently our subject is 
better satisfied to make his home what his ideal 
teaches him it should be, and ui)an his farm so la- 
boring as to supply what may be needed to that 
end, than by a larger devotion to extraneous mat- 
ters. He is none the less respected, admired or 
esteemed because of this course of conduct. 



^^EORGE W. NEWCOM, the Postmaster at 
[|[ ,— -, Pickrell, and whose portrait is given on the 
'^^Jj opposite page, is numbered among the 
younger and more enterprising men of Holt Town- 
ship, and is a universal favorite both in social and 
business circles. Bright, well educated and ener- 
getic, he has the prospect before him of a useful 
and honored career, and possesses the elements es- 
sential to the development of a useful citizen. A 
native of Scotland County, Mo., he was born Aug. 
1, 1852, and when a lad twelve years of age re- 
moved with his parents to Crawford County, Iowa, 
where he attended the common school, and con- 
tinued a member of the parental household until 
his marriage. 

The parents of our subject were Willraan T. and 
Margaretta (Dale) Newcom, natives of Kentucky. 
Willman Is'ewcom left the Blue Grass region early 
in life, and going to Missouri finally engaged in 
farming until his removal to Iowa. He is still liv- 
ing, and a resident of Crawford County, that State. 
The mother is living with her husband. Their fam- 
il}' consisted of ten children, namely: Mary E., 
James T.. John D., Samuel, Clara E.. Richard W., 
George W. (oursubject), Cash W., Louis and Joshua 
D. All are living, having their homes mostiv in 
Iowa. 

Our subject, when twenty-one years of age, led 
to the altar Miss Sarah M., daughter of Ethan A. 
and Elizabetli McKim, the wedding taking place at 
the home of the liride in Denison, Iowa, April 7, 
1874. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Newcom 
settled on a farm in Crawford Count}', Iowa, where 
they lived until changing their rcsi<lence to Pick- 



rell, this count}', where Mr. N. first engaged in the 
lumber and hardwaie trade. His farm in Iowa, 
which he still retains, comprises 211 acres of good 
land, and is quite valuable. On the ICth of De- 
cember, 1886, Mr. Newcom disposed of his lumber 
interests, and now confines himself to his hardware 
trade, in connection with the duties of the post- 
office. He was the first incumbent of this office, 
being appointed by President Cleveland in the 
spring of 1887. He is a lively Democrat, politi- 
cally, and, with his estimable wife, a member in 
good standing of the United Brethren Church. Mrs. 
Newcom is a lady warmly interested in benevolent 
work, and is Treasurer of the Ladies' Aid Society, 
of Pickrell. which was organized in 1 887. 

To the parents of Mrs. Newcom there were born 
the following children: Mary E., James, Sarah M., 
John R. and Eugene. Mr. and Mrs. Newcom have 
two interesting children: Clifton T., born June 19, 
1880, and Marga. Jan. 9, 1887. They occupy a 
snug home in the southwestern part of the village, 
and have many friends. 



c-^-^- 



OSWIN W. HUTCHINSON. In giving to the 
world the steam engine, George Stephenson 
gave it that which has revolutionized civili- 
zation, and affected the whole world. It is at once 
a most helpful mechanism, a powerful agent, a 
might}' factor for good, and a terribly dangerous 
force for destruction and death. Generally speak- 
ing, the safety line, the frontier of the weal and 
woe, the helpful and the harmful, is passed when 
this glorious invention escapes from the controlling 
mind, the guiding hand of the engineer, who for 
this re.ason ha° come to occup}' one of the most im- 
portant trusts of life and treasure the world has ever 
known. In the present sketch is presented an out- 
line of the life of one of Nebraska's substantial 
farmers, whose property is situated on section 7 of 
Sherman Townsliip, and who previously occupied 
the above position on the Milwaukee & St. Paul 
Railroad. 

The father of our subject, James O. Hutchinson, 
was ushered into life in Genesee County, N. Y.. in 
1810, and is still living. By trade he is a saddle 




-<- 



01-' 



GAGE COL'KTY. 



and harness maker, and enjoyed the reputation of 
being a most able and honest worivman. In the 
year 1852 he removed from Genesee County to 
Wisconsin, and settled in Janesville. Eight years 
later he made his home in Evansville of the same 
State, and in 1881 he came to Beatrice in this 
county, where he still resides. The maiden name 
of his wife, the mother of our subject, wiis Julia A. 
Weed, a cousin of Thurlow Weed, of national jour- 
nalistic reputation. This lady was born in 1820. 
She married her husband in Oneida County, N. Y., 
\vhen she was twenty years of age. Her husband 
was one of the old tetotalers. also prominent in the 
order of the Sons of Temperance, and for many 
jears before the war a firm and thorough Abo- 
litionist. They are the parents of three children : 
Our subject; Rosalia, the widow of Martimore 
Faust, residing in Chicago; and Ada, the wife of C. 
V. Chase, of Milwaukee, Wis., who occupies the re- 
sponsible position of business manager for tlie 
Benton, Waldo & Co. Type Foundry. 

The natal day of our subject was Sept. 19, 1840, 
and the place of his birth Verona, Oneida Co., N. 
Y. The first thirteen years of his life were spent at 
home, and occupied from the time he arrived at a 
proper age in the tasks and duties of school life, but 
having attained to that age he commenced to work 
for Mr. C. B. Kellogg, of Janesville, and for two 
years was engaged in selling fruit. At the end of 
that period he began to work for the Milwaukee & 
Trairie du Chien Railroad Company, in the capacity 
of engine cleaner. In this he continued for two 
years, when he was promoted to the position of fire- 
man on the same road, and followed the same for 
three years, when he left that company and engaged 
with the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad as fireman. 
After a service of one 3'ear in this position he was 
promoted to be loco^notive engineer, remaining in 
tiiat position in the service of five different com- 
panies until the year 188G, when he left the service, 
and went out to Wyoming to engage in the prod- 
uce and commission business at Douglas, remain- 
ing there for fourteen months, and then returned 
eastward, and settled in Sherman Townsliip, Gage 
Countj'. 

In 1876 JMr. Hutchinson had been through the 
country, and had purchased the quarter-section 



which is now his home. At that time he built a 
house, made some imjirovements, and broke a por- 
tion of the land. He then left his family upon the 
place, after having made every provision for their 
comfort, while he returned to his duty upon his en- 
gine. For about eight j'ears his salary averaged 
about $1,100 per annum, and about 75 per 
cent has been used upon his farm for its im- 
provement, cultivation, and the thousand and one 
things daily called for under such circumstances. 

Our subject was united in marriage with Frances 
Maynard, in tlie year 1859. This lady was a direct 
descendant of the family of that name who in other 
days played no unimportant part in the history of 
Virginia. She was born in Virginia in 1843, and 
after a wedded life that was practically without a 
domestic cloud throughout its entire course of eight 
years, died, at Logansport, Ind., in 1868. She 
presented her husband with three children, who 
are still living. They received the following names: 
Eva May, Dora L. and Oswin S. A second alli- 
ance was entered into in 1861), by which he became 
the husband of Marietta Ginger, daughter of James 
and Emeline (Randall) Ginger, who are descended 
from a long line of ancestry of Southern families. 
This most estimable lady was born on the I'Jth of 
June, 1850, at Pennville, Jay Co., Ind. Here both 
her father and mother died, about the years 1861 
and 1886. They were the parents of five children, 
all of whom are living, and whose names are re- 
corded as follows: Alberta, of New Cumberland, 
Ind.; Frank M., who is by occupation a printer; 
Esther R.. the wife of David Walters, of Dunkirk, 
Ind.; Amanda, now Mrs. Ciiarles Ward, also of 
Dunkirk; and Marietta, the wife of our subject, 
who has become the mother of two children — James 
O. and Mortimer C. Eva May Hutchinson is now 
the wife of Frank Allison, of Colby, Kan. ; Oswin 
S. is still at home; and Dora L., in St. Joseph, Mo. 

Our subject has been for many years a member 
of the Democratic party, but has become one of the 
Union Labor party, and stands readj- to help his 
colleagues in every way in his power. Socially, he 
is connected with the Masonic fraternity, .and is a 
member of both the Blue Lodge and Chapter. He 
is also one of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engi- 
neers, and in each instance enjoys the entire confi- 



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GAGE COUNTY. 



313 



deuce ami respect of liis lifL^tliren. The path of life 
lias been to him as checkereil as the temple llnor; it 
has been marl<oil by its lips and downs, its pros- 
perity and adversity, but of late j-ears has been 
more even in its tenor, and remunerative in its re- 
turns. 

The house Mr. Hutchinson moved into on quit- 
ting the dug-out is a good, commodious residence. 
In connection therewith, and powerful enough to 
supi>ly his farm buildings, is a magnificent wind-mill 
pump, by which quite a system of water works is 
maintained. He has an excellent orchard, con- 
sisting of no less than 600 trees of excellent grade, 
and different varieties, also a grove of not less 
than 2,000 forest and shade trees. His specialty 
would seem to be to incline to stock-raising, of 
which he has quite a large number of all kinds, 
more especially, however, cattle and hogs. .\t the 
|)resent time his success in life permits him to 
enjoy in the esteem and confidence of his friends 
and the happy results of his labors, perliaps the 
most bright, peaceful and prosperous time of his 
whole life. 



J "I OHN G. BURGER, late a highly respected 
i resident and one of the most thrifty and 
successful farmers of Grant Township, de- 
parted this life at his home on .section 6, 
June 3, 1884. He was born in one of the Rhine 
Provinces of Germany, June 24, 1838, being the 
offspring of one of the most excellent families of 
that region. His father died there in middle life, 
and the mother subsequently, in 1865, came to 
America with her little family, locating in Grundy 
County, III. One of the elder sons had preceded 
the family to that section two j'cars before. They 
settled upon a tract of land, and there the mother 
spent the remainder of her life, her death taking 
pkce in 1882 at the advanced .age of eighty-three 
years. She became the wife of Michael Burger in 
their native Province. 

The subject of this sketch was the fourth son of 
his parents, and accompanied his mother to the 
United States, settling with her in Grundy County, 
111. There also he was first married to Miss Marga- 
retta Rainensader, who died si.x years later, leaving 



two children, who soon followed the mother to the 
silent land. In 1872 Mr. Burger was again mar- 
ried in Grundy County, 111., to Miss Minnie Iluett- 
ner, a native of his own Province in Germany, and 
born Sept. 5, 1850. This lady came to the United 
States alone when a young woman, having been 
orphaned by the death of both her parents. She 
possessed great resolution and industry, and main- 
tained herself until her marriage. She proved in 
all respects the efHcient helpmate of her husband, 
and since his death has carried on the operations of 
the farm with extraordinarily good judgment and 
discretion. 

To John G. and Minnie Burger there were born 
four children — Barbara M., Mary M., John G., Jr., 
and George F. The eldest is fifteen years of age, 
and the youngest five. Thej' are well developed in 
body and mind, hearty, healthy and intelligent, and 
there is every reason to believe will grow up an 
honor to their parental training. 

Mr. and Mrs. Burger left Illinois in 1877, taking 
up their abode upon 160 acres of land in Grant 
Township, this county, which still remains the home 
of Mrs. B. To the improvement and upbuilding 
of this homestead they bent their energies, and the 
estate is now one of the most desirable in its local- 
ity. The death of Mr. Burger was the result of a 
cancer of the stomach, from which he suffered 
greatly for many months. In his character he com- 
prised all the elements of a worthy and reliable citi- 
zen, and in politics was a sound Republican. A 
man in whom the community possessed entire con- 
fidence, he has left to his family the heritage of 
a good name, one of which they need never he 
ashamed. Mrs. Burger and her children are mem- 
bers in good standing of the Lutheran Church. 

AMUEL S. SANDERS. There is perhaps 
not within the bounds of Adams Township 
a more popular citizen or one who better 
deserves his standing among the people of 
this section of country. Of sturdy New Englaml 
ancestry, he is the son of Caleb Sanders, a native 
of Vermont, whose grandfather carried a musket in 
the War of IS 12. His grcat-grandf.ather w.as a 

■► 




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314 



GAGE COUNTY. 



•Mh^ 



Scotchman, and crossed the Atlantic in time to 
participate in the struggle of the Americans for 
freedom, doing good service under the famous 
Gen. Ethan Allen, in the Revolutionary "War. He 
married, and reared a fine family of sons and 
daughters, and spent his last years in Vermont. 

Caleb Sanders, the father of our subject, was 
reared to manhood among the hills of the Green 
Mountain State, and finally migrated to Indiana, 
where lie formed the acquaintance of and was mar- 
ried to a Miss Gregory. He was of a professional 
turn of mind, and in due time toolc up the i)ractice 
of medicine, which he followed both in Indiana and 
Illinois, the scene of his operations in the latter 
State being mostly in Hancock County. He became 
well known to the profession in the two States, and 
was quite successful as a jihysician and surgeon. 
This experience of his life embraced a period of 
fifty years, twenty of which were spent in Hancock 
County, 111. He, with his estimable wife, spent his 
Last days in Nebraska. 

The subject of this sketch was the youngest of 
nine children, six sous and three daughters, born to 
his parents, and first opened his ej'cs to the light in 
Shelijy County, Ind., Dec. 26, 1849. He was about 
one year old when his parents took up tbeir resi- 
dence in Hancock County, 111., and continued with 
tbem until a boy of twelve, and until the year 
following the outbreak of the late Civd AVar. In 
February, 1862, a company of cavalry was organ- 
ized at Basco, 111., and j'oung Sanders enlisted as a 
Union soldier, becoming a member of Company G, 
as a regular cavalryman, being large for his age, 
which was twelve years, one month and fourteen 
days. He repaired with his comrades to Camp 
Butler, on the outskirts of Springfield, drilled regu- 
larly witb the men, but was finally discharged on 
account of his youth, and sent home. Bound to be 
a soldier, however, and determined to assist in the 
preservation of the Union, our hero the year fol- 
lowing again enlisted, Feb. 1, 1863, in Company 
D, 7th Iowa Cavalry, and, as before, was the 
youngest man in his regiment. A year, however, 
had added material!}' to his growth, and little 
objection was raised to his position as a soldier. 
This companj' was drilled at Davenport, and after 
a time sent to Ft. Kearney, on the frontier, to do 



battle with the Indians. Young Sanders partici- 
pated in several desper.ate fights with the savages, 
the first being at Mud Springs, where 3,000 red- 
skins were whipped b}' a force of ninet}' soldiers. 
The next engagement was at Rush Creek, where 
the United States troops left dead upon the field 
175 savages and also suffered the loss of a large 
number of their own men. They now fell back to 
Ft. Laramie, where the forces were recruited, and 
set out again for the further subjugation of the 
savage foe. At Horse Creek, in Wyoming Terri- 
tory', out of thirty-five men detailed from Company 
D, only nine came out unhurt. This was the last 
engagement of the troops in that region, although 
the}' remained there about a year afterward. 

During his army experience in the Far West 
Mr. Sanders made the acquaintance of the famous 
scouts. Bridger and Bowman, and contracted with 
the former a warm friendship. His sojourn in that 
part of the country gave him a fine opportunity of 
visiting its most important places of interest, and 
proved a valuable experience. He traveled exten- 
sively over Colorado, Dakota, and the region of the 
Black Hills. He received bis honorable discharge 
from the army May 17, 1866, at Leavenworth, 
Kan., at the age of sixteen years, and returning 
home, he applied himself to learning the tr.ade of a, 
carpenter during the summer, while he attended 
school during the winter season. This trade he 
took up readily, having much natural ability in this 
line, and became an expert artisan, taking much 
pride in the thoroughness and correctness of his 
work. 

As a carpenter Mr. Sanders was engaged for 
some years in the cities of Ottumwa, Agency and 
Farragut. On the 2d of July, 1868, occurred one 
of the most important and interesting events of bis 
life, namely, his marriage, the maiden of bis choice 
being Miss Marsella, daughter of Samuel Park, of 
Ottumwa, one of the most prosperous merchants of 
that place. Mrs. Sanders was born in Alexan- 
dria, Licking Co., Ohio, March 23, 1 849, and re- 
moved with her parents to Iowa when a young 
child five or six years of age. Her mother, Mrs. 
Anna (Barrack) Park, died in Ohio about 1852, 
and Mr. Park was again married, his wife only 
living a few years afterward. Mr. Park was married 
— — ^ ^ 



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GAGE COUNTY. 



315 



twice thereafter. Of his second union there were 
born six children, narael}': an infant who died 
unnamed; Charles B., Leander, Horatio, Angelia 
and Marsella. Of the third three children, and of 
the fourth two. He caine with his family to Davis 
County, Iowa, in the fall of 1854, making tlic 
journej' overland with a wagon and a team of 
horses. He was a man of industrj' and energ}-, 
and battled successfully with the elements of a new 
countrj-, building up a good homestead, and in- 
augurating various enterprises of importance, in- 
cluding the building and operation of a saw and 
grist mill, and at the same time carrj-ing on his farm 
in a skillful and praiseworthy manner. In politics 
he was a strong Republican. His two sons, Horatio 
and Leander, served as soldiers in the Union army 
during tlie late war. 

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Sanders came 
to the homestead in Adams Township, which the}' 
now occup3', and which our subject had taken up 
previous to his projected change in life. The 3'oung 
people commenced housekeeping in a "dug-out," 
and declare they spent some of the happiest days of 
their lives there. During the following winter Mr. 
S. constructed a log house, hewing ever}' stick of 
timber himself and lajMng them in place. Ash and 
Cottonwood trees furnished the material, some of 
them dressing twenty-sis inches. 

In 1874 our subject sold lialf of iiis land, leaving 
eighty acres for his own use. Upon coming to this 
count}-, in the fall of 18G.S, he was|i400 in debt. He 
has prospered finely, clearing his propert}' of incum- 
brance, building a tasteful and commodious two- 
storj' frame house, and adding from time to time the 
other structures necessary to his use and conveni- 
ence. The home is also embellished with a grove of 
beautiful trees, embracing maples, Cottonwood, ash 
and caUilpa. and he has an acre planted to apple 
trees. He has also an acre of the smaller fruits. 
In connection with farming and carpentering Rlr. 
Sanders has made a good record as a stock-raiser. 

The family of our subject and his excellent wife 
includes six children, namely: Angelia, Albert, 
Nellie. Cora, Jennie and .John, all at home with 
their parents. Mr. and Mrs. S. are members in 
good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
at Adams, and our subject is prominently identi- 

4* 




fied with the I. O. O. F., of Adams, having occu- 
pied important otlices, being elected a delegate to 
the Grand Lodges at Lincoln and Omaha. He is 
also an Officer of the Day, and Past Commander in 
the G. A. R. He cast his first Presidential vote 
for Gen. Grant, when he was elected to his second 
term, and h.as alwa}'s been a firm supporter of 
Repulilican principles. Few people in this vicinit}' 
are more widely known than Mr. Sanders and his 
amiable wife, and none are more thoroughly re- 
spected. The lady who could make even a "dug- 
out" a place of comfort and pleasure, deserves more 
than a passing thought in connection with the his- 
tory of the pioneers of Nebraska. 



ILLIAM STEINMEYER, a representative 
f.armer and stock-raiser of Clatonia Town- 
ship, is comfortably located on section 28i 
where he is pursuing the even tenor of his way. en- 
gaged in general agriculture. A native of the Ger- 
man Empire, he was born in Hanover, in July, 
1839, aud is the son of Henrj' and Elizabeth (Fra- 
diker) Steinmeyer, who were also of (Jerman birth 
and parentage. 

When a j'outh of eighteen years, and after com- 
pleting an excellent education in his native tongue, 
our subject emigrated with his parents to America, 
taking passage on a sailing-vessel at the port of 
Bremen. After an ocean voyage of about eight 
weeks thej' landed in the city of Baltimore, and 
thence proceeded to Scioto County, Ohio. Here 
our subject resided a number of years, but in 
the fall of 1865 resolved to see something of the 
farther West. Coming to Otoe County, this Stiite, 
he tarried a brief time in Nebr.aska City, and thence 
came, in the spring of 1866, to this count}'. The 
land of this region impressed him favorably, and 
he accordingly homesteaded 1 GO .acres, of which he 
has retained possession until the present time. It 
bore little resemblance to its condition to-day, the 
plowshare having never passed over it. and not a 
l)uilding erected for the shelter of either man or 
beast. Mr. Steinmeyer, however, w.as prepared for 
this state of things, and after seeking a temporary 
home, began to gather together implements for the 



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316 



GAGE COUNTY. 



eullivalidi! of tlie soil and entered upon the'task be- 
fore him. The farm which the i)assing traveler ob- 
serves to-day with interest indicates the success 
nhich has attended the labors of our subject. He 
has now a fine, productive tract of land, provided 
with good buiklings and all the other conveniences 
suggested to the progressive agriculturist. His 
family consists of his wife and six interesting chil- 
dren, the latter named respectively: Sophia, born 
April 11, 1873; Henry, April 13, 1878; Annie, 
Feb. y, 1881; Benjamin, Jan. 27, 1883; William, 
April 5, 1885; and Jennie, Feb. 16, 1887. A son 
and daughter, John and Ella, died when two and 
one-half months and two and one-half years old, 
respectively. 

Mr. Steinmeyer was married, in February, 1870, 
to Miss Louise Schlick, a native of Prussia, who 
emigrated with her sister to the United States when 
about seventeen years old. Her parents were Henry 
and Mary (Tearaann) Schlick, and are now deceased. 
Mr. Steinmeyer was one of the organizers of the Ger- 
man Methodist Episcopal Church in his township, 
and has always given to it a cordial and generous 
support. He votes the straight Republican ticket, 
aud has been a member of the School Board of his 
district for a number of years. The native of an 
Empire having among its laws that of compulsory 
education, he believes in giving to the rising gen- 
eration the advantages which will make of them 
intelligent, honest, law-abiding citizens. In the 
spring of 1887 he was elected Treasurer of Clatouia 
Township, and re-elected in the spring of 1838. He 
is one of the most worthy representatives of that 
nationality which has done so much toward the de- 
velopment of the Great West. 






-J- 





ALLISON McHUGH was born in Mc- 
Lean County, III., a sou of William and 
Margaret J. (Barton) McHugh. The father 
was a native of IMonroe County, Ohio, hav- 
ing been born on the 2Gth of July, 1827, and re- 
maining in his native State until the year 1854, 
when he moved to Illinois. The mother was a native 
of Clarion County, Pa., from which place she went 
to Ohio with her parents, Joseph A. and Lavina 

4* 



Barton, when a mere girl. They were married by 
the Ilev. R. Armstrong, at the home of the bride's 
father, on the loth of December, 1853. They were 
granted a family of four children, our subject the 
eldest, his birth occurring on the 8th of December, 
1854; Anna L., M. Josephine and Mira E. These 
children were bei'eaved of a mother's kindly care 
and sympathy, her death occurring at their home 
in Illinois, on the 26th of March, 1868. She was 
a much esteemed member of the Presbyterian 
Church. 

The father of our subject was again married, on 
the 29th of March, 1870, to Margaret J. Slone, and 
they had one child, W. Slone. Airs. McHugh's 
father, John Slone, of Clarion County, Pa., rep- 
resented his district in the State Legislature of 
Pennsylvania, and was quite an active and distin- 
guished politican, though not an office-seeker. The 
father of our subject departed this life on the 28th 
of August, 1882, in Illinois, his death having been 
preceded by that of his second wife, which oc- 
curred on tlie 16th of October, 1879. He and his 
second wife were also members of the Presbyterian 
Church, Although very much of a politican and 
greatly interested in political affairs, he refused to 
accept anj' office placed at his disposal except that 
of County Supervisor, being in ill-health and un- 
willing to assume the responsibilities of office. He 
served as Superintendent of the Sabbath-school 
some nine years or more, the outgrowth of which 
Sabbath-school resulted in the organization of a 
flourishing church in his neighborhood. He and 
his two wives died triumphantly in the faith, hav- 
ing been devout and sincere Christians. 

The sisters of our subject are living, with the 
exception of Mira E., who departed this life on the 
15th of January, 1885. She, though young, being 
only about twenty years of age, was willing to go, 
feeling that such was the will of her Redeemer whom 
she had served faithfully', and that He had provided 
a home for her. 

Our subject has a fine farm of 160 acres on sec- 
tion 15, Sicily Township, which is in a fine state of 
cultivation, adorned with buildings and modern 
improvements. His sister Josie and brother Slone 
are making their home with him on the farm, .and 
there is no more pleasing sight than that afforded 



r 



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GAGE COUNTY. 



317 



by the dwelling together in peace and harmony of 
brothers and sisters of a family. They are all 
members of the Prcsbj'terian Church, the church of 
their |)arents, and politically-, the famih' ranks with 
the Republican party. Our subject received his 
earlier education in the district schools, and after- 
ward he and his sisters attended the Normal Uni- 
versitj' of Illinois, and two terms at the Wcsleyan 
Universitj', of IJloomington. 

For his example our sul)ject has had that of a 
worthy and esteemed parent to follow, his religious 
counsel and consistent Christian life being alto- 
gether worthy of imitation, and the interest which 
he manifested in the welfare of his country, unstim- 
ulated b3- a desire for his own self-advancement or 
self-aggrandizement, are worth}' of the highest en- 
comium that can be passed upon a liberal-minded 
man. 

J'OHN M. CHENEY is a son of John and 
Hannah (Valentine) Chenej', the former a 
native of Virginia, and the latter of New 
Jersey. They were married in Ohio and 
moved to Logan County, that State, in which place 
the}' became the parents of eleven children. The 
father died in Logau County, when the subject of 
our sketch was but three years old, and he was de- 
prived of the devoted care of his mother in 1876. 
He was born on the 8th of April, 1833, and re- 
mained in his native county until he was fifteen 
years old, at which time he moved with his mother's 
family to Rock Island County, III., in which pl.ace 
his mother died. 

Having so early been deprived of the protection 
and care of his father, our subject was early taught 
to depend upon himself, and thus those sterling 
qualities of manhood, self-reliance and industry, 
were early developed in his boyhood d.ays and have 
since characterized his course through life. In 
187G he went to Nodaway County, Mo., where he 
made his home until March of 1883, after which he 
spent one year in Pawnee County, and in 1884 he 
moved on his farm on section 11, Island Grove 
Township, this county. He purchased eighty .acres 
of land not very well improved. He has recently 



sold his farm and will move from it in a short 
time, hut will not leave the county. 

On the ICith of August, 1855, our subject was 
united in marri.age with Miss Susan Long, the 
daughter of John and Susan (Shirley) Long, who 
were born in Armstrong County, Pa. They went 
to Rock Island County, III., in the year 1854, and 
the mother died in Island Grove Township on the 
27th of March, 1888. The father still survives, and 
makes his home with our subject. Mrs. Cheney 
was born in Armstrong County, Pa., on the Cth of 
March, 1835, .and w.as married to our subject in 
Rock Island County. III. They have six children, 
of whom Perry L. resides in Graham, Mo.; Elsie 
A. died on the 31st of July, 1887; Robert N.. Ida 
M., Lula G. and Hannah B. are at home with their 
parents. Elsie A. was married to Junius Preston, 
of Illinois, July 23, 1884, and died July 31, 1887, 
at her home in Pawnee County, Neb. Perry L. was 
married to Miss Kate Young, in Missouri, May 28, 
1881 ; they have no children, and reside at Graham, 
Mo. 

Mr, Cheney favors the Democratic political or- 
ganization with his influence and his vote, and is 
a public-spirited and enterprising citizen. The 
public have shown their appreciation of his manly 
and sterling qualities by electing him to the office 
of Treasurer of the township; while a resident of 
Illinois he was Road Overseer and School Trustee. 



ENRY BOLLER is a prominent farmer and 
stock-raiser of Highland Township, residing 
on section 10. He was born in Holstein, 
V^i Germany, July 13, 1842, and is a son of 
Henry and Louisa Boiler, who were both natives 
of the same country. Of the ten children born to 
his p.arents he is the only one who came to this 
country. He w.as reared to manhood in Germany, 
and received a good German education, to which 
he has since added a fair knowledge of the English 
language. In the fall of 1808 he decided to come 
to America, for which purpose he took passage at 
Hamburg in a sailing-vessel, and after a voyage of 
ninety days, in which the vessel was delayed by 
severe storms, he landed in New York City. He 



i 



<*^K-* 




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GAGE COUNTY. 



went flircetly to Benton County, Iowa, where he 
rented a farm and lived for seven years, and in 
that place he was married, on the 23d of July, 
] S73, to Miss Louisa Muller, also a native of Ger- 
many, by whom he has eight children, named : 
"William, Emma, Herman, Sophia, Caroline. Henry, 
Carl and John. 

In the spring of 1878, with his familj', our sub- 
ject removed from Iowa to this countj% where he 
has since made his home. He owns 160 acres of 
land, which he has greatly improved, and on which 
he has erected good and substantial buildings. 
When lie landed in Xew York City after his long 
ocean vo3-age he had but $o, and from that small 
beginning he has made his present valuable prop- 
erty, having endured much hard labor, and exer- 
cised economy and the most careful management 
of his resources. He certainly deserves much credit, 
and has cause to feel gratified on account of his 
eminent success, it being made possible only by 
Ci.ntinued industrj', self-reliance and much patience. 

Sir. and Mrs. Boiler are active members of the 
Lutheran Church, and their family is highly es- 
teemed as intelligent and progressive, our subject 
being classed among the German representative 
citizens of the township. He is a member of the 
Democratic political party, and is in favor of the 
institutions by which the country may be improved 
and the welfare of societ}" secured. He is a mem- 
ber of the Agricultural Society of Buda Precinct, 
Lancaster County, and in his experience as a suc- 
cessful farmer he has been able to acquire quite a 
fund of knowledge concerning the most approved 
manner of conducting the labors of a farm, which 
makes him a valuable member of the society. 



»ns4 



• acwrsHJEH'SH 



'■■''^ ^'■'^^'^' ■'■'-^- 




^jiLMOND L. BURGESS is widely known 
(@!OI through the county as a prosperous and 
enterprising general farmer, who has occu- 
pied his highly cultivated farm on section 
27 of Grant Township for over twenty years, having 
settled upon it in 1867. It is 160 acres in extent, 
and is well improved, and upon it is a good, com- 
modious, pleasantly' situated farm dwelling, and 

4* 



also a substantial and complete set of the various 
farm buildings requisite to its successful operation. 

Our subject is a native of Wisconsin, at d was 
born in Racine County on the 23d of March, 1844. 
He is the eldest son and child of Nehemiah and 
Sophia (Woodman) Burgess, both natives of New 
York State, where they were educated and brought 
up. Both came to Wisconsin about the time they 
attained their majority, were married in Racine 
County in the year 1843, continued to reside there 
until 1868, and then came to Nebraska, where 
their son, our subject, had preceded them a few 
months, and established a home. The father went 
to reside upon his own farm, where he made 
his home until his death, in 1875, when he was 
fifty-nine years of age. His father was Robert 
Burgess, a native of New York State, but for many 
years owner of a sawmill in Wisconsin, where he 
died. The wife of Nehemiah Burgess is yet living 
with her children, and is sixty-five years of age. 
She has all her life been a devout member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Our subject received his education in Racine 
County, and lived there until he attained the estate 
of manhood, and from the close of school daj's was 
a farmer. Not very long after he came to this 
State he m.ade the acquaintance of Miss Araminta 
Claybourn, a native of Michigan, and daughter of 
Thomas and Margaret (Kinzie) Claj-bourn. One 
of the sad events in the early history of the town- 
ship was the death of her father, which occurred in 
1866. During the afternoon he had gone over to 
see a neighbor, and started about sundown to re- 
turn; he was caught in a blizzard, lost his way and 
wandered hither and thither, and was finally found 
three miles from home, but frozen to death. He 
died while in the full vigor and prime of manhood. 
His wife, who is now over seventy years of age, 
is still a resident of Grant Township, making her 
home with her children. 

After his marriage our subject began life as a 
farmer, and has so continued ever since. During 
the late Civil War, and previous to coming to Ne- 
braska, he enlisted in Company G, 2d Wisconsin 
Cavalry, and went with his regiment to the South 
and Southwest. The regiment suffered very much 
while in Texas, where they were compelled to 



,L 








fr.i^i 



I- . 



^ m^^^*^"^*&-% t4-3t^S^T H^ 





Residence OF Robert G. Gilmore . Sec. 28. Highland Township. 




i|3^^a|^fcAfe^l^|^^.£^^ 



RE51DEMCE0F R. F. HENDERSON , 5 EC. 21. N EM AH A ToWNSHIF. 




ReSIDENCEOF H. H. 5l EVER 5eC . 6 . HlOn lmuu Mfj^.s^m r 



4* 



GAGE COUNTY. 



321 



4* 



nifirch and fight on half rations and could obtain 
only very poor water. The regiment was chiefly 
nsed to chase bushwhackers, and our subject es- 
ca|)ed in every combat unhurt, and at the close of 
his term of service w.ts lionorably discliarged and 
returned iiome. 

Mr. and Mi's. Burgess are members of the Church 
of Latter-Day .Saints, and in it arc held in high re- 
gard. In his political sentiments our subject is a 
Republican, and has so continued since he was old 
enough to vote. He has ahva3's been a friend of 
good morals, giving his iiearly support to move- 
ments that were calculated to help tlie township or 
eountj', and is generally recognized as a mucli- 
valued citizen. Mrs. Burgess' family came and 
settled in Nebraska in the summer of 18G0, when 
tlierc were only three families within eight miles. 



ORACK C. BARMORK. In January, i 865. 
the gentleman whose name stands at the 
head of this sketch homesteaded 160 acres 
(^)) of land on section 33. Adams Township, 
and since that time has made this place continu- 
ously his home. At the time he took possession it had 
little resemblance to its present state, there being 
then not even a shelter for his family, and none 
of the comforts and conveniences for which it is 
now so conspicuous. Mr. and Mrs. Barraore came 
to Nebraska from Berrien Count}-. Mich., making 
the journe}' overland in the fall of the year, with 
a wagon and horses, and bringing with them their 
two ciiildren. They started out on the 20th of 
October, and landed in Nemaha Township on the 
23d of December following. They lived with the 
father of Mrs. Barmore that winter, and as soon as 
the season had moderated suHiciently, our subject 
set about the establishment of their future home 
in a new and untried region. 

Tlie first l)usiness of Mr. Barmore, after securing 
a claim to a portion of the soil of Nebr.iska, was to 
provide suitable quarters for his family. Their 
first dwelling on their own land was a log house, 
and they were beset with the difficulties common 
to the people of a new settlement. They had 
'•come to staj-," however, and were not to be 



turned from tlieir purpose by any ordinarj' event. 
Mr. B. commenced to till the soil and to surround 
himself graduallj' with those comforts and con- 
veniences essential to a well-ordered homestead 
and the health and happiness of the familj'. In this 
labor of love he was most earnestly seconded by 
the heart}' co-operation of one of the best and 
most intelligent of women, and the result has been 
that which one would most naturall}' expect. They 
have now one of the most desirable homes in the 
township, are honored and respected b}' their neigh- 
bors, and have yielded no small measure of assist- 
ance in the building up of their adopted county 
and assuring its reputation as one of the most in- 
telligent communities of the West. 

Mr. Barmore is the offspring of a good family, 
his father having been Adna, and his mother Abi- 
gail (Dart) Barmore, natives of Genesee County, 
N. Y., whore they were reared and married. They 
resided there afterward for a time, and then re- 
moved to Cattaraugus County, where they lived for 
a period of twenty years. In 1844 they removed 
to LaPorte County, Ind., and thence, in 1847, to 
Berrien County, Mich., where they spent the re- 
mainder of their lives, the father dying in 1876, 
at the age of seventy-four years, and the mother 
in 1883, aged eighty-two. They were the parents 
of three children, who lived to mature j-ears, viz : 
Elfinda; Horace C, of our sketch, and Edwin C. 
The brother resides in Cortland, and the sister is 
now in Berrien County, Mich. 

Horace C. Barmore was boi-n in Randolph Town- 
ship, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., Dec. 23, 1829. His 
home being among the timber regions, the schools 
were few and far between, he having to travel one 
and one-half miles to the temple of learning to se- 
cure the rudiments of his education. He was a lad 
fifteen j-ears of age when his parents went to Indi- 
ana, and eighteen when they left there for Michi- 
gan. Our subject developed into manhood in 
Berrien Count}', the latter .State, and there also met 
and married his present wife. The maiden name 
of this lady was Mary I. Curtiss, and she was the 
daughter of William and Laura (Merrick) Curtiss, 
both natives of Willington, Tolland Co., Conn. 
After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Curtiss removed to 
Cliautanqua County, N. Y., where the father, who 



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322 



GAGE COUNTY. 



was a teacher by profession, followeil his vocation 
in the city schools of Buffalo. He was also in- 
terested in otiier business, anil more than ordina- 
rily capable and intelligent. 

The parents of Mrs. Barniore about 1843 re- 
moved to Indiana, but the health of the father 
becoming greatly impaired, he went to California 
in 1851, returning sixteen months afterward greatly 
improved. In 1801 the family came to this State, 
then a Territory, and settled upon a homestead 
tract, the patent of which was No. 14, and signed 
by Abraham Lincoln. That document, now in 
possession of Benjamin Hornby, could not be pur- 
chased for scarcely any sum of money. Mr. Cur- 
liss was at once recognized as a valued addition to 
the community and tlie county, and in 1878 was 
elected to the Nebraska Legislature. His serious 
illness, however, prevented his ever taking his seat, 
and he passed away on the 17th of March, 1879, at 
the age of seventy-seven years. Mrs. Curtiss sur- 
vived her husband seven years, dying at the home 
of her daughter in 1885, when eighty-two years 
old. 

To the parents of Mrs. Barmore there were born 
six children, two sons and four daughters. Three 
only are now living: Mary Irena, Austin William 
and Harriet E. Mrs. B. was born at Barcelona, 
Chautauqua Co., N. Y., on the shores of Lake 
Erie, Dec. 22, 1831. She pursued her first studies 
in the excellent schools of Westfield, in her native 
county, but when a little girl ten years of age they 
removed to Indiana. The mother then being in- 
capacitated for continuing the charge of the house- 
hold, this duty fell upon her daughter Mary, and 
the studies of the latter thereafter were pursued 
at home by the light of the evening lamp after the 
duties of the day were over. So thorough, how- 
ever, had been the previous training of the child, 
that with the assistance and encouragement of her 
father she made good headway, and a few years 
later taught in the district schools of LaPorte 
County. 

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Barmore set- 
tled in Berrien Count3', Mich., where our subject 
carried on farming, and where they remained until 
coming to Nebraska. Among the other improve- 
ments effected around their homestead is a fine I 



orchard of 100 apple trees in good bearing condi- 
tion, and a gi-ove of Cottonwood trees which afforfis 
shade in summer and protection from the blasts of 
winter. Mr. and Mrs. B. have kept pace with the 
growth of the country, interesting themselves in 
its welfare, and giving their hearty support and en- 
C(juragement to the enterprises set on foot for tiie 
general good of the community. The warm friends 
of tcmi)erance, they have labored for its advance- 
ment many years, and are members in good stand- 
ing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Bar- 
more politically is a progressive Republican, but on 
account of the cause of temperance is now identi- 
fied with the Prohibitionists. He has been School 
Treasurer in his district for the long period of 
twenty 3'ears. He voted for the adoption of the 
State Constitution, and has served on the Petit 
Jury. 

The household circle of our subject and his 
wife includes the following children: The eldest 
daughter, Carrie, a bright and intelligent young 
lady, is teaching in the schools in this county; 
Frank married Miss Mary Br^'son, and is farming 
in Logan County, Col.; Adna W. is engaged on a 
stock r.anch near Greeley, Col. ; Charles L. resides 
in Phillips County, Kan.; Walter H. and Florence 
are at home with their parents. These children 
have inherited the good qualities of both parents, 
and the latter may be pardoned for the pride with 
which thej' natural!}' regard them. 



PREDERICK BINTZ is a worthy citizen of 
• Highland Township, residing on section 23, 
where he is actively engaged in farming and 
stock-raising. He was born on the 10th of April, 
1857, in Hessen, German}', and is a son of John 
and Elizabeth Bintz, who are natives of the same 
country. Our subject was reared in his native 
country until he reached his eighteenth year, and 
received a fairly good education in both the En- 
glish and German languages. In the spring of 
1874, having decided to come to America, he took 
passage on a steamer which left the port of Ant- 
werp, and after a voy.age of twelve days arrived in 
the harbor of New York City. His parents are 



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GAGE COUNTY. 



323 



now residing in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, and 
of tlif seven children wiio compiised tiieir family 
six are now living, and make their homes in the 
following places: Elizabeth is the wife of Adolph 
Sass, of Livingston County, III.; Philip, George 
and Julia are in Iowa, and Frederick and John in 
Highland Township, this county. Catherine is the 
name of the daughter now deceased. 

On the arrival of our subject in America he came 
west to Illinois, making his home in Livingston 
County for one j-ear, and engaged in working on a 
farm, after which he went to Cass County, Iowa, 
where he remained for a time engaged in liis former 
occupation. He then changed his residence to 
Pottawattamie Count}', of the same .State, where he 
lived for several years, and during the last four 
years of his residence tliere he rented a farm and 
assumed the management of it. By this time he 
had accumulated a sufficient amount of monej' to 
enable him to start in business for himself, so in 
the spring of 1885 he came to this county, and pur- 
cliased eighty acres of land in Highland Township, 
on which lie has since made his home. He has 
made most of the improvements on his farm, has 
erected a good house, barn, and the necessary farm 
buildings, and in various ways, by his industry, 
perseverance and good management, has he in- 
creased the value as well as the appearance of his 
land. 

On the 1st of September, 1885, the gentleman of 
whom we write was united in marriage with Miss 
Catherine Foisch, a daughter of John C. Fotsch, of 
Muscatine, Iowa. She was born in Switzerland, in 
the month of April, 1860, and made her home with 
her parents, in Illinois, until the time of her mar- 
riage. Her mother died iu the year 1887. To 
Mr. and Jlrs. Bintz htis been born one child, named 
Jacob, whose birth occurred on the 12th of Janu- 
ary, 1887. They are well and comfortably situated 
in their ple.isant home, and are rapidly becoming 
known as successful farmers, paying close attention 
to their agricultural labors, which are facilitated by 
the use of new and improved stj'les of implements. 

Our subject and his wife are esteemed members 
of the German Methodist Episcopal Church, of 
Cortland, and are active and highl}- respected mem- 
bers of societ}'. The former is a Republican in 



politics, but in local matters he generally lends his 
influence tow.ard the election of competent men, 
irrespective of party, believing tiiat the Govern- 
ment can l)e better intrusted to men of ability and 
honor than to the administration of any one party. 
He is now serving his second year as Overseer of 
Higliwa^'s, and is the present Treasurer of his 
school district, coming prominently' to the front in 
matters of education and general improvement. In 
the short time of his resilience here he has proved 
himself a loyal citizen, and has taken an active 
interest in the elevation of societj' and the advance- 
ment of the public institutions. 



,^^HRISTIAN HAFERLAND is one of the 
,l( representative Germans who came to Amer- 

^^^ ica with comparatively little means, but 



by perseverance and self-reliance has gathered 
about him many of the comforts and luxuries 
which pertain to this life, and by his manly bearing 
has won the approval and esteem of his friends and 
neighbors. Our subject was born in Germany, on 
the 22d of June, 1836, and he remained in his na- 
tive country until he was about thirty-three years 
old. He received his education and was married 
in that countrj' to Miss Dora T. Brower, on the 
26th of December, 1855. One daughter, Emma, 
and one son, William, were born to them there, and 
in 1869 they decided to come to America, making 
the voyage ou the steamship "Germany" in four- 
teen days. 

Our subject and his family reached the harbor of 
New York on the 10th of June, and immediately 
after their arrival they started for Illinois, arriving 
in AVoodford County on the 15th of the same 
month. During the first year he worked by the 
month on a railroad, and eiigaged in whatever 
occupation he could secure lucrative remuneration. 
He then rented a farm, and began the occupation 
of tilling the soil, at which he continued until in the 
spring of 1881, when he came to this count}', and 
began making improvements on a farm which he 
purchased. 

When Mr. llaferland reached America he had 
left about $150, and by his industry and good 

•► 



f 



14 324 



GAGE COUNTY. 



{ 



management he has become the owner of a fine, 
well-irapioved farm of 160 acres, on which he has 
a very nice lioine, and is otherwise situated to en- 
joy in comparative ease his possessions. But while 
he has been successful in this county, and has accu- 
mulated quite a fine property, he is not so well 
pleased with the climate, and therefore thinks of 
ronioving to Oregon at some future time. 

The lad}' whom our subject married in German}' 
departed this life in the month of November, 1874, 
while they were living in Illinois, and on the •22d 
of December, 1875, he was married to Elizabeth 
Scherling. Besides the children Emma and Will- 
iam, born to their parents in German}', there was a 
son Louis by the first marriage born in Illinois. 
There are three children of the second marriage — 
Herman, Minnie and Frederick. 

Mr. and Mrs. Haferland are active and esteemed 
members of the Lutheran Church, of which church 
our subject's first wife was also a member. Mr. 
Haferland is interested in the political government 
and welfare of the country, but he is not sufficiently 
partisan to join himself to any of the organizations, 
and generally casts his vote for the man whom he 
thinks is the best qualified for the position, regard- 
less of the party to which he belongs. As a man 
who has worked his way upward to success from a 
small beginning, our subject has proved liimself to 
be the possessor of those sterling qualities of man- 
hood which never fail to bring distinction to the 
owner. 



rOHN C. BOYD. Among the citizens of 
Cortland, few are more worthy of the name 
representative citizen, or are more enter- 
prising, progressive or successful than our 
subject, who was born ujjon the 9th of April, 1820, 
in County Tyrone, in the North of Ireland. He is 
a son of Robert and Elizabeth Boyd, natives of the 
same district. Their ancestors were Scottish, but the 
family had been settled in Ulster for many years. 
When about two years of age our subject was 
taken by his parents to Ayrshire, Scotland, and waa 
a resident there till he reached his seventeenth year. 
Scotland has always been remarkable for the at- 
tention given to the education of the young, and 



our subject received a good education, which he 
has since found occasion to utilize continuously. 

In the fall of 1843 our subject emigrated to 
America, taking passage in the Glasgow sailing-ship 
" New York." For five weeks following he was 
"rocked in the cradle of the deep," but in no very 
gentle manner. Dame Atlantic seemed to be in no 
pleasant mood, and gave the good ship and those 
aboard her quite a rough handling, but the discom- 
forts of the voyage were speedily forgotten upon 
landing in New York. Having learned the busi- 
ness of painter and glazier in the old country, he 
In New York found work as a painter, and con- 
tinued in the city for some time. Subsequently he 
for three years followed his trside in Haverstraw on 
the Hudson; thence he removed to Astoria, L. 
I., and went to work in a woolen factory. This 
he followed for about three or four years from that 
time. He subsequently removed to Little Falls, 
N. J., and for a number of years worked at both 
these trades. 

From New Jersey our subject went to Ogle 
County, 111., and there resumed his painting, re- 
maining there for twenty-five years, doing both city 
and country work. His family resided on his farm, 
which was situated six miles north of Dixon. All 
these years he has been gradually progressing, be- 
coming more and more prosperous, until he was 
quite fairly well-to-do. 

Upon the 13th of August, 18G2, Mr. Boyd en- 
listed in Company K, 92d Illinois Mounted Infantry, 
which became a part of the Army of the Cum- 
berland, and took active part in the battles at 
Chickamauga. Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mount- 
ain, Resaca, Kennesaw Mountain, siege of Atlanta, 
and also in Sherman's march to the sea. They 
then went to Savannah, through the Carolinas, 
and finished their active service at Greensboro, 
where Johnson surrendered. He received an hon- 
orable discharge in June, 1865, and returned to his 
Illinois home. He has been in many hard battles 
and close conflicts, and has had many narrow 
escapes, but has not been wounded at all seriously. 

While residing in Haverstraw our subject w.as 
united in marriage, on the 11th of October, 1849, 
with Ann J. Hawthorne, a native of North Ireland, 
where she was born on the 27th of August, 1828. 



i 



-•► 



GAGE COUNTV. 



325 



i' 



This lady is the ilaughter of Robert and Mary Haw- 
thorne, Hive wise natives of the same place, but of 
English family. She was brought to this country 
b}- her parents when but nine months old. The 
family landed in Montreal, and then came on to 
New York City, and there resided for about three 
j'ears. They next removed to Thonipsonville, 
Conn., which was their home for seven years. From 
Connecticut they went to Chenango County. N. 
Y.. which was their home for ten years, and from 
there removed to Haverstraw. Here she met and 
married our subject as above noted. Her father 
was an ingrain carpet weaver, but later in life fol- 
lowed farming in preference. He was the father of 
eight children, five of whom are living, whose 
names arc as follows: Ann J., the wife of our sub- 
ject; James R., David, Thomas and Samuel. 

One of the most strong of home's welding forces, 
and at the same time its perennial source of happi- 
ness, is the children who grace it. filling its halls and 
rooms with merrj' chatter and mirthful glee. Our 
subject has what the wise man calls '• his quiver- 
ful," and is happy in such possession. There have 
been seven ciiildren born to Mr. and Mrs. Boyd, 
six of whom are still living, viz: Mary E., the wife 
of Joseph Stevens, of Ogle Countj', 111. ; Robert, a 
prosperous farmer in Hitchcock C'ount3'. Neb. ; Isa- 
bella, the wife of Samuel Gull, of the same county; 
David, whose home is in the same neighborhood ; 
the two 3'oungest, Ella and Mattie, are still at home 
with their parents. 

In the spring of 1879 our subject came to Gage 
County, and purchased ICO acres of railroad land in 
Clatonia Township, from the Burlington ifc Missouri 
River Railroad Compan}', for which he paid $7.50 
per acre. Subsequently' he purchased eiglity acres 
of adjoining land, and having improved it to his 
liking he made it one of the Snest farms in the 
entire township. Besides this 240 acres he owns 
160 in Hitchcock County. Ever since coming to 
this State he has followed farming and stock-rais- 
ing exclusively, and the large measure of success 
he has enjoyed is due to his arduous labor, the re- 
sult of his irrepressible will power. This was in- 
spired by his self-respecting ambition, which was 
born of the unselfish desire to do the best possible 
good ftir and bring the largest amount of happiness 

4* 



into the lives of those near and dear to him. In 
all the |)('riod of their companionship he has been 
assisted and enthused by the most excellent manage- 
ment and wise counsels of his estimable wife, who 
has continuously', and with unflagging zeal, been to 
him .all she promised when their mutual nuptial 
vows were made. In this it is positively certain 
our subject most heartil}' concurs, and would be the 
first to admit its truth, if not indeed to suggest it, 
after a happ^' companionship of about forty years. 
Although not members of any particular church 
denomination, Mr. and Mrs. Boyd are uot without 
serious religious convictions, and are most highly 
respected because of the irreproachableness of their 
lives. They are always prepared to do their part 
either by contribution or .actual effort, to aid in be- 
half of any enterprise connected with the churches 
or otherwise, if only it be worth}-. Thej' are active 
members of societj', and move in its best circles. 
They are still in the prime of life, and in their home 
at Cortland, whither they removed in the fall of 
1887, enjoying as is their right and privilege the 
fruit of i)revious years of toil and labor. While 
resident in Illinois our subject held several of the 
minor offices in the gift of the people with much 
satisfaction to all concerned. In his political prin- 
ciples and s^'mpathies he is entirely with the Re- 
publican party, and has so continued for many 
years. 



^1^ NOS BARKEY, Sk. On section 32 in High- 
r^ land Township lies one of the best appointed 
La^ fartBS in this county, the propert}- of the 
subject of this sketch, who was born in Montgomery 
Count}', Pa., Oct. 20, 1815. He is consequentl}' 
quite well advanced in years, and has made for 
himself a good record as a man and citizen. 

Abraham and Catherine (Bornaman) Barkcy, the 
parents of our subject, were natives of rennsj'lva- 
nia. and traced their ancestrj' back to an excellent 
old German family which stood well among the 
noted families of Switzerland. The paternal great- 
grandfather of our subject crossed the Atlantic 
prior to the Revolulionar}' War, and his father was 
a Mennonite in religion and transmitted his relig- 
ious faith in a marked degree to his offspring. The 



f 



*¥^i^^ 



326 



GAGE COUNTY. 



maternal grcat-granri father, Daniel Bornaman bj' 
name, was also of German birth and parentage, 
anrl emigrated to America at a still earlier date 
than the first representative of the Barke3's, the 
date being 1721. He established himself in Mont- 
gomery Countj', Pa., about thirty-five miles west 
of the present city of Philadelphia, and his de- 
scendants are still in possession of the propert}' 
which he there accumulated. 

The subject of this sketch was the fourth of ten 
children born to his |)arenls, and when a lad of six- 
teen j'ears removed with them from Montgomery 
to Butler County, where he was reared to man's 
estate. His early education was exceedingly lim- 
ited, but being a bright and observant lad he made 
the most of his oi)portunities, and at an early age 
gave evidence of the strength of character which 
has marked his later years. A year after the re- 
moval to Butler County the mother passed awa3', 
and the father followed in less than two years there- 
after. Enos commenced working on a farm at the 
.age of ten j'ears, and when fourteen began learning 
the trade of shoemaker, which, however, he fol- 
lowed but a short time. At the age of twenty 
years he was married. Aug. 23, 183.5, to Miss Eve 
Ziegler, also a native of the Keystone State. Of this 
uniofi there were lK)rn seven children, five of whom 
are living, namely : Susan, Mrs. Benjamin Book- 
waiter, of Grundy County, 111.; Ju<ly, the wife of 
Francis McGirr, of Holt Township, this county; 
Ziegler, of Highland Township; John, a minister of 
the Church of God, and a resident of Cortland, and 
Enos, who resides with his father on the homestead. 
'J'iiose deceased are Daniel and Mary, who died 
when three months and three years old respect- 
ively. 

Mr. and Mrs. Barkej', after their marriage, con- 
tinued residents of their native State for a period 
of ten years, our subject engaging in gener.al farm- 
ing. In the spring of 1845 they migrated to Ohio, 
settling in Defiance County, whence they removed 
three years later to Elkhart County, Ind. We next 
find them in Grundy County, III., where Mr. Bar- 
key purchased land, and with his family took up his 
abode among its pioneer settlers. He occupied the 
same farm there for a period of nearly twentj'-five 
years, and in 1873 once more changed his residence, 



this time to Gage County. Neb. The land of High- 
land Township appeared to meet his requirements, 
and he pre-empted eighty acres on section 32, where 
he built a good honiestead and has since remained. 
In addition to the cultivation of the soil he added 
to his possessions as his capital justified, .and is now 
the owner of 1 ,440 broad acres, which are devoteil 
largely to farming and stock-raising. 

Mr. Barkey entered Illinois a poor man, being 
able to purchase only sixty acres of land at $3 per 
acre. There as here he was verj' successful, and 
before leaving the State was the ow^ier of 750 acres, 
During the Civil War he was engaged largelj' in 
stock-raising, supplying the armj' with calves and 
grown cattle. He has met with his reverses in com- 
mon with most men, but his indomitable will 
enabled him to rise above misfortune and discour- 
agement, and his fine property to-d.ay is the best 
evidence of his strength of eh.aracter and resolute 
spirit/ He is known far and wide as a man of ster- 
ling integrity, is a member of the Church of God, 
and a stanch supporter of Republican principles. 

Mrs. Eve Barke\^ departed this life at her home 
in Highland Township, March 18, 1885, greatly 
mourned by her husband and familj'^ and .all who 
knew her. She w.as a most devoted wife and 
mother, and the encourager and supporter of her 
husband in all his worthy efforts. It is hardly nec- 
essary to say that the name Barkey was given to the 
post-office at that place in honor of our subject, as 
he is one of the representative pioneers of Highl.and 
Townshij), .and has been no unimportant factor in 
bringing about its prosperity. 



-♦i^- 



i^^^HOMAS GRACE is an energetic farmer and 
m^^ aspiring politician of Rockford Township, 
^^^ where he resides in very comfortable cir- 
cumstances, with surroundings of wealth and refine- 
ment. His father, Martin Grace, was born in the 
countjr of Tipperaiy, Ireland, and his mother, 
Dolly (Eddy) Grace, in Canada, near St. Rays, not 
far from Montreal. The father came to Canada 
when he w.as a young man, where he made the .ac- 
quaintance of the mother of our subject, and after 




-4•■ 



GAGE COUNTY, 



327 



-U 



theii- marriage they remained in Canada until 1853, 
when they removed to Dubuque County, Iowa. 
There were twelve children in the family, named 
Thomas, John, Mary A., Elizabeth. Minnie, Agnes, 
Sarah, Joseph, Frank, Teressa and Bridget, the last- 
named of whom died when young, and one named 
Bridget living. 

Our subject was born on the 2d of February, 
1845, near St. Rays, Canada, and his mother died 
when he was but three j'cars old. His father was 
married a second time, to Elizabeth McNalley, who 
is the mother of the above-named children, with 
the exception of our subject. He attended school 
in his native country, and was eight years old 
when he came with his parents to Iowa, continu- 
ing the pursuit of his education in the common 
schools of the new locality. He then began to 
work on the farm, and remained at home until the 
3d of October, 18G7, when he was married to Miss 
Anna M. Kurt, a daughter of Michael and Mary- 
Kurt, who were natives of Germany. Mrs. Grace 
was born on the 20th of August. 1847, in Lux- 
emburg, Germany, and was one year old when 
she came with her family to America. She had 
three brothers and sisters, and after the death of 
her father her mother married a second time, and 
had five children by the last union. She was edu- 
cated in both the German and English tongues, and 
is as well acquainted with one as with the other. 

Our subject and his wife have seven children, on 
whom they have bestowed the names of William 
H.. Mary P., Clara F., John B., Thomas P., Anna 
A. and Emil L. They came to Nebraska on the 
10th of May, 18C8, and from that year until 1874 
they resided in Holt Township, in the fall of the 
latter year removing to their present farm of 160 
acres. Our subject has made a great many im- 
jirovements, having built a one aud a half story 
house in 1880, and a good horse barn in 1883, the 
other buildings also being in a good condition. He 
has a fine orchard of 150 trees, and has planted 
groves of maple, ash, box-elder and catalpa trees, 
which add much to the appearance and value of the 
place. He has also taken an active interest in pub- 
lic affairs, having been elected Moderator of his 
school district, and sent three or four times as a 
delegate to the Democratic County Conventions, 




where he represented his constituents in an able 
manner. He is a member of the Catholic Church, 
of Beatrice, and bears a very excellent reputation 
among his fellowmen. 



GRACE M. WICKHAM. The life of this 
gentleman, whose history is herein sketched, 
has been spent largely amid the scenes of 
frontier life, in the double experience of 
frontier soldier and pioneer settler. He is one of 
the most successful of the older residents, and is 
not unknown in the annals of the history of the 
district in which he resides. He continues to 
operate along the line of general farming 160 acres 
of excellent agricultural land, situated on section 
3 of Blakely Township. 

Tiie residence of our subject in this county 
dates from the year 1859, and having been in the 
militia service several j'ears, he took advantage of 
the Homestead Act and settled as above. During 
his time of service he was stationed at Pawnee, 
Little Blue and Ft. Kearney, and engaged in a num- 
ber of skirmishes and more serious battles with the 
Indians that have given him quite an experience 
in this line, and furnish one of the most thrilling 
chapters of his history. Upon leaving military serv- 
ice and settling upon his farm, he brought with 
him all the enterprise, determination and spirit that 
have made him successful as a soldier, and in due 
time reaped his reward in the success that crowns 
his efforts. 

The father of our subject, Thomas Wickham, 
was a farmer by occupation, aud a native of New 
Jersey. He was born on Long Island in the year 
1797, but spent his bojisli d.aj's in the above-named 
State, removing thence to Ohio and settling in 
Muskegon County. He became the husband of 
Miss Clarissa Zane in the year 1824. This lady- 
was a native of Ohio, aud daughter of Isaac Zane, 
the gentleman who first settled on the site and 
platted the town of Zanesville. Mr. Wickham. Sr., 
and family continued to live as above until the 
3-ear 1845, when they journe3'ed overland b3' wagon 
and team to Missouri, making their home first in 
Andrew and later in Holt Count}'. Mr. Wickham 



i 



N.^^V-^ 



-4*- 



328 



GAGE COUNTY. 



was removed from liis family by death at the age 
of fiftj'-six years, while living in Aiidrew County, 
in the year 1853. Jlrs. AVickhara is still living, 
and makes her home with her children in Nebraska. 
Although she has reached the advanced age of 
eighty-four years, she still enjoys a large measure 
of health and strength. 

The native State of our subject is Ohio, there he 
was born Sept. 2, 1832, in Licking County. He 
was thirteen years of .age when his parents removed 
to Missouri, where he finished his education and 
began to work upon the farm, continuing this until 
he arrived at man's estate; thence he went to Iowa 
in 185G, and for two years lived at Glenwood, 
and at the end of that time came to this State, 
although he did not finally' settle down to farm- 
ing until 18G5, after the military experience noted 
above. 

Upon the 8th of Ma3-, 1859, our subject was 
married, at Bear Creek, three miles northeast of 
Beatrice, to Miss Lavinia Young, bj' Nathan Blake- 
ley, then acting as Probate Judge. This was the 
first marriage celebrated in the county. The lady 
of his choice was a native of Kentucky, although 
educated and brougiit up in Iowa. At the age of 
tw(>nty-four j'ears she came to Nebraska, and after 
a time formed the acquaintance that resulted in 
her marriage. The same year of her marriage 
she went with her husband to the State of Colo- 
rado, and was taken sick near .South Park, in the 
mountain district, and died on the 7th of August, 
1860, while apparentl3- in the prime and strength of 
her life and womanhood: she left no children. 

Mr. Wickham contracted a second alliance while 
at St. .Joseph, Mo., the name of the lady being Mrs, 
Isabel Bebee, nee Alexander, a native of Ohio, 
where she lived until her marri.age with Mr. Perry 
Bebee. After her marriage she came to Gage 
County, Neb., with her husband and only son. 
The}-, while traveling en route to Santa P'e, were 
attacked by Indians in the Smoky Hills, who stopped 
the train, and massacred the crow and passengers, 
among them the husband and son of Mrs. Bebee. 
After this tragic event Mrs. Bebee removed to Illf- 
nois, and shortly before her marriage to St. Joseph. 
Sho died .at tiie Blakel}' Township farm in 1873, 
leaving two children, who were named Clarissa and 



Frank; the former is keeping house for her father, 
and the latter, also at home, assists upon the farm. 
By her former husband Mrs. Wickham gave birth 
to a daughter, who is the wife of William Connoly, 
a prosperous farmer in Grant Township. 

Qui-,e naturally, from his long residence and ex- 
tensive experience, our subject has figured quite 
prominently in the history of the county during its 
development, and, besides township offices, was 
County Commissioner for three years. With his 
wife4ie was a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and they enjoyed, as he continues to do, 
the very hearty esteem of the church and com- 
munity at large. In matters of civic import and 
State Government, as in general political affairs, he 
is ever a stanch Republican, and has always devoted 
his best energies to the success of his party. 



->/W -\t2aar©~S@^l 



|->.^8^j/TOa»v. 



EDWARD HELLER, one of the oldest pio- 
neers of Highland Township, settled on his 
present farm on section 7 in the spring of 
1874. His birthplace and early home were on the 
other side of tiie Atlantic, in the little Province of 
Hanover, German}', where he first opened his eyes 
to the light Sept. 19, 1836. His parents, William 
and Catherine (Kuhl) Heller, were of German birth 
and parentage, and he was their elHer child. Their 
family included a boy and girl ; the latter is now 
residing in Philadelphia, Pa. 

The laws and customs of the Fatherland required 
the children of all citizens, both rich and poor, to 
enter school at an early age, where they prosecute' 
their studies usually until fourteen years old. 
Young Edward was no exception to this rule, and 
consequently acquired a good education in his 
mother tongue. He continued in Germany until a 
man of thirty j'ears, and then, not being satisfied 
with his condition or his prospects, resolved to emi- 
grate to a country which held out better induce- 
ments to the enterprising and industrious citizen. 
In the fall of 1866 he took passage at the port of 
Bremen on a sailing-vessel, and after a tedious 
ocean voyage of fifty-three days set foot first upon 
American soil in the citj' of New York. 

Mr. Heller, leaving the Empire .State shortly after- 



-*r^ 



.t 



GAGE COUNTY. 



329 ik 



ward migrated to Philadelphia, Pa., and prosecuted 
his li-ade of bricklayer in that city for a period of 
five years. The young ami growing Stjite of Ne- 
braska was now coming into prominence as a desir- 
able |)lace for the man of limited means, and our 
subject concluded to seek the farther West. First 
locating in Lincoln, he followed his trade for a time, 
in the meantime saving what he could of his earn- 
ings, which he purposed to invest in land. About 
187.5 he purchased 160 acres at §6 per aci'e, of the 
Burlington & Missouri River Railroad Company, tliis 
land lying on section 7, in Highland Township. He 
took up his abode in a shanty on the raw prairie 
when a furrow had not been turned as far as he 
could see around him, and commenced in earnest the 
improvement of his property. By the exercise of 
the most rigid econora}', and the industry which is- 
one of the characteristics of his excellent German 
ancestry, he in time began to realize those results 
which are ever attendant upon him who is willing 
to labor and to wait. The splendid homestead 
which the admiring traveler views to-day is a stand- 
ing monument to his resolution and perseverance, 
and is numbered among the valuable estates of this 
region. As a business man and a citizen Mr. 
Heller has acquitted himself most admirably, hav- 
ing been prompt to meet his obligations and con- 
ducting his business affairs in that straightforward 
manner which has won him the confidence and es- 
teem of all who know him. 

Our subject while a resident of Philadelphia was 
united in marriage with Miss Lina Busman, the 
wedding taking place Dec. 12, 1869. Mrs Heller 
was born not far from the earl}' home of her hus- 
band, in Hanover, Germany, on the 23d of April, 
1 844, and is the daughter of George and Lena Bus- 
man, who were of German birth and ancestry; the 
father spent his last years in Germany. The mother 
is with our subject; she was born in 1800. Mr. H. 
is a member in good standing of the Lutheran 
Church, and after becoming a naturalized citizen 
identified himself with the Democratic party, which 
he still supports. He was present at the organiza- 
tion of Highland Township, and was elected its first 
Supervisor. He is at present a Director in his 
school district, is serving his third term, and ac- 
quitting himself with satisfaction to those con- 



cerned. Although not the hero, perhaps, of any 
very thrilling event, he has distinguished himself as 
a peaceable and law-abiding citizen, an<l in the 
establishment of one of the finest farms in his town- 
ship, has thus added to its advancement and pros- 
perity. 

/p^EORGE F. COLLINS. The stranger to 
l|| ,=- Western life is frequently surprised in tak- 
^^4 ing his initial journey in such districts to 
observe the advanced state of "civilization," as they 
usually persist in calling it. so apparent in the met- 
ropolitan, suburban, and even remote rural districts, 
when, upon journej'ing to some farm f.ar removed 
from the bustling, noisy city, they are greatly- sur- 
prised to be introduced into homes as hanilsome 
architecturally, and evincing in their interior deco- 
ration, furnishing and embellislinient the presence 
of some mind trained to high perfection of artistic 
discernment, and naturally possessed of every in- 
stinct of refinement ami culture. Into such a home 
it is our pleasure to introduce the reader, also to 
present some of the more salient features in the life 
of its owner, the gentleman whose name appears at 
the head of this sketch. 

Mr. Collins comes of an ancestry successful in 
life, honorable in career, and heroic in national loy- 
alty. The father of our subject was Moses F'. Col- 
lins, and was born at Windsor, Vt., of English 
ancestr}', his immediate progenitors having settled 
in Vermont in the Colonial days, when the English 
standard floated from the flagstaff, before the stars 
and stripes were devised. The maiden name of the 
mother of our subject w.os Mary Wade, a native of 
Connecticut, and a cousin of Benjamin Wade of 
historic memorj'. She was the mother of seven 
children, three of whom were girls, and after a happy 
wedded life of sixl3'-tliree years died, in 1879, at 
the ripe age of eigiity years. 

The father of our subject removed with his par- 
ents to Wa^-ne County, N. Y., while still young, 
and was there educated. He received all the ad- 
vantages of a good and thorough education, and 
one that in after yeai-s greatly enhanced his success. 
One of his schoolmates was he who afterward be- 
came Gov. Dewitt Clinton, who, while in that ollice, 



•►HH^ 



"i- 



-4«- 



o:30 



GAGE COUNTY. 



gave to his schoolmate the commission of Colonel 
of IHilitia, and at the head of his regiment Col. 
Collins fought in the War of 1812 with Gen. Win- 
field Scott, and, among other engagements, that of 
the terrible battle of Lund3's Lane. His military 
address and bravery were such in the estimation of 
his superior officers as to warrant special mention 
of the same in their dispatches. In 1834 he settled 
with his family near Ann Arbor, Mich., where tliej- 
were in the midst of the hardships, privations and 
difficulties of pioneer life. He took all his family 
with him, and one child was born during their life 
there. He was a man very positive in both his be- 
lief and disbelief, and was an old-line Abolitionist. 
He dieil in 1878, with the <1istinctive honor of be- 
ing the last of the veteran heroes of Lundy's Lane 
to pass through the " dark valley." This honor was 
at one time nearly being deprived him, owing to a 
duel he was to fight with one of the adjutants, but 
for the happy connivance of the seconds, who so 
placed the duelists that the shedding of blood 
was almost an impossibility. But for this his career 
might have been cut short in those years that sup- 
ply the military experiences. 

Our subject was the youngest son born to Col. 
Collins; this happy event occurred on the 21st of 
March, 1834, at Rose, Wayne Co., N. Y. He was 
eight months old when the famil}' removed to 
Michigan, and the first impression upon his mem- 
ory of places, events and people upon the revivable 
plates of memory is connected with this Michigan 
home. His father, being very anxious that his chil- 
dren should receive a ver}' good education, was es- 
pecially careful to provide the same. He was first 
initiated into the classes of the common schools and 
subsequently attended the Ann Arbor High School. 
At the age of twenty-one he went to St. Clair, Mich., 
and there studied law with Marcus H. Miles, and 
after passing a rigid and lengthy examination he 
was admitted to the bar at the age of twenty-four, 
and began immediately to practice law in St. Clair 
County, and it was not verj' many months before 
he had a ver}- extensive clientage. 

The practice of law was not entirely congenial 
to our subject, although his mind was of that ana- 
lytical cast that delights itself in the elucidation of 
<lifflcult and often paradoxical |)oints, and is never 



more at home than when following the ratiocination 
of evidence or argument. It w.as not ver}- long, 
therefore, before he left his profession to enter 
upon a political career, which has in more than one 
instance surpassed his expectation. Previous, how- 
ever, to this secession from the profession, he was 
elected Clerk of his county, in the year 1859, and 
was on record as the youngest to hold that position. 
This election was noteworthy because the county 
was strongly Republican, and he ran upon the Dem- 
ocratic ticket, and yet was elected by a large major- 
ity; and what is even more noticeable was that 
under similar circumstances he was re-elected by an 
increased majority. 

As a result of unanimity of sentiment, our sub- 
ject and Miss Elvira L.Gould entered the felicitous 
relation of husband and wife, March 23, 1854, 
at St. Clair, Mich., our subject being at that time 
twenty j-ears of age. This ladj' is the daughter of 
Joseph and Elmira (Tolcott) Gould. Upon her 
mother's side she is of English extraction. It was 
her misfortune never to know her father, who died 
before she was born. By a previous marriage her 
father was the parent of three children ; by this the 
wife of our subject and her twin sister, Elmira, who 
became the wife of George Carlton, whose home is 
near St. Clair, Mich. They are the parents of eight 
children. Mrs. Carlton died at Des Moines, in the 
year 1880. The wife of our subject was born June 
22, 1833, at Williston, Vt. Her mother settled in 
Madrid Township, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., when 
her daughters were five years of age. Here they 
enjoyed the privilege of the rate schools until they 
were thirteen, after that attending a select school at 
Troy, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Collins are the parents 
of two sous, who have been named Charles F. and 
George C. The younger died at the age of eight- 
een months. 

In the offices to which our subject was elected he 
so conducted affairs that he grew in public favor, 
and was shortly elected Supervisor, Circuit Court 
Commissioner and County Assessor. These offices 
extended over a long period of the nineteen years 
of his residence at St. Clair, and during that period 
it is needless to add his friends were very numer- 
ous. In 1870 he became the Secretary of the Michi- 
gan Midland Railroad Company, and served them 

•► 



t 




■•>^l-«*» 



GAGE COUNTY. 



331 



in that capacity until the financial crisis in 1873. in 
wliicli he sustained a very heavy loss, and was the 
immediate cause of his determination to come West. 
In 1874, while it w.as 3'et spring. Mr. Collins came 
to this State and purchased 320 acres of unimproved 
land. His son w.as at that time a 3'oung man nine- 
teen years of age, and this course of action was de- 
cided partly on his account. 

Pioneer life, although brightened by a thousand 
unexpected glints of the sunligiit of happiness, is 
hard at the very easiest, even to those best prepared 
for and most inured to it. but in the case of Mr. 
and Mrs. Collins, whose acquaintance with farm 
life was practically nil, the transition from the ga}', 
social cit3' life of St. Clair to the comparatively 
lonel}', unbroken prairie, was a transformation suf- 
ficient to discourage the stoutest heart and turn 
back the most resolute. It was in this hour that 
the sterling worth and affection of his faithful wife 
were revealed, and by the mutual inspiration and 
strengthening of purpose the origin.al plan was 
adhered to. and after repeated failure, defeat and 
difficulty, the golden harvest of success was reaped. 
By the fall of that j'ear he, who had never previ- 
ously broken a single acre, had broken seventy; the 
reflex influence of this struggle and victory was 
such as to make itself felt iu their home, and in the 
happy development and upbuilding of each in the 
individual character. Who but those who have 
passed through the same experience cau realize the 
loneliness, the homesickness, the hardship and pri- 
v.ation of that experience. 

Later, owing to the drouth and ravages of the 
grasshopper plague, our subject transferred his laud 
back to the railroad company-, from whom it had 
been purchased, and in 1882 purchased his present 
homestead, which comprises 1C8 acres on section 4 
of Nemaha Township, subsequently purch.asing also 
165 acres on section 3, and 160 on section 5, all 
owned by our subject and his son Charles, and op- 
erated by them jointly. Despite all the experiences 
and disappointments, our subject retains all the 
vigor and activity' of the days when he first started 
in life's race. He was deeply interested and pro- 
portionately energetic in his endeavors to introduce 
township organization in Gage County in 1884. He 
was elected Supervisor of his township in Novem- 



ber, 1885, and has continued to hold the office ever 
since. His political S3'mpathies and influence are 
alwaj's in the interest of the Democratic party, and 
yet at all times his manhood determines rather 
upon the line of principle than party, where his 
suffrage shall be placed. 

As before remarked, although living in the Far 
West, and in a country still largely undeveloped, 
and in the formative era of its historj', thanks to the 
innate refinement and love of the beautiful, the 
true esthetic, of Mrs. Collins, their home is in its 
arrangements and appointments upon a par with, if 
not in advance of, many in Eastern cities making 
far more pretentions to such effect. Socially, our 
subject is connected with the Masonic fraternity, 
and is a member of the Livingston Lodge No. 66, 
of Firth, and it is evident from his life that he has 
been ever mindful of and constantly walking in the 
light of its tri-luminous altar. 



/i^\ HARLES CRUSE. If the late war revealed 
(l( nothing more, it certainly did make maui- 

^^f' fest the fact that the American {)eople on 
either side of Mason and Dixon's line were men of 
hearts, brains and heroism. Among those who 
have borne the brunt of the conflict, toiled and suf- 
fered in camp and on march, in behalf of the Union, 
is the subject of the present sketch, now engaged 
in the more peaceful avocation of farming on sec- 
tion 21 of Libertj- Township. 

Franklin County, Ind.. was the place where, upon 
the 23d of September, 1839. our subject made his 
debut into life. His father, Henry Cruse, now 
deceased, w.as a native of Germany, and emigr.ated 
to this country at an early day. The maiden name 
of his wife was Christina Miller. She was born 
in Germany, and there she was married to the 
father of our subject. They became the parents of 
five children, our subject being the youngest child. 

The only education received by our subject was 
that obtainable in the public school, and of this he 
had full advantage, its tasks being sup|)lcmented by 
various "chores" and minor tasks upon the farm or 
among the stock, so that he was in some measure 
pre()arcd for the l)attle of life. From the time of \ 



t 



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332 



GAGE COUNTY. 



his leaving school in Franklin Count}-, Ind., until 
the outbreak of the -oar, he was engagcil at farming 
in Indiana. 

When the hugle note of war was heard llnough- 
out the land, in response to the reverberating 
eeiioes of the crashing thunder of the cannon and 
mortars before Ft. Sumter, Mr. Cruse was one to 
step forward in response. He enlisted on tiie I3th 
of October, 18G2, in Company M, 3d Indiana Cav- 
ahy, for a term of two and a half years, and during 
that ])eriod was engaged in quite a large number of 
battles, beside lesser engagements. Among these 
might be mentioned the battles of Big Spring, Tenn., 
Wautauga River Bridge, Morrislown, Resaca, Al- 
tuona Pass, Sand Creek Station. Jonesboro, Van 
Worth, Ga., Sisters Ferry and Eversboro, S. C. 
lie served during the greater part of the time as 
Duty Sergeant, having received promotion to that 
grade. At Jonesboro he was one of the hundred 
who volunteered to cut the railroad near that place. 
This exploit was conducted from first to last under 
fire; the band divided into two parties, each of 
fifty men, the one to do their work of destruction 
upon the railroad, the other to do theirs upon the 
enemy. Their work was done and their object at- 
tained without the loss of one man. excepting that 
one was captured but effected his escape the same 
night. 

Mr. Cruse became the husband of Sophia Clark 
on Sept 14, 1865, at his home in Indiana. This 
lady is the daughter of Thomas and Jane Clark, 
of Pawnee County, Keb., and was born on the 25th 
of December, 1843. Her parents were born in En- 
gland. There have come to the home of our 
suliject six children, whose n'lmes are recorded as 
follows: Mclinda I., Eluora, Charles M., Mary E., 
Lula M. and Henry E. Their eldest daughter has 
become the wife of Edward Bookwalter, of this 
township, and has two children ; Elnora is now Mrs- 
Jacob Patterson, also of this township, and is the 
mother of a little son. 

Our subject came to this county in the year 186G, 
and settled upon a branch of the Mission Creek in 
the township of that name, and removed thence to 
Liberty Townshij) in 1883. and to his present farm 
in the month of May, 1 887. He is the owner of 
1 GO acres of fine land, admirably adapted to his re- 



quirements. and operated in the interests of grain and 
stock. He also holds a half-interest with William 
Garrison in a fine steam thrashing-machine, having 
a capacit}' of 2,000 bushels a day, and with this he 
has quite an extensive business outside his own 
farm work. 

Somewhat removed from the more busy circles 
of city life, our subject finds sufficient to absorb 
the greater i)art of his time and attention in the 
duties devolving upon him in connection with his 
chosen calling, and does not take any special part 
in political agitation. He is a gentleman of enter- 
prise, energy and exacting perseverance, and is 
regarded as a worthj' and valued citizen. 



4-H- 



4-5- 



WILLIAM J.MAXWELL. Lincoln Town- 
ship contained no more valued and re- 
spected citizen than the subject of this 
sketch, now deceased. This sad event occurred on 
the 23d of March, 1883, and about eight months 
after he had come to the State, but in spite of his 
short residence here his life and character had so 
commended themselves that he possessed many 
friends in the district. He was the owner of 320 
acres of land on section 11. This he had paid for 
before he died. He took up this land when partly 
improved. 

Previous to living in this State Mr. Maxwell 
had been a resident of Lenox Township, Warren 
Co., III., where he had lived for some twenty 
years, engaged in farming, and enjoyed unqualified 
success. He was born near Baltimore on the 10th 
of September, 1830, and is the son of Thomas and 
Margaret JMaxwell, natives of Maryland. When 
his parents removed to Schuyler County, III., our 
subject was about six years of age; while living 
there the father of our subject died. William J. 
was reared to manhood, and from the time of re- 
ceiving his education gave his attention to learn- 
ing the blacksmith trade, but was compelled to 
leave work on account of weakness of the eyes, 
that was constantly irritated and made worse by 
the brightness and glare insepaiable from forge 
work. While living in Peoria County, 111., in the 
earlier settlement, they had complete knowledge of 

^ •^ 



f 



u 




GAGE COUNTY. 



333 



the trouble with the Mormons, then prevailing in 
that section of the country. 

It was the pleasure of our subject to meet and 
form acquaintance with a lady living near Yates 
City, Knox Co., 111. This acquaintance rapidl}' 
ripened into a more absorbing sentiment, and they 
were united in marriage on the 22d of March, 
1855. This lady, Mahalia M. Sayler, was born on 
the 30th of April, 1832, and is the daughter of 
John and Margaret (Miller) Sayler, natives of 
Somerset Count}-, Pa., and of Dutch ancestr}'. 
Mr. Sayler was married in Pennsylvania, and there 
settled, but removed shortly after the birth of the 
fourth child, to Stark Count}', Ohio, where their 
daughter Mahalia was born, as noted above; there 
also her mother died, in 1841, aged forty-five j'ears. 
In 1848 the father removed with his family to 
Illinois, locating near what is now Yates Citj', but 
then entirely miuus anything indicating the pres- 
ence of any such center. There the father died 
Sept. 1, 1849, aged about sixty-two years. Mr. 
Sayler and his wife were members of the Lutheran 
Church from childhood, in which they always con- 
tinued. In his political position Mr. Sayler was 
identified with the Democratic party, and had con- 
tinued so for mauy j'ears. 

Mrs. Maxwell, the wife of our subject, was the 
youngest of a family of twelve children, six of 
them being sons. Eight members of the family 
lived to come to years of maturitj'. Her parents 
afforded their daughter an opportunitj- of obtaining 
an English education in the common schools. She 
has presented her husband with six children, but 
two of them are deceased ; viz: George M. and 
William J., Jr. Those still living are: Edwin J., a 
thrift}' and successful young man engaged in farm- 
ing in Gage Count}': Lora M., now the wife of 
Lewis A. Maginnis, of Beatrice, who is by trade a 
plasterer; Charles G. and Cora B., at home. 

Our subject entered the military service and 
continued for about nine months, and was in the 
battle of Nashville and all the engagements of that 
campaign. He was with Sherman in his march. 
For- some time he lay in the hospital sick, and dur- 
ing that short time his health was completely under- 
mined, and possibly supplied the genesis of his last 
sickuess. He was all his life -i very stanch Repub- 



lican, and cast his vote consistently for its candi- 
dates. In this example his sons are following him, 
planting their feet in the print of his footsteps, and 
seeking to fashion their lives after his. 

Since the death of the husband and father the 
bereaved wife has nobly stood by her children and 
provided everything really needed by them. She 
has conducted in a most able and intelligent man- 
ner every department of the farm work, has under- 
taken and perfected quite a number of improve- 
ments, and has been enabled to educate her children 
and provide for their start in life. During the 
blizzard of 1888 Mrs. Maxwell's home was nearly 
bereaved of two other of its inmates. Upon the 
12th of January of the present year the weather 
was unusimlly warm and bright for the season, and 
there seemed to be no indication of any immediate 
change. Edwin and Charles G., sons of our sub- 
ject, were both away from home on business, the 
former having gone al>out six miles from home 
with a team and buggy, and on account of the 
mildness of temperature was not very heavily clad. 
The return journey was accomplished without acci- 
dent until he was within about two miles from 
home, but upon a road that had not been much 
used, and had no side fence. There the storm 
struck him, and for some time was so intense and 
fierce as to make it well-nigh impossible for him to 
get his breath ; blinded so that he could not see the 
team he was driving, he was forced to let them 
take their own way. Lnder these circumstances, 
and with every track obliterated by the falling, 
tossing, swiftly whirling snow, it is not to be won- 
dered at that they missed the road, and by-and-by 
found themselves in a very heavy drift in one of 
the frequent "draws" in the land. Here he left his 
veliicle and sought to lead his team out if possible; 
but again he was baffled, and his team becoming 
frightened he became separated from them, and it 
was beyond his power to find them in tiiat raging 
storm. He wandered on, plunging, stumbling, fall- 
ing through the snow, and presently by most provi- 
dential good fortune happened to strike a haystack, 
a small part of the top of which the wind had 
blown off. Under this he crept, damp and almost 
frozen, but it affunlcd shelter enough to retain the 
animal warmth, and he became comparatively com- 



h 



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334 



GAGE COUNTr. 



,:\ 



fortable: b.y tliis means he escaped, but very nar- 
rowly, with his life, which was flespaired of for some 
time after his rescue the next day. Even then it 
was supposed he would have to lose his feet, hut 
here again his pluck, determination and force of 
will saved him, and he is fully recovered, so far as 
that is concerned, hut his conslit\ition has been per- 
manently weakened by the strain. His team, which 
was quite valuable, and to which he was deeply 
attached, was frozen in one of the many drifts. 

Charles G., the other son. also had a very narrow 
but hapjiy escape, which he owes to the fact that 
he was on a better road, and on horseback. He 
succeeded in getting home late in the night, but 
only by an exercise of will power entirely be^'ond 
what could be expected of one of his years. Com- 
ing finally to a school-house which he recognized, 
he left his horse and wanned himself there, and 
rested until he was equal to a renewed effort; he 
then plunged oi>ce more into the midst of the storm, 
and by following the fence closely at last reached 
home and his mother's side. She was, of course, 
exceedingly anxious, well-nigh to despair, about her 
sons. Upon his arrival at home it was discovered 
that ills clothing was frozen to him, and had to be 
literally cut from his almost frozen bod}'. Only 
by strictest care, most careful nursing and medical 
attendance, was he saved from an awful death, but 
like his brother he recovered after a short sickness, 
but must manj' years, and perhaps for the remain- 
der of his life, feel the effects of this exposure. 



-^ 




LAUS STEMS. The subject of this sketch 
owns one of the most beautiful farms in 
Grant Township, lying on section 23, and 
comprising 240 acres of highly cultivated land. 
This he redeemed from a wild, unbroken tract, 
commencing operations thereon in the spring of 
1881. Its appearance to-da}' indicates with what 
industrj' and energy he has labored, and is highly 
characteristic of the disposition and habits of the 
man. He came to this county in the spring of 
1 876, after a residence of ten years in Logan County, 
111., where he had been emploj^ed as a mechanic 
in the furniture house of Deining <fe Bree. He 



H^t^ 



first leased a tract of land in Giant Township be- 
fore purchasing, and thus gained a good insight 
into the general methods of agriculture. 

Our subject was born in the then Kingdom of Han- 
over. Germanj', Feb. 11, 1841, and in accordance 
with the laws and customs of the German Empire 
entered school when a little lad six years of age, 
and continued his studies until fourteen. He thus 
obtained a good education in his native tongue. 
Upon leaving school he served an apprenticeship at 
cabinet-making, and followed this occupation until 
emigrating to America. After crossing the Atlan- 
tic he proceeded westward to Fond du Lac, Wis., 
where he secured emploj'ment in a door factory, 
and continued thus occupied for three years. He 
left the Badger State with the intention of estab- 
lishing a homestead of his own in the agricultural 
regions of Southern Nebraska. 

While a resident of Lincoln, III.. Mr. Sieras was 
married, Feb. 19, 1873, to Miss Linie Weltzien, 
who was also of German birth and parentage, her 
early home having been in the Grand Duchy of 
Mecklenburg, and the date of her birth Aug. 18, 
1849. Her father died in Germany when compara- 
tivelj' a 3'oung man, and she accompanied her 
mother to America when but a child five years of 
age. Like our subject they at once made their way 
to the j'oung State of Wisconsin, whence they 
removed subsequently to Lincoln, III., where Mrs. 
S. made the acquaintance of her future husband. 
Of this union there have been born seven children, 
all living, namely: J. Henry, C. Louis, W. F. 
Herman, F'rank O., Anna M., Louisa S. and K. 
William. They are growing up healthy in body 
and mind, and are being taught those habits of in- 
dustry and sound principles morall}' which will 
make of them reliable citizens, an honor to their 
parents and useful in the stations to which Provi- 
dence assigns them. Mr. Siems after becoming a 
naturalized citizen identified himself with the Demo- 
cratic party, whose principles he uniformly sup- 
ports at the general elections. During his five 
years' residence in this county Mr. Siems has identi- 
fied himself with its agricultural interests in a most 
praiseworthy manner, and the farm on which he has 
effected marked improvements is the best monu- 
ment which can be reared to his industry and thrift, 

■► 



r 



)^ 



GAGE COUNT V. 



33J 



those elements of character transmitted to him from 
his excellent German ancestry. He has a comfort- 
able dwelling, ample and commodious outhouses, 
suitable for the shelter of stock and the storage of 
grain, and the machinery necessary for carrj'ing 
on agriculture in the most profitable manner. 



fj\OLNEY S. WHITTEMO 
^ among the early settlers o 
ing made his advent int 



i' 



t^OLNEY S. WHITTEMORE is numbered 

of Nebraska, hav- 
into this count}' in 
1860, just three years after it was organized as a 
count}', with Beatrice for its county seat. He was 
born in the town of Rindge, Cheshire Co., N. H., 
on the loth of March, 1H38. His paternal ances- 
tors were natives of England, who had come to the 
United States soon after the landing of the Puri- 
tans on the rocky coast of Massachusetts. His 
maternal ancestors were from the celebrated High- 
lands of Scotland, and were also early settlers in 
America, the great-grandfather of our subject hav- 
ing served as an officer in the Revolutionary War. 
Among the engagements in which he participated 
we mention the following: The battle of Trenton, 
which occurred on the 26th of December, 1776, in 
which Washington captured 1,000 Hessians; the 
battle of Monmouth Court-House, on tlie 28th of 
June, 1778; and the siege of Yorktown, by AVash- 
ington and Count DeGrasse, which ended in the 
surrender of Cornwallis, with 7,000 men, on the 
19th of October, 1781. The maternal grandfather 
of our subject was also in the Revolutionary War, 
serving as a waiter boy for his father. His name 
was Ebenezer S. Geer, and he is buried at Wor- 
cester, Mass., having died in the j'car 1818. 

The father of our subject, Prescott Whittemore, 
was born in Massachusetts, in which State he spent 
his early j'ears, and was married to Miss Lucy Re- 
becca Geer. Thej- made their home in their native 
State and New Hampshire until 1838, when they 
came to the great undeveloped West, and settled 
on a farm in McHenry County, III., where they 
shared the hardships of pioneer life with the other 
early settlers. They resided in Illinois until 1861, 
at which time they came to Nebraska, and made 
their home for the remainder of their days in this 

-<• 



count}'. Their family comprised thirteen children, 
of whom our subject is the youngest, and all were 
born either in Massachusetts or New Hampshire. 
Young Volney was but nine weeks old when his 
family moved to Illinois, but there he grew toman- 
hood and developed asplendid and healthy physique, 
as is generally the case with farm boys. 

In 1859 our subject went as assistant wagon- 
master with a company of men to Salt Lake City, 
and returned to his home in the fall of the same 
year. The year following this journey he came to 
Nebraska, and having friends in this county he 
naturally preferred to make his home among them 
rather than among strangers. For a time he en- 
gaged as a farm hand, then in freighting, and for 
several years he had charge of a threshing-machine, 
in connection with which he fed the first bundle of 
wheat ever fed into a threshing-machine in tliis 
county. In 1864 he lost some of his friends in the 
Sioux massacre, on the Little Blue River, an event 
which will always be remembered in connection 
with the early settlement of this State. The same 
year he purchased some land, having previousl}' pre- 
empted a piece, which he then began to improve. 
A portion of the land now owned by our subject 
was first claimed by a man named Joseph Proud, 
who was a peddler, and frequently received gold 
dust in exchange for his wares. His "shanty" was 
burned in Februar}', 1860, and in the spring of 
1887, while a son of our subject was walking over 
a piece of plowed ground he picked up a piece of 
glass. He happened to drop it and it broke in two, 
and out of a fissure there came a piece of gold, 
which had been melted into the gla.ss twenty-seven 
years previousl}', or at the burning of the sh.anty. 

In 1868 Mr. Whittemore married Miss Susan M. 
Sherrill, who was born in Missouri on the 26th of 
August, 1847, and is a daughter of Thomas N. 
and Mary A. (Blodgett) Sherrill, who are natives 
of Kentuck}' and Massachusetts resijcctivel}'. They 
moved to Missouri and thence to Nebraska in 1860, 
making their home in this county, of which they 
are still respected residents. After his marriage 
our subject settled on his farm, now consisting of 
260 acres of well-improved land in Midland Town- 
ship, on which he has erected a good residence, but 
as yet no barns. Aside from the general produce 



h- 



33G 



GAGE COUNTY, 



of the fields, he gives ntteiitiori to the raising of 
cattle, hogs a II fl live stoik in general. 

Six children have come to brighten tiie boine of 
oiir siili^eet and ids wife, and tliey have received 
the names of Edna, Charles Henr}', Lney E., Ed- 
ward Herbert, Er)iestand P^nnice. Mr. Whittemore 
lias served as Assessor of his township, and in all 
public nfifairs he is desirons that what is done shall 
be done for the benefit of the community in which 
he has long held an interest. He is a member of 
the Democratic political organization, but votes 
independently of his i)nrty when he finds a man of 
superior attainments or morality to be the candi- 
date of the opposing party. Recently the farm be- 
longing to our subject, situated on section 24. 
Midland Township, has given some evidence of 
being enriched bj' a bed of coal, but as yet it has 
not been found in paying quantities, though about 
the sum of $600 has been spent in prospecting for it. 



^ I^ILLIAM W. LEIGHTON. Section 1,5, 
\gj// Logan Township, is the i)roperty of the 
W^ gentleman whose life is herein succinctly 
sketched, and is occupied by him in the interests 
of stock-raising and grain farming, and is one of 
the best cultiv.ated and well-stocked farms in the 
county. Mr. Leighlon has not spent his years in 
vain, and he is to-day enjo3'ing in his beautiful 
home the results of former j-ears of labor. His 
success in life must be attributed to the restless 
energy that was continually working out the plans 
conceived in the brain which had been b}- educa- 
tion, thought and meditation, rendered more acute, 
clear and forcible, and since his marriage this has 
been supplemented by the elevating, cheering and 
sustaining influence that has been brought into his 
life by his companion and life partner, a lady of 
more than usual education, culture, and innate re- 
finement. 

The father of our subject, Enoch Leighton, was 
born in Narragansett, Me., in the year 1797. In 
1814 he removed to New York State, where he fol- 
lowed farming until 1835, when ho removed to La- 
grange County, Ind., where he died on the 5tli of 



November, 1856. The maiden name of his wife, 
the mother of our subject, was Phebe Cowan, who 
was born in Providence, R. I., in 1799. Her father, 
David Cowan, was a private in the Revolutionary 
War, and did his manly and honorable part in the 
establishment of the Republic of Liberty that en- 
lightens the world. Of this union there were born 
seven children, who are recorded as follows : David, 
Nelson and anotiier child are deceased, Elisha, Will- 
iam W., Nancy and John. Nelson enlisted in the 88th 
Indiana Infantry, in August, 1863, was mustered 
in at Lagrange, Ind., and served through the Civil 
War until the battle of Murfreesboro, immediately 
after which he was taken sick, and died in 1864. 

In Lima, Ind., was born, upon the 15th of April, 
1 836, the suliject of this sketch. The days of his 
boyhood and youth were devoted to the acquire- 
ment of knowledge, in order to a more successful 
life and brighter experience. His home being upon 
a farm, in the natural course of events he became 
quite intimate with its duties, responsibilities and 
work, and before he attained his majority he was 
competent to take charge and manage the entire 
farm. Upon attaining his majority he started in 
life for him.self, continuing as his chosen occupation 
agricultural pursuits. In 1872 he started West, 
crossing the prairies of Illinois and Iowa with a 
small wagon and team, and continued his journey 
until he came to Beatrice, then a rising, but not 
very imposing, young city. He had previously 
purchased section 15, and proceeded to settle upon 
it. He has the distinguished honor of being one 
of the first actual settlers in Logan Township, and 
every settler since that time has recognized in our 
subject and his family friends to the incoming 
stranger about to begin life again in an unknown 
country, amid new surroundings and strange faces. 

What a change h.as passed over the land since 
that day! How vastly more beautiful! How diverse 
its scenery! How filled is the smiling landscape 
with garden-like farms and flourishing, fruit-laden 
orchards ! It seems incredible that so f6w years could 
have passed away, and everything be so altered. 
It is a monument of American vim and intelligent 
labor. What is true of the township as a whole is 
equally so of section 15, for our subject has erected 
a very beautiful residence, and has supplied his farm 





RESIDENCE OF THOMAS E D M AND5 , 5 EC. 23 . HOLT TP. 










RESIDENCE OFW.W. LE I GHTON , 5 E C. 15 , LO G A N TP. 



: 



■> ^ ll 4» 



GAGE COUNTY. 



339 



with barns, stnble. grnnniy and other neerled build- 
ings, to which has been added a niagnilicent windmill 
pump. lie has also set out and carefiillj- tended 
until they were sufficiently established to provide 
themselves with needed sustenance, extensive groves 
of choice sh.ade and forest trees, besides quite a large 
orchard. 

At LaPorle, Tnd., upon the 6th of April, 18G5, 
our subject became the husb.nnd of ,lulia M. Ste- 
vens. This ladj- was born at Lima. Ind.. Jan. 29, 
1838. Her parents spared neither time, trouble nor 
expense in her education, which was designed to 
fit her for the position of school mistress. She 
afterward taught school for two years, and having 
develoi)ed quite a passion for music, had made her- 
self competent to give instructions in the divine art. 
The father of Mrs. Leighton, Jonathan Stevens, 
was born in Montpelier, Vt., in 1790, and served 
throughout the Revolutionary AVar .as a private. 
The old musket then carried bj' him is still a highlj' 
prized heirloom in the possession of Mrs. Leighton. 
He died in the year 1840. Her mother, whose 
maiden name was Sophia Bass, was born in Con- 
necticut in 1800, and died at the age of seventy- 
seven years. There were six children born of this 
union, whose names are as follows: Prudence, Mal- 
vina, Mary, Louisa, Sylvia and Julia. To Mr. and 
Mrs. Leighton has been born one child, who re- 
ceived the name Fay E., and was born Oct. G, 
1873. Besides this child they have adopted two 
others, viz: Alice Leighton, born Sept. 28, 1870, 
and Eddie, Feb. 1, 1878. 

Our subject has been several times called upon to 
accept office, but has only consented in two in- 
stances, and ui)on these occasions was impelled to do 
so by his deep and continuous interest in educa- 
tional affairs. He was for six years in the office of 
School Treasurer and two as .School Director. Both 
Mr. and Mrs. Leighton have for many years been 
members of the Baptist communion, and are affili- 
ated with the church at Filley. In the Sunday- 
school and church work, especially the former, they 
are among the most active and earnest workers. In 
society they are counted among the elite, and are 
respected as most honorable and valued citizens 
The political sentiments of Mr. Leighton le.ad him 
to an active membership in tlie Prohiliition party, 




and his influence in his township is quite large, and 
doubtless efficient work will be done by him to ad- 
vance this great cause of larger liberty. A view of 
the home place of our subject may be seen on an 
adjoining page. 



^^^HOMAS EDMANDS, an aged and highly 
respected citizen of Oak Township, is one of 
its oldest living pioneers. He lives on his 
farm of 1 GO acres on section 23, but .some time since 
retired from active labor, the homestead being m.an- 
,aged by his grandson, Clyde Edmands. He came 
to Nebraska during the period of its earliest settle- 
ment, and has been the privileged witness of its 
transformation from a wild and uncultivated coun- 
try to flourishing towns and valuable homestea<ls. 
He can tell many a thrilling tale of the scenes 
through which he has passed, and the changes which 
have occurred since the time when, a young man 
with brave and venturesome spirit, he sought this 
region with the intention of building up a home. 
He secured his present farm by a homestead claim, 
and experienced all the hardships and privations of 
pioneer life, laboring amid many disadvantivges, 
but with that persistent industry which was one of 
the leading characteristics of the early settlers, and 
which almost invariably resulted in their ultimate 
success. 

The subject of this sketch was born on the other 
side of the Atlantic, in the Principality of Wales, 
April 6, 1805. His parents were Thomas and Jane 
(Loyd) Edmands, who spent their entire lives upon 
their native soil, the father eng.aged in day labor. 
The family was in lim'ited circumstances, and the 
household circle included three children, two sons 
and a daughter — Thom.as, John and Jane. The 
brother and sister of our subject are now in Green 
County \Y\s. 

Mr. Edmands received but a limited education, 
and began life for himself at an early age, beginning 
to work out when eight years old. Two j'ears 
later he was wholly thrown upon his own resources 
on .account of circumstances. Thereafter he made 
his home with strangers, often receiving hard fare, 
and but few of the comforts of life. He employed 



f 



-4^ 
310 



,t 



GAGE COUNTY. 



^^ 



liimself mostly at flay labor. Upon reaching nnan- 
liood he was married to Mi-s M.iry Evans, one of 
ills own countrywomen, who was born in 1804. In 
1851 he determined to seek his fortune in the New 
World, and embarking on a sailing-vessel at Liver- 
pool, landed in New York four weeks later. Thence 
he proceeded directly westward, locating in Keno- 
sha County, Wis., where he rented a farm and con- 
tinued to live for a period of seventeen years. 

In the fall of 1868 Mr. Edmands m.ade his way 
to this State, and homesteaded the land comprising 
his present farm. He labored industriously in the 
cultivation of the soil, and in bringing about the 
improvements necessary to his convenience and 
comfort. His career has been that of an honest man 
and a good citizen, and one in which he has justly 
earned tlie esteem and confidence of his neighbors. 
He has been identified with the Republican party 
for many years, and to the enterprises calculated to 
benefit the community at large has given as he was 
able his cordial and generous support. He thor- 
oughly' believes in the establishment of religious and 
educational institutions, and has assisted in the 
building of several churclies in his county. As one 
of the oldest pioneers, he is accorded that tacit 
reverence and respect extended those who ventured 
into the uncultivated wilds, and never permitted 
themselves to withdraw from the t.ask they had un- 
dertaken. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Edmands there were born eight 
children, namely: Mary, Margaret, Jane, Ann, Jona- 
than, Edmund, Elizabeth and Sarah. Three of 
these are living, one in Wisconsin, and two in Ne- 
braska. Among the views presented on the pages 
of this volume may be found one belonging to Mr. 
Edmands. 



►^HK- 




AVID RICKARD. Our sul)ject is one of 
those who have reached the goal after 
years of toil, labor, anxiety, and all the 
attendant incidents of a busy life, and now 
has retired from active service. He has let the 
mantle of his former intelligent industry fall upon 
tiie shoulders of liis son, who has charge of the old 
farm and operates it in his own interest. Our sub- 



ject resides upon section 18 of Grant Township, 
and owns 230 acres of land on section 2, compris- 
ing the farm, which is finely improved and has good 
buildings, etc. This is the property that is now 
utilized by his son. 

Mr. Rickard came to this county in the fall 
of 1870 and located on the farm on section 2, and 
entered upon the pioneer work connected with the 
bringing of raw prairie land to good farming land. 
In this work he was abundantly successful, and con- 
tinued until about ten years .ago, when he came to 
his present residence and took up a retired life. 
Previous to living in Nebraska his home had been 
in Wayne County, Ohio, where he hail farmed for 
four and a half j-ears. Prior to that he had con- 
tinued to reside in his native State, that of Penn- 
sylvania, where he was born in Somerset County 
on the- 13th of December, 1819. He is the third 
child and the second son of William and Sarah 
(Strose) Rickard, both of whom are now deceased, 
their death occurring in Westmoreland County of 
that State. Wlien this last ciiange came the father 
was over eighty, and the mother somewhat more 
than ninety years of age. They were both natives 
of the Keystone State. Mr. Rickard, Sr., was a 
hotel-keeper all his life. The famil}' was well known 
throughout a large section of country and held 
everywhere in the highest regard. They were the 
parents of nine children, five of whom were sons. 
Of this family but one member, Elizabeth Miller, is 
deceased; she died at an advanced age, and all 
those living are over fifty years of age. 

The boyhood, youth and early manhood of our 
subject were spent in his native county; his educa- 
tion was received in the usual institution of the 
times and was complete according to the curricu- 
lum of that day. It was with pleasurable pride 
that as a young man our subject deposited his first 
ballot, which w.as given in favor of Gen. '"Tippe- 
canoe" Harrison, of glorious memorj', and it is 
almost unnecessary to say that his grandson re- 
ceived the vote of our subject at the past election. 

At the age of twenty-two years Mr. Rickard 
went to Westmoreland County, and there was 
united in holy matrimony with Catherine Harmon. 
This interesting event was celebrated on the 24th 
of December, 1846, and has been the means of com- 



n 



^ 



^ii^h-^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



341 



pleting and brightening two lives at least. This lady 
was horn on tlie 9th of August, 1825, in that 
coiint3-. and reniaine<l at the home of her parents 
until her marriage, receiving such education as was 
usual in the neighboring school- house, and at home 
trained in all the diversities of housewifer}'. .She was 
the daughter of one of Pennsjivanja's prosperous 
farmers, Philip Harmon, who was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Elizabeth Humm. 

Mrs. Rickard, who was called to pass to her long 
home in .September of 1881. was just such a one as 
King Solomon might have had in mind when he 
wrote "He that findeth a good wife findeth a good 
thing." Her memory will always be sacredly re- 
vered, for her life and character were most beauti- 
ful, presenting in the varied relations of life as wife 
and mother an idealistic maturity and bcaut3'. Her 
eight children will ever hold her in mind as the one 
perfection of womanhood of their lives. The names 
of her children are as follows: William H., now of 
DeWitt; Oscar, resident in the Rockies; Elizabeth 
A., now the wife of Finle^' Kinzey, and resident in 
Lincoln ; David H., who operates the old home farm ; 
John, who lives upon a farm in Lane County, Kan.; 
Lucius L., living in Liucoln; Mary D., now Mrs. 
George Randell, of Frontier Count}', Neb., and 
George G.. also a farmer in Lane County, Kan. 

Mr. Rickard entered into a second matrimonial 
alliance upon the 2d of March 1884, the lady of 
his choice being Mrs. Luc}' B. Van Cleef, nee Tut- 
tle. This lady was born on the 4th of October, 
1823. in Indiana, to John A. and Marj' (Tine}-) 
Tuttle, natives of Long Island, who were then mar- 
ried, and later came to Ohio, and thence removed to 
Indiana, residing in the northern part of that State. 
where they died at a ver}' advanced age. Their 
daughter Lucj' was married to William W. Van Cleef, 
and shortly afterward came to Nebraska and lo- 
cated in this county, where he died in 1866, leaving 
his widowed wife with five children, one of whom 
is now deceased ; her name was Phoebe A. Those 
who still survive are as follows: John A., a resident 
of Jefferson County; Betsey J., now the wife of 
Dow Taylor, a farmer in Saline Count}'; George, a 
successful farmer in the same county; Mary Close, 
who with her husband resides upon her mother's 
farm, being the land taken by her late husband 

-.<• 



when they came to the State in 1857, and from 
which at one time they had to flee to Beatrice to 
escape Indian cruelty or worse. Mi's. Rickard owns 
in her own right 240 acres which was left by her 
husband. 

In the late war Mr. Rickard enlisted in the cav- 
alry as Corporal in a batalliou in Pennsylvania in 
18(33, and after six months re-enlisted in Company 
E, 211th Pennsylvania Infantry, and served in all 
tiie eng.ngements of note until the close of the war, 
rising from the ranl«to the position of .Second Ser- 
geant. He was accounted a good soldier, and 
because thereof was promoted. He has continued 
from that time the support of the Republican cause, 
and will continue so to do. He is accorded by the 
entire community in which he resides the hearty 
respect and highest esteem because of his irre- 
proachalile ciuiracter and successful life. He has 
ever been forward in advancing the interest of re- 
ligious, social and educational affairs, and has rec- 
ognized the importance of the institutions having 
this in view. 



^^EORGE WRIGHT is well known as a suc- 
III g— , cessful farmer on section 22, Island Grove 
^^4' Township, where he h.as a fine farm of 160 
acres. He was born in Knox County, 111., on the 
13th of September, 1844, and is the eldest of seven 
children who comprise the family of his father. 
His parents, William D. and Susan (Robertson) 
Wright, are natives of Kentucky, and after their 
marriage they made their home in Knox County, 
111. They remained in that place until 1883, in 
which year they removed to Oregon, and are now 
residing in that distant State engaged in the occu- 
pation of farming, which has been their vocation 
through life. 

Our subject, as the eldest son, assisted his father 
in the work of his farm and the maintenance of 
the family until he reached the age of twenty-two 
years, after which time he began in business for 
himself, and having by this time a thorough under- 
standing of the work necessary for successful results 
in agriculture he continued in that work on his own 
behalf. In 1876 he moved to Adair County, Iowa, 



r 



M^ 



342 



GAGE COUNTY. 



where he continued farming, and in 1886 he came 
to tliis fount^' and iiiirehased a quarter section of 
land at 122 per acre. The land was in a partly 
improved condition when it came into his hands, 
and he has since increased its value and added to 
its appearance by the improvements which he has 
made. 

lu 18GG Mr. Wright was united in marriage with 
Miss Errilla Linn, a daughter of John and Mar^' A. 
(Campbell) Linn, who were natives of Ohio. Mrs. 
Wrigiit was born in Morrow County, Ohio, on the 
14th of June, 1845, and remained in her native 
Stale until the year 1856. She received her educa- 
tion from the schools in Morrow County, and from 
her mother she learned the domestic virtues which 
qualify her to make such a pleasant home for her 
own family. By her kind advice, and the interest 
which she manifests in his labor, she has assisted our 
subject in the accumulation of his present property, 
and the work necessary for its improvement. They 
have gathered about them a family of four chil- 
dren, to whom they have given the names of Susan 
E., William Scott, Jefferson T. and Nora D. 

Our subject is concerned in the welfare of his 
community as well as for that of the country at 
large, and as far as he is able he gives encourage- 
ment to the fostering and improvement of all the 
public institutions by which the best good can be 
secured. He has been an incumbent of the offices 
of Director and Treasurer, in which he served for 
ten years, with credit to himself and satisfaction to 
those who elected him to the office. In all matters 
relating to the political government of the country 
he affiliates with the Democratic party. 







ALSEY COOK. The subject of the follow- 
ing notice took up his abode in Highland 
Township during the period of its early set- 
tlement, securing a tract of land 160 acres 
in extent on section 31. A native of Tompkins 
County, N. Y., he was born Sept. 29, 1822, and is 
the son of Jeremiah and Sarah Cook, the father 
born on Long Island, N. Y., and the mother in the 
same State. 

Jeremiah Cook during his early manhood served 



as a soldier in the War of 1812. and was a strong 
supporter of Andrew Jackson for President. The 
household circle consisted of eight children, seven 
of whom are living, and located as follows: Frank- 
lin is in Steuben County, N. Y. ; Samuel, in Brad- 
ford County, Pa.; Seth, in Kansas; Halsey is our 
subject, -and was the fourth child; Amanda is the 
wife of L. G. Hastings, of Greene County, Iowa; 
Nancy, Mrs. Barlow, and Mary A., the wife of Alvah 
Butler, are residents of Steuben County, N. Y. 

When the subject of this sketch was a little lad 
five years of age, his parents took up their residence 
in Bradford County, Pa., where they lived for a 
period of six j'ears, the father engaged in farming. 
Thence they removed back to the Empire State, 
locating this time in Steuben County, where Hal- 
sey completed his education, and was reared to 
manhood. The school advantages of those days 
were far inferior to tliose of the present time, but 
our subject being fond of his books, pursued a thor- 
ough course of reading, and became well informed 
upon the important topics of the day. When 
twenty years of age, he set about the establishment 
of a home, by his marriage with Miss L3'dia Clark, 
the wedding taking place at the home of the bride, 
Dec. 15, 1842. Mr. and Mrs. Cook continued resi- 
dents of New York State until 1845. There have 
been born to them six children, four of whom are 
living: Monroe is a resident of Ogle County, III.; 
Eliza, the wife of Edward Atkinson, is a resident of 
Burlington, Iowa; Delphia married George Tuni- 
son, and lives in Saline County, this State; Halsey 
J. is also a resident of that county, engaged in farm- 
ing. The deceased daughters, Sarah C. and Mary 
A., died at the ages of twenty -eight and five, re- 
spectively, Sarah C. died in Kansas, May 10, 1874, 
and Mary A. in Illinois. 

Our subject and his wife, a few months after their 
marriage, emigrated to Ogle Count3', III., taking up 
their abode among its early pioneers, and there 
lived a quarter of a century. Mrs. LydiaCook de- 
parted this life at her home in Flagg Township, 
Ogle County, in 1862. Our subject was the second 
time married, Oct. 12, 1862, to Mrs. Emily Jewell, 
widow of Monroe Jewell, who died in California. 
Mr. Cook in 1871 left Illinois, and crossing the 
Mississippi, settled in Woodson County, Kan., where 



-f 



4 



<•■ 




GAGE COUNTY. 



343 



he lived three years, and in the fall of 1874 came to 
tills county. He purchased eighty acres of land in 
Highland Township, at §7 per acre, from the Bur- 
lington it jNIissoiiri River Railroad Company, run- 
ning in debt for the amount. The energy and per- 
severance with which he labored are indicated from 
the fact that he not onl}' cleared himself of his first 
indebtedness, but in due time purchased more land, 
and has now a fine farm of 240 acres with first-class 
improvements. He commenced operations with one 
span of horses and an old wagon worth about $15, 
a breaking pljw and a yoke of oxen, and less than 
#.5 in cash. He practiced the most rigid econom}-, 
and has always made it a rule to live within his in- 
come. His career should be an encouragement to 
those starting out at the foot of the ladder, and is 
an example of the industry and perseverance which 
seldom fail to bring their legitimate reward 

Mr. Cook during bis early voting d.ays was a 
member of the old Whig party, but upon the organ- 
ization of the Republicans, cordially endorsed their 
principles, and has since supported them. He held 
several of the minor offices while a resident of 
Illinois, and is recognized as a liberal and public- 
spirited citizen, uniformly encouraging the enter- 
prises calculated for the advancement of the people. 
As one of the pioneer citizens of this county, who 
has m.ade for himself a good record, he is in the en- 
joyment of that esteem and confidence which by a 
correct life he has most justly earned. 






" W. LYKK. Nothing is more delightful 
than to traverse the country throughout 
Southern Nebraska during its harvest season, 
and note the thrift and industry of a large majority 
of its people. From the abundance of its products 
may safely be augured the character of its people, 
for the soil, however rich in its natural resources, 
must be judiciouslj' tended, or man's expectations 
will come to naught. Prominent among the skill- 
ful agriculturists of this region may properly be 
named the subject of this sketch, who has been 
liberally' endowed with the qualities which have 
assured his success both as a farmer, a business man, 
and a valuable member of tlie community. He has 



extensive interests, being part owner of one and 
one-half sections of land, the whole of which he 
gu|)erintends, making a specialty of the raising of 
grain and stock. Ho gives employment to a large 
number of men the year round, and is thus no 
unimportant factor in the business and farming 
interests of Gage County. 

The ancestry of an individual is next in im|)or- 
tance to his own personality, and can never prop- 
erly be omitted from the record of his life. The 
father of our subject was Stanton Lynk, a native 
of the Empire State, and born near the city of 
Rochester, in 1834. He lived theie until a youth 
of eighteen years, and then migrating to Will 
County, 111., engaged in farming, and there has 
since remained. There also he married Miss Isabel 
Doig, who was born in Wiishington, D. C, two 
years later than her husband, in 183G. She is still 
living with him at the old homestead. They arc 
the parents of six children, three sons and three 
daughters, namely: Janet, the wife of Abel Bliss, a 
farmer of Will County, 111. ; Z. W., the subject of 
this sketch ; Adella, who married Walter Rowley, a 
farmer of that county; Everett, also farming in that 
locality; Eva and Irwin, at home with their par- 
ents. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Will 
County, III., April 3, 18C0, and spent his boyhood 
days there upon the farm, and in attendance at the 
district school until twenty-two i'ears of age. Feb. 
23, 1882, desirous of establishing a home of his 
own, he was united in marriage with Miss Cornelia, 
daughter of Charles and Hannah (Holly) Finch, 
who were born in Illinois. The father was a druggist 
by occupation, and departed this life at his home 
in Will County, 111., in 1863. The mother is still 
living in the Prairie State. Mrs. Lynk w.as the 
younger of their two children, and was born Jan. 
25, 1863, in Will County, 111. She spent her early 
life under the home roof, continuing with her par- 
ents until her marriage. 

Mr. and Mrs. Lynk began their wedded, life in 
Iowa, where, in Wright County, our subject carried 
on farming eighteen months, then resolved to cast 
his lot with the people of Southern Nebraska. Com- 
ing to this countj-. he jjurchased 320 acres of land on 
section 35, in Sherman Township, where he has since 



■^^ 



341 



GAGE COUNTY. 



operated with flattering success. He sliipshis cattle 
to Chicago, and usually keeps on hand from 125 to 
200 head. These consume the larger part of 200 
acres of corn, which is raised on the land of Mr. L. 
and his partner, and besides this they gather in 
some years as many as 100 acres of oats and the 
same of flax. 

Mr. Lynk has a very pleasant and comfortable 
home and an interesting faniilj', the latter including 
two bright children, Mabel A. and Howard S., six 
and four years of age respectively. Mr. Lynk 
meddles very little with matters outside his busi- 
ness and his family, but upon occasions of impor- 
tant elections gives his support to the Republican 
party. 



r^ZEKIEL McCORMACK is one of the pio- 
M neer settlers of Highland Township, who 
ll=a^ has with pleasurable pride watched its pro- 



gression, settlement, development and growth. His 
residence and farm are on S'jction 14, where, in 
1872, he homesteaded eighty acres of Government 
land and settled thereon. Our subject was born in 
County Antrim, Ireland, on the 15th of May, 
1 842, to James and Ellen McCormack, natives of 
the same place. He was the second son born to his 
parents, whose family circle included four children. 
His education was received in his native county, 
and provided him with a fair foundation upon 
which to rear life's structure. Frcmi tliat time his 
attention was directed to the multifarious minutia 
of agricultural pursuits, in which he was engaged 
until he was about twenty-two j'ears of age. 

In the spring of 1864 our subject emigrated to 
this country, taking passage from Belfast to Liver- 
jjool on a sailing-vessel, and thence to New York, 
the voyage consuming somewhat over four weeks. 
As soon as tiie first strangeness of the New World 
had worn off, lie proceeded to Philadelphia, where 
he obtained employment with the wholesale grocery 
firm of McCann & Cooper, to drive one of their 
teams. This situation he held for five years, re- 
maining in the same occupation and city for about 
four yenrs longer. 

In 1872 our subject came to Gage County and 
settled, as above mentioned, on section 14, Highland 

<» 



Township. There were very few settlers in the 
district and he was comparatively alone, and ex- 
perienced all the difficult}', inconvenience and loss 
attending frontier life, where long distances must 
be traversed to and from the markets, with all the 
attending disadvantageous circumstances of pio- 
neer life that have turned back so many who once 
bravely started to engage therein. He has brought 
his farm to its present high state of perfection in 
agriculture from a condition of nature that had 
been perhaps untouched by man from the day of 
the issuing of the creative fiat. That he has been 
successful is shown in the fact that he has more 
than doubled his farm acreage since his original 
settlement, which now contains 200 acres, while its 
financial value has verj- largely increased also, 
and in greater proportion. His. farm buildings are 
good and substantial, his residence pleasant and 
commodious, and the farm well supplied with the 
necessaries of good farming. His previous history 
and life in Philadelphia, comi)ared with his present 
position and prospects, reveal the fact that he has 
made what he has by his own efforts, and has not 
been reaping the harvest of another life, as is often 
the case in the acquisition of riches, when through 
the death of relatives their belongings, no longer 
usable by them, are passed on into other hands. 

Our subject was happily married to Matilda 
Young, at Philadelphia, Sept. 29, 1871. This lady 
is the daughter of Edward and Jane Young, of 
Tyrone, Ireland. The former is deceased. The 
wife of our subject was the third child born to 
them, and that interesting event occurred at Ty- 
rone, on the 12th of August, 1846. She resided 
with her relatives until her marriage, which has 
proved to our subject to be one of the most im- 
portant, and at the same time happy, steps of his 
life. There have been four children born of this 
union, whose names are as follows: Sarah J., James 
E., Harry M. and Gertrude F. 

Our subject affiliates with the Republican party 
in his position upon jjolitical questions, and h.as for 
years been one of its stout adherents and doughty 
friends. For three years he has served as Modera- 
tor of the school district. Both our subject and 
his wife are connected with the Presbyterian Church, 
and in that communion find that which is congenial 



-•► 




^•^HK-* 



GAGE COUNTY. 



345 



to them ill tliis respect. Tliey are held ia the 
highest regard as consistent and active menibcis 
and siiiJi)orteis, and take great interest in the vari- 
ous departments of church and SSunday-schooI worlc, 
Mr. McCorraaci< being Sundaj--sciiool Treasurer, 
having hehl that office continuously for several 
years. 

Mr. and Mrs. McCormack are prominent in local 
society, and are gladly welcomed to the best circles 
thereof. They are identified with the various enter- 
prises and projects that have been formeil for the 
Ijenefit of the community and advancement of the 
surroundings. As regards honor, uprightness, pa- 
triotism, and ever}' moral and social virtue, they 
occupy as higli a place as any in the county. The 
social qualities that make our subject so popu- 
lar, his genial, affable manner, supported liy his 
strong force of character and strict business integ- 
rity, combine to make him one of the most promi- 
nent and worthy representatives of Irish-American 
citizenship, and assure a continuance of the exten- 
sion of those sentiments on the part of his fellow- 
citizens that make his life at the present place of 
residence and in that community so eminently satis- 
factory and enjoyable. 

~s ^^ ^ 



ISAAC J. FRANTZ has been eminently success- 
ful in his business and social career, and is 
prominently identified with the workings of 
the public institutions of this community, having 
done much to aid in their improvement. He is en- 
gaged in farming and stock-raising on his home 
farm, consisting of 320 acres, all on sections 5 and 8, 
Rockford Township. His father, William, was born 
in Maiyland, and his mother, Nancy (Rush) Frantz, 
in Prairie County, Ohio. The parents were married 
in the latter State, then removed to Illinois, and made 
their home there until their death, the father dying 
in 1869 at the age of fifty-nine years, and the mother 
in 1875 at the age of sixty-three years. The nine 
children which comprise their family bear the fol- 
lowing names: James M., Horatio N., Catherine, 
Mary K., Maggie, Dallas, Isaac J. , Ella E. and Ida B. 
Our subject was born on the 14th of January, 
1850, in Pike Townshi[), Prairie Co., Ohio, and 



!^ 



spent his early 3'ears on his father's farm. There 
he attended the common schools, and having ap- 
plied himself with much diligence to the t^tsks 
,issigned him, he was enabled to obtain a thorough 
education in the elementary branches of learning, 
He remained at home until he was fifteen j'ears old, 
at which time he came with his i)arents to Mon- 
mouth, 111., where he worked out on a farm during 
the summer and attended the academic depart- 
ment of Monmouth College during the winter. He 
then rented a farm and continued the vocation of 
agriculture on his own behalf. 

On the 4tli of March, 1875, Mr. Frantz was 
united in marriage with Miss Anna E. Sickmon, a 
daughter of George and Sarah (Green) Sickmon, 
the former of whom was born in Erie County, and 
the latter near Syracuse, N. 'i . They were mar- 
ried in their native State, and three years later 
moved to Illinois, the husband purchasing a farm 
near Monmouth. He is now very comfortably situ- 
ated, and enjoys the fruits of his early industry in 
company with his faithful companion and helpmate, 
the respective milestones of their existence num- 
bering sixty-nine and sixt}--six. Their six children 
have grown to manhood and womanhood, and bear 
the names of Sallie M., Susan E., Wintield S., Anna 
E., Eliza and Charles. Anna E., the wife of our 
suliject, was born on the 21st of June, 1853, near 
Monmouth, where she grew to girlhood's years and 
began a course of instruction in the common schools. 
After that was completed she attended the Mon- 
mouth College, and received an education in the 
.accomplishments which have fitted her to adorn 
her home and the societj' in which she moves. 

To our suliject and his wife there have been horn 
four children, two of whom, named Kittle B. and 
Ross E., were born in Illinois, and the remaining 
two. Earl M. and Harold, in this county. In 1880 
they came to Nebraska and purchased 320 acres of 
land, all of which lliej- have brought undercultiva- 
tion and to a most lucrative condition. Our subject 
has made many valuable improvements, chief of 
which was the building of a very fine house and 
farm buildings. The cattle and horse barns are 
built with a large basement, commonly called " hank 
barns," and are supplied with running water forced 
by a wind-pump. Our subject is extensively en- 



34G 



GAGE COUNTY. 



gaged in farming nnd stoclv-raising, breeding and 
feeding cattle, and for five years lie has turned his 
attention to breeding roadsters and trotters, having 
nineteen head of horses. He keeps from 80 to 100 
hogs, .and has 100 head of cattle. On the farm 
there are two groves, containing two and a half 
acres apiece, planted with fine maple and box elder 
trees. 

Mr. and Mrs. Frantz are inflnential members of 
the Christian Church, of Beatrice, and are each well 
qualified by educational and social attainments to 
honor the place in society accorded to them. Our 
subject has been Director of the schools of his town- 
ship, and takes an active interest in the educational 
advancement as well as the political and religious 
welfare of his community. He is an ardent Repub- 
lican, and his zeal in the cause of that party secured 
his election as delegate to the Repubtican County 
Convention in 1886. He h.as accumulated his 
wealth by his own integrity and labor, and is in 
every respect a self-made man, who has been more 
than ordinarily successful in life. 



W;1LLIAM MAHLOCH has proved himself 
the possessor of a large amount of that ex- 
cellent quality of manhood and self-reliance, 
which, united with perseverance and industrj-, has 
enabled him to become one of the useful young 
farmers of Blakely Township, in which he owns a 
fine farm of 240 acres on section 5. When he 
started out in life he was comparatively poor, and 
what he now owns has been obtained b^' his own 
manl^' efforts, be being indebted to no man for the 
help of so much as a penny. He was born in Shebo}'- 
gan County, Wis., on the 14th of December, 1852, 
and is a son of Phillip and Sophia (Vest) Mahloch, 
who had come to the United States from one of the 
Rhine Provinces in Germany after their marriage. 
The mother died in 1854 in Wisconsin, but the 
f.ather is still living in that State, and has reached 
the age of seventy-two years. The parents were 
Lutherans in their religious belief. 

Our subject was twenty j'ears old when he began 
working for himself, and first hired out as a farm 
laborer in his native State, then went to Henry 



County, 111., where he worked for two years, after 
which, when he was twenty-three j-earsold, became 
to Nebraska. Pie was married in this township on 
the 28th of June, 1880, to Miss Lizzie Riddle, who 
was born in Maryland in 1862. Her father was a 
German farmer who had come to the United States 
and settled in Maryland. The mother died in that 
State, and the father afterward married again and 
came to Nebraska, now making his home on a farm 
in Jefferson County. Mrs. Mahloch was sixteen 
years old when she came with her father to the 
great undeveloped West, and a little later was 
married here. 

Our subject and his wife have had six children 
in their family, one of whom, named Minnie, died 
when she was eleven months old, and the remain- 
ing four children bear the names of Louis, Hannah, 
Peter and Carrie; an infant is unnamed. Mr. Mali- 
locii purchased his first land here in 1879, when he 
secured 160 acres, after which he added eighty 
acres to it from an adjoining farm, and he now has 
one of the veiy good farms of this county. The 
land was wild and unbroken prairie when it came 
into his hands, and all of its improvements are due 
to his own industry, it being now in a condition to 
produce fine crops of grain. Our subject also 
gives considerable attention to the raising of stock 
of a superior grade. He was one of the first 
settlers in this neighborhood, and has been a resi- 
dent of this county since 1875. He and his wife 
are highly esteemed members of the German Luth- 
eran Church, and rank well among the best fam- 
ilies of the township. Mr. Mahloch affiliates with 
the Republican party in politics, and is a first-class, 
honorable man. 



*AMES M. TARRANTS. Upon the banks 
of the Big Blue River, in Blakely Township 
of this county, stands the well-built, splen- 
didly- equipped and excellentlj^ managed 
Caldwell Mill, which is owned by Mr. Tarrants. 
whose history is herein presented in succinct form. 
He is the son of Minos Tarrants, who was born 
in South Carolina, and while j'et a child removed 
with his i)arents to Kentucky. In that State he 



-♦- 






W 



VV»- 




^^^yj^ "/. 




Kiy^ylim/ 



■#^ 



a 



GAGE COUNTY. 



349 



met and finally inanied Miss Nancy McConnell, 
who was burn in Kentucky, of Virginian parents. 
After his marriage he settled in Warren County, 
Ky., where ihej- made their home until their death. 
Mrs. Tarrants dying in the year 1850. at fifty -six 
years of age, and her husband in the year 1868, at 
the age of eighty-four jears. 

Our subject is one of a family of seven children, 
who are still living. He was born, brought up, 
educated, learned the duties and tasks of farm work 
until he arrived at man's estate, at the AVarren 
Countj' homestead. Oct. 5, 1854, he became the 
husband of Miss Margaret Merrell, at Lexing- 
ton. Kj'., where this lady w.as born, and had con- 
tinued to live until that time. Her father was a 
blacksmith, and had lived in Kentucky, his native 
State, all his life, and there died in the year 1862. 

The home of our subject was made quite bright 
and liapiw by the influence of his wife. His house 
is most happily situated and pleasant, both in in- 
ternal arrangement and general situation. Mr. and 
Mrs. Tarrants have been blessed by the birth of 
three children, whose names are recorded as follows: 
Ophelia, Lena and Nancy. The first child, how- 
ever, died in childhood; Lena is the wife of Dr. 
C. D. Stevens, of St. Louis, vvhere Mr. Stevens is at 
present manufacturing mineral paints upon quite a 
large scale; Nancy, the youngest, is happily mar- 
ried to C. L. Gratiot, who until his health failed 
superintended the mill of Mr. Tarrants. 

As above noted, our subject was born in Warren 
County, Ky. There he remained until 1848, when 
he removed to St. Louis, Mo. After living for 
some time in that citj', he purchased a small farm 
of twenty-five acres just beyond the city limits. 
During this time he was engaged in farming and 
fruit-growing. He removed thither in the year 
1856, and in the year 1870 sold that propertj- for 
the sum of $2,000 per acre. He tiien returned to 
the citj-, and removed to this place in 1887, and it 
was not long before he purch.ased his present prop- 
ertj% His mill was originally the propertj- of a 
Mr. ILancard, but this gentleman was bought out 
bj" our subject, who, although not a practical miller, 
has been quite successful in the business. It has an 
abundant supplj' of power and has a capacity of 
seventy-ftve barrels per daj-. In order to do this 



our subject has been careful to employ only those 
who are intensely practical, and thoroughly under- 
stands the business in all its branches. Since the 
sickness of his son-in-law, the superintendency h.as 
been in the hands of Mr. Worthy Lee, a gentleman 
intimate with every department of his calling, and 
under whose management the good reputation of 
this mill is steadilj' and constantlj' increasing. 

Our subject occupies a prominent place in the 
township, owing to this fact, and is at the same 
time highly esteemed because of his honor in all 
business transactions and general high character. 
In his political relations he afBliates with the Demo- 
cratic party, and is among the most stable and con- 
sistent of his party. 



/p^iEORGE C. WILKINSON is a representative 
III (— , of that Empire upon which the sun never 
^^^^ sets, and although for man}' years a resident 
of this, his adopted country, he presents many of 
the national characteristics of his race. He came 
West to procure a home, and the means to sustain 
the same. Being English, it is needless to add he 
hung on to his purpose until it was attained, and to- 
day he possesses such a home of which he m.ay be 
justly proud, when it is considered how many rough 
roads have been traveled in order to obtain the 
secret key to the situation. His residence and beau- 
tiful farm are upon sections 19 and 20, Sherman 
Township, and exhibit the most admirable enter- 
prise, thrifty cultivation, and abundant fertility. 

Thomas Wilkinson, the father of our subject, was 
born in Nottinghamshire, England, in the year 1790. 
His first employment was in a butcher shop, but as 
a young man he turne<i to the profession of veter- 
inary surgeon, which he practiced with much suc- 
cess until his death, which occurred in 1842. The 
maiden name of his wife was JIary A. Cousens, a 
native of the same county. Their family comprised 
five children, our subject being the only son. Their 
names are as follows: Mary A., the wife of George 
Hardy, one of Iowa's well-to-do fsirmers; Carolina 
Wilson, of Loudon, England; our subject; Fanny 
Hardy, a widow, who makes her home at Island 



n 



> ► i r ^r 



350 



GAGE COUNTY. 



Grove, and Jane, who resides in London, England, 
and is still unmarried. 

In Grassthorpe, Nottingliarashire, England, was 
born on the 6th of Octolier, 1824, the siiliject of 
this sketch. All the daj's of childhood and 
youtii, the school days, and also those when he 
joined the army of wage workers, were spent at 
home, and under this sheltering roof he remained 
nntil he had passed his eighteenth birthday. From 
that time he continued for three years in a butcher 
shop, learning the trade, wliich he afterward fol- 
lowed for about two years; then, in 1K47, he came 
to New York, and from there went to Rochester, 
where he remained a j'ear working at his trade. 
Thence he went to New Orleans, which was his 
home for about five years, during which time he 
continued at his trade, and succeeded in making 
somewhat of a start toward the success of to- da}'. 
At the close of that period he returned to Roch- 
ester ; thence west to Illinois, where he rented a farm 
in Whiteside County, and for four years saw pros- 
perous times in that new departure. During this 
period he lived with his sister, who was upon an ad- 
joining farm. 

The waves of war tliat suiged and billowed 
filled the whole country with the noise of their roar- 
ing, and in common with others who had learned to 
love the star-spangled banner, our subject enlisted 
in Company F, 93d Illinois Infantry-, and proceeded 
to the barracks at Chicago, where, after a short 
period spent in necessary" drill and outfitting, with 
his regiment he went to the front, and became one 
of the Arm}^ of the Potomac. He participated in 
the great conflict at Lookout Mountain, Missionary 
Ridge, Champion Hills, Vickslnirg and Altoona. He 
was also in Sherman's renowned march to the sea, 
and on the 3d of Januar\', ISG,"), received an honor- 
able discharge at Louisville, Ky. 

Upon leaving the army, our subject returned to 
Illinois, and tlierc spent one j'ear. During thisj'ear, 
however, he surrendered himself to the womaulj' 
graces and attributes of Miss Rebecca Jane Borton, 
the daughter of Darling H. and Anna (Ingling) 
Borton, natives of New Jersey' and Ohio respect- 
ively. Their family numbered six children, two of 
whom were daughters. There are now but four 
members of this interesting family living. The wife 




of our subject was the youngest child, and was born 
Aug. 1, 1843. Iler marriage was celebrated at 
Davenport, Iowa, on the 15th of June, 1866. Al- 
most immediately after the happy event the young 
couple started with w.agon, team, and some stock, 
and continued their westerly journey until their ar- 
rival in this count}', where he entered a homestead 
of 160 acres. The land taken by our subject was 
in the hands of a "squatter" who had a small log 
cabin that covered a site 12x13 feet, and had eight 
acres of ground broken. Our subject paid iiim $200 
for his interest, and then took it as noted above. 
At that time the township was all Government land, 
and was exceedingl}' sparsely settled, .is will be seen 
when it is noticed that only eleven houses stood as 
a nucleus of the present beautiful and enterprising 
city of Beatrice, and that between that place an<l 
the house of our subject, a distance of fourteen 
miles, there were only four houses. Since that time 
our subject has been enabled to purchase more land, 
until he controls a full half-section. 

The family of our subject comprises two chil- 
dren, who have been named Mary C. and Thomas 
E. In political matters Mr. Wilkinson affiliates 
with the Repulilican party, and finds in it that which 
is in harmony with his principles and thought in 
such matters. For several years he has been a mem- 
ber of the School Board, and fills that office with 
satisfaction to all. Despite heavy trials, reverses 
and adversity, our subject has continued faithfully 
with the work he began, and has for years been 
numbered among the most prosperous and valued 
citizens of Sherman Township. 

Among the portraits of representative citizens of 
Gage County presented in this Album may be 
found that of Mr. Wilkinson. 



-^-f^^ 



EDWARD G. RATH 
tains its full quota 
divers and honoral 



-T^ DWARD G. RATHBUN. Gage County con- 
iota of young men, who fill 
rable positions in Ihe vari- 
ous departments of professional and business life. 
It is the purpose of this sketch to introduce to the 
reader one such, who has carved for himself a finan- 
cial prosperity, and built up a position that is at 



*t 



■^*- 



-•►Hlr*<« 



GAGE COUNTY. 



351 



once substnntial, and mure truly complimentary 
then any mere eulogj', wliicli this sketch is not de- 
signed to be. If ill the following lines the facts 
stated retlect credilahiy upon the subject, as they 
must, there is supplied the inevitable reason. 

Our subject was born in Ogle County, 111., on 
the 26tli of December, 18G3, and is the youngest 
son and last living of Job B. and Olive M. (Buck) 
Rathbun. The mother of our subject bade her last 
farewell to her family, and went to her rest at theage 
of forl3'-seven years, in l^j^O. This ladj' was born 
in Steuben Countj', N. Y., of which State her par- 
ents were also natives. Thoughout her life she wiis 
a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and died in the faith. The father of our 
subject was also born in Steuben County, and was 
there reared to manhood. After their marriage the 
young couple settled in their native State, but only 
for a short time; the}' then removed to Ogle 
County, 111., and located nn a farm near llochelle. 
In 1871 he came to this State and has since made 
his home here, for the greater part of the time at 
DeWitt. He is the owner of 3,000 acres of grounc?, 
with the exception of a very small portion all in a 
verj- high state of cultivation. He is one of the 
wealthy men of the count}', and has accumulated 
the greater part in this State. 

5Ir. Rathbun came to thiscountj^ with his father, 
and from that time has made it his home. On the 
22d of February, 1887, he was united in marriage, 
in Blakely Township, to Miss Nellie Whipi)le. This 
lady is a native of Illinois, in which State she 
was bt)rn on the 23d of March, 1870, and came to 
Nebraska with her parents when fifteen years old. 
Her parents are well connected, and have made 
many friends. Quite recently, however, they re- 
moved back to Illinois. Our subject and his wife 
are the parents of one child, to whom has been 
given the name Edna May. 

The home of our subject is situated on section 
10, Lincoln Township, and comprises IGO acres of 
very fine agricultural land. He has spared no 
pains in improving his property, and being thor- 
oughly acquainteil with all the work of the farm, 
he has brought it up to a very high standard of 
efflcienc)', and other things being equal, harvests as 
fine a crop as can be found in the district. His 



settlement liere dates from 1886. and most certainly 
his time has been fullj' and most profitably filled. 

Mr. Uatlibuii takes great interest in the political 
situation, and usually votes with the Republican 
party, which looks upon him as a member who in 
the days to come, if he continues as he h.as begun, 
will figure in no mean place in the future history of 
the countj', and perhaps in a larger sphere. 



(^p^'EBBE T. FISSER, a worthy member of 
/^^^, the farming community of Clatonia Town- 
^^g< ship, owns 320 acres on sections 10 and 11, 
which he has operated to good advantage since the 
fall of 1874. Like many others of the solid men of 
this county his early home was on the other side of 
the Atlantic, in Hanover, Germany, wiiich at the 
time of his birth. May 9, 1819, was under the do- 
minion of the King. 

The parents of our subject, Tebbe and Antye 
(Gummerf) Fisser. were of pure German ancestrj', 
and he was their eldest son. The family consisted 
of eight children; one is in Germany and one in 
this countrj'. Telilie T. was given a good German 
education, and in the twelfth year of his age began 
his apprenticeship at the blacksmith's trade, which 
he followed upon his native soil until the spring of 
1848. He had now resolved to emigrate to Amer- 
ica, not being satisfied with his condition or his 
prospects in his native country, and accordingly 
took passage on a sailing-vessel at Bremerhaven, 
and after an ocean voyage of six weeks and throe 
days landed in the city of New Orleans; thence he 
took a steamer for St. Louis, Mo., where he so- 
journed two and one-half months engaged in general 
work. Then, making his w-a^' eastward acro.ss the 
Mississippi, he took up his residence in Schuyler 
County, 111., where he labored first on a farm and 
a few months later rented a tract of land, which he 
operated some time, and then bought a farm in the 
same county. 

The ten years following Mr. Fisser was engaged 
in farming and blacksmithing alternately, and in 
the fiill of 1874 left Illinois and settled in Clatonia 
Township, this county, where he lias since lived. 
He is now the owner of 320 acres of good land, to 



• ^U ^» 



-4^ 
352 



" ^i <• 



GAGE COL'NTY. 



which he has olitained a clear title solel}- bj' tlie ex- 
ercise of his industry and perseverance. His toils 
and sacrifices have been shared by one of the most 
estimable of women, who has been his faithful and 
flevoted wife and his wise counselor for over fortj'- 
tbree years. To this lady, who was in her girlhood 
Miss Marj- E. Schmid, he was married May 9, 
1845, in his native German}'. Mrs. Fisser was 
bom in Hanover. June 17, 1818. She, with her 
husband, is a consistent member of the German 
Methodist Episcopal Church, in which Mr. F. has 
served a number of years as Class-Leader and Super- 
intendent of the .Sunda3-school. Both have taken 
a warm interest in church matters, contributing 
liberally to its support and prosperity'. 'Sir. ¥., 
politically, votes independently, believing in sup- 
porting principles instead of men. He has served 
as School Director in his district three years, and is 
one of those men in whom the communitj' have 
entire confidence, and whose wonl is as good as his 
bond. In a comfortable home, surrounded by 
friends and the other good things of life, Mr. Fisser 
is but enjoying the fruits of an honorable career, 
in which there has never been a questionable act. 







?^« HARLES W. GEORGE is the present Clerk 
of Elm Township, and is a 3'oung man who 
possesses many admirable qualities of man- 
hood, as is proved b}' the honorable position which 
he occupies and the universal esteem in which he 
is held by the people of his community. His father, 
Daniel F. George, was born in New Hampshire in 
1819, and his mother, whose maiden name was 
Mary Jane Mitchell, was born in Adams County, 
Ohio, in 1829. The father moved to Whiteside 
Count}', 111., where he was one of the pioneer set- 
tlers, and vvhere he still lives and follows the oc- 
cupation of farming. 

Our subject was born in Whiteside County, May 
28, 1854, and his early life was spent on his father's 
farm, and in acquiring the education furnished by 
the common scliools of that time, after which he 
attended for one year the Commercial College at 
Clinton, Iowa, and was well prepared to begin an 
active business life. He remained with his father 



and engaged in agricultural pursuits until the year 
1882, when he removed to his present farm, con- 
sisting of 160 acres on section 30, Elm Township. 
When he came on his land it was in a rough, un- 
cultivated condition, and he has made all of the 
improvements on it, having erected good buildings, 
made rows of fencing and planted groves of native 
timber. 

On the 2d of October, 1882, our subject was 
married, in AVhiteside County, III., to Miss Hattie 
Hudson, who was born in Garden Plain, in the be- 
fore-mentioned county. She is a daughter of John 
H. and Amanda ^Mitchell) Hudson, who were both 
natives of Ohio, and had moved to Whiteside 
County, where the former was engaged in business 
as a merchant and shipper of stock. In 1878 his 
house was entered by burglars, and he unfortunately 
met his death by a pistol shot from the hand of one 
of the intruders. Mrs. George completed the course 
of instruction at Fulton College, and then for three 
years she was engaged in teaching in the public 
schools of her native town. She also made a thor- 
ough study of music and became an accomplished 
performer, giving instructions in that accomplish- 
ment for four years. 

To the home of our subject and his wife there 
were sent three little children, two of whom, 
although they were received with hearts full of affec- 
tion and were tenderly cared for by devoted par- 
ents, were not allowed to remain long in the home 
which they bad brightened, but were called to a 
higher sphere to beckon with their young hands to 
the bereaved parents. Their names are remem- 
bered as John and Harry, Calvin Mitchell being 
left to comfort his parents. Our subject and his 
wife are esteemed members of the Presbyterian 
Church, at Diller, Jefferson County. 

Mr. George served as Town Treasurer during 
the ye.irs 1885 and 1886, and he was elected Clerk 
of the township in the fall of 1 886, re-elected in 
1887, and has given general satisfaction and won 
the approval of all. He votes with the Repub- 
lican party. Mrs. George is a strong temperance 
advocate, and is a lady in every way refined and 
amiable, her cultivated taste showing to good ad- 
vantage in the excellent manner in which she orders 
her home and its appointments. They are very 



I 



GAGE COUNTY. 



••► 



353 



happily situated in every respect, and our subject 
has a bright prospect for the future, havingaireadj' 
ascended several steps in the ladder of fame. Mr. 
George was formerly a member of Lodge No. 566, 
A. F. & A. M., at Albanj', 111., but since the organ- 
ization of a lodge at Diller has attached his mem- 
bership to the latter. 



I'^^OBERT T. JERMAN. Among those who 
%^ with patriotic heroism left all to stand in 
(i^ «! defense of their countr3' when the storm of 
"^^civil war burst upon us, was the subject of 
this sketch, who also has since done all that lay in 
his power to aid in the development and upbuild- 
ing of the Great West. Mr. Jerraan is a native of 
the Buckej'e State, having been born iu Russell- 
ville, Browu Co.. Ohio, on the 12th of April, 1837, 
and is the son of George and Rebecca (Bivans) 
Jerman, natives respectivelj' of New Jersey and 
Pennsj'lvania. They were united in marriage in 
Hillsboro, and subsequentlj- took up their residence 
in Brown Count}-. In the 3-ear 1850 thej- went to 
Peoria County, 111., and settled upon a farm near 
Trivoli. There the father of our subject died at the 
age of sevent\--two jears, in the j'ear 1880, and the 
mother in the j-ear 1884, aged eighty j'ears and 
eighteen daj-s. The\- were the parents of nine chil- 
dren, five of whom are living, whose names are re- 
corded as follows: Juliu, now Mrs. William Wright; 
Robert, our subject; Jonathan: .Sar.ah; Fredonia, 
who is happil}' married to Arthur A. Pierce. 

R. T. Jerman was reared upon the farm, and 
early initiated into the why and wherefore of 
things connected therewith. When the family re- 
moved to Illinois he was about fourteen j-ears of 
age. and he remained working with his father until 
the bugle note of war's alarm rang throughout the 
countr}', calling men from office and store, and 
from bench and plow. Our subject responded with 
ahacrity born of loyalty to the flag, and iu 1861 he 
enlisted in Company C, 57th Illinois Infantry, and 
served for three 3'ears and thirteen d.i3's. when he 
was mustered out at Savannah, Ga. He was an 
active combatant in tlic Ijattles of .Shiloh and Cor- 
intli, Miss., besides a large number of engagements 



of less importance. Upon the 3d of October, 
1863, he w.as twice wounded at Corinth. Miss., 
once in the face, and again in the right thigh. At 
Holly Springs he was taken prisoner, and after 
being held "in durance vile" for a period of ten 
da3'S, he was paroled and returned home, and 
remained Until April, 1863, when he again went to 
the front, and took part in the memorable Atlanta 
campaign, and was one of the heroes who accom- 
panied Sherman in the memorable march which has 
become a household word in the nation, and sup- 
plied the theme for one of its most thrilling pa- 
triotic songs. 

Upon receiving an honorable discharge, our sub- 
ject returned to Illinois and resumed farming, in 
which he continued prosperous!}' engaged until he 
came to Nebraska, in the earl}- part of 1880, and 
purchased 160 acres of land situated upon section 
17 of Midland Townshij). Here he has been, if pos- 
sible, more diligent, active and enterprising than 
in Illinois, and has accomplished a great deal along 
the line of improving his property, in spite of the 
fact that his health has never been the same since 
his army life. He has, however, not allowed this 
to hinder more than was absolutely necessary-, and 
has the satisfaction of knowing that, should there 
come a time when labor will be an impossibilit}', 
he h.as quite a fair competenc3' wherewith to help 
out the somewhat slender pension sent him b3' 
Uncle Sam in remembrance of the past. 

The date of our subject's marriage, which has 
proved one of the happiest steps he ever took in 
life, was Feb. 5, 1868, when he was united to Mag- 
dalena Lehman, who was born at Polk, Ashland 
Co., Ohio, Aug. 9, 1846, aud is a daughter of Jacob 
Lehman, a native of Penns3'lvania. Her parents 
had a famil3-of eight children. The famil3' of Mr. 
and Mrs. Jerman comprises six children, whose 
names are recorded as follows: Oliver H., Sarah J., 
George A., Oland and Ollie (twins) and Perr3' L. 

The religious sentiments of our subject and his 
wife led them to affiliate with the communion of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which they are 
quite active workers. Sociall3', Mr. Jerman is 
connected with Rawlins Post No. 35, G. A. R. In 
his political sentiments our subject is in harmon3' 
with the principles of the Republican party, and 



i' 



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354 



GAGE COUNTY. 



hns nhvnys been thoroughly consistent nnrl active 
in its service. He has for one term filled the chair 
of Justice of the Peace in a manner that reflects in 
a most complimentary' manner npon him, by rea- 
son of hi? patient hearing, careful weighing of evi- 
dence, pro and con, and the impartial justice of his 
judgments. 



^^ SA TIIOilP.SON is successfully engaged in 
■ @A-J| i farming on section 10, Blakely Township, 

I IM where he has "200 acres of good land in an 
((^ improved condition. He came to this 

county in 1878. and secured his Innd two years 
later, consequently all of the imjirovements have 
bepn made within the past few years. He was born 
in Montgomery County', Va., on the 30th of May, 
1836, and is one of a famil}' of twelve children, in- 
cluding seven sons and five daughters. lie is a son 
of Archibald and Rachel (Reed) Thompson, who 
were natives of Old Virginia, and came of English 
jiarentage. For a time after their marriage they 
made their home in their native State, and then 
the}' moved to Greene County, Tenn., where they 
remained until the time of their death, that of the 
father occurring when he was seventy-two years old, 
and the mother when she was seventy-seven j-ears 
old. The father was engaged in farming, and was 
a Dunkard minister, holding that relation to his 
church for a period of fifty years, and was active 
and zealous in the cause of his religion. The 
mother had also held the same religious faith all 
her life. 

Our subject remained under the parental roof in 
Eastern Tennessee, and received his education in the 
common schools. On the 3d of July, 1857, he was 
united in marriage, in Sullivan County, with Miss 
Catherine Bond, who was born in that county on 
the 1 ■2th of J.anu.ary, 1 839. Her parents were na- 
tives of the same place, and were engaged in farm- 
ing, but both are now deceased. Mrs. Catherine 
Thompson lived to come with her husband to this 
State, hut she died at her home in 1883, at the age 
of forty years. She was the mother of seven chil- 
dren, of whom Melvin and Mollie are deceased. 
James A. married Miss I^izzie Sparks, and they re- 

M* 



side on a farm in Perkins County, this State, having 
been eaily jjionecrs there ; R. Ellen is the wife of 
John Lamb, and they live in Jefferson Count}', 
where they are engaged in farming; Joshua A. mar- 
ried Miss Ella Rcid, and they are living on a new, 
unbroken farm in Perkins County; Susan A., Alice 
B.. Rufus E. and Hattie A. P. E. are at home. 

Mr. Thompson was a second time married on the 
•28th of July. 1886, to Miss Anna C. Buckley, who 
was born in the Province of Ontario, on the iOtli 
of N'overaber, 1856. Her father, John Buckley, 
was born in the South of Ireland, and came to Can- 
ada when he was a young and single man. and there 
engaged as a fanner. His wife was Mary Kurslen, 
who was also a native of the South of Ireland, and 
had come to Canada when she was a j'oung woman. 
She had embraced the Catholic faith, and was the 
mother of a family of seven children, four sons and 
three daughters, all of whom are living. She died 
in 1875, at her home in Canada, aged forty-nine 
years, and the father afterward married Catherine 
Stephens, who was a native of Can.ada. They after- 
ward came to Nebraska, and are now living on a 
farm in Blakely Township. 

By his second marriage our subject is the father 
of one child, named John L. His farm is veiy 
nicely situated, and with its good buildings, fences, 
and other improvements which he has made, it pre- 
sents a very fine appearance, and annually produces 
good crops of grain. Mr. Thompson is an ardent 
Republican, and is a public-spirited citizen, stand- 
ing high in the estimation of his fellowmen. 



UGH B. BILDERBACK, whose beautiful 
and thoroughlj' well-cultivated 80-acre farm 
is situated on section 28, Logan Township, 
is of German descent, and j-et it were hard 
to find in this or an\' other State a more thorough 
American than he. His grandfather Bilderback was 
born in Germany, and came to the United States in 
the early part of the present century, and served 
throughout the "War of 1812 as a private, and sup- 
plies the initial chapter of the history of the family 
on this side of the Atlantic. 

James Bilderback, the father of our subject, was 





u 



GAGE COUNTY. 



355 



born in IMonroe County. Tenn.. in 1824. His 
chosen occupation in life w;is that of iiusbandry. 
In 1 862 he removed to Greene County. III., and con- 
tinued for mauj' years one of the recognized, pros- 
perous and wealthy farmers of the county. He is 
at present living at Greenfield, Greene CountJ^ His 
wife, the mother of our subject, was Miss Mary 
Moore, who was born in Tennessee in the j'ear 1824, 
and after a. happy wedded life died upon the home- 
stead in Greene County, in 1854. She became the 
mother of five children, whose names are as follows: 
Nanc}'; Hugh B., our subject; Mary, Lee and Har- 
vey; both the latter are deceased. 

At the old Tennessean farmhouse, u])on the 4th 
of March, 1849, the subject of this sketch was born, 
and there also remained until his father removed 
to Illinois, and from that time until he attained his 
raajorit}' he still made his home with his parents. In 
addition to the education supplied by the common 
schools, it was the privilege of our subject to take 
the High School course for three years. In 1873 
he purch,",sed a farm in Greene Countj', III., which 
he continued successfully to work for about six 
years, when, in 1879, he sold out and removed to 
this county, settling in Logan Township, and pur- 
chasing his present property. 

While residing in Greene County, onr suViject 
became acquainted with a beautiful Illinoisan, a 
lady possessing in no small measure those attributes 
and qualities that iiave given to her sex the scepter 
of well-nigh unlimited swaj', and places in her hands 
the power to make complete or utterly devastate 
the lives of those who come within the confines of 
the circle of her ascendancj-. To this lady he was 
united in marriage on the 18th of September, 1873, 
and the subsequent histor}- has shown that no h.ap- 
pier step was ever taken by him. They have be- 
come the parents of three children — Adella, Mary 
(deceased) and Truman F. 

Miss Charlotte Wilkinson, the wife of onr sub- 
ject, was born in Illinois, on the 26th of March, 1850. 
Her father, Thompson Wilkinson, was born in En- 
gland, M.ay 7, 1817. His trade was that of a 
tinsmith, but for man}' years he has been ever in- 
creasingly successful in farming, and at present 
makes his home in this count}-. Her mother, Mary 
A. Gardner, was born in Vermont, in 1824, and is 



still living. Six children are the fruit of this union. 
These are Jane A., Mary, .John, Charlotte, George 
and Arthur. 

For three years our subject has filled tlie office of 
School Treasurer, but rather avoids the acceptance 
of any office, wh.atever its character. In the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church both our subject and wife 
find that whicli is in harmony with their religious be- 
lief, and for many years they have taken their places 
among those deeply interested in the work. In 
political matters Mr. Bilderback is whole-hearted in 
favor of the Republican party, and is active in its 
interest. In every circle, whether within or with- 
out the home, our subject impresses one with the 
idea of his manly character, his uprightness and 
honor, .and he is accorded, .as is also his wife, the 
unqualified respect and esteem of the community at 
large. 

'"" -?- — 

H. WICKERSHAIM is an adherent of tliat 
religious sect which bears a world-wide 
reputation for its principles of uprightness, 
and its strict adherence to the teachings of 
the Bible, carrying its religious zeal into the every- 
day business trans.actions, and exhorting its mem- 
bers to live lives of purit}' and holiness. Perhaps 
no other sect embraces a membership composed so 
largel}' of cultured and cultivated Christian people, 
successful in business life, uniformly charitable, and 
in harmony with the world, as that to which we 
refer — the Quakers — who had their earliest and 
ablest advocate in this country in the person of 
William Pcnn. The parents of our subject were 
connected with the Society of Friends, and the 
father, Abner, w.as born in Clinton County, Ohio, 
and the mother, Leah, near Lynchburg, Va. The 
father lived on his farm in Grant County, Ind.,for 
fifteen years, and in 1855 he moved to Marshall 
Count}', Iowa, where he became very well situated, 
and was the owner of 800 acres of land in that 
county, besides §15,000 in personal property. In 
the winter of 1887-88 he made a visit to Florida, 
and was taken violently ill, and died very suddenly 
on the 8th of March, 1888, in his seventieth year. 
The mother resides in M.arshall County, and is 
seventy-one years old, having lived to see her five 




i' 



t. 



-«»- 



356 



GAGE COFNTY. 



C'liilflren grown to nmnhoorl nnd well establisherl. 
Tiipyare: Samuel. Thomas, Asf.ph H., Enoch H. 
and Benjamin Franklin. 

Our subject was born near Marion. Grant Co.. 
Ind.. on tiie 6th of Kovember. 18'48, and was past 
six years old when he came to Iowa. He had just 
begun to attend sciiool in Indiana, and when he 
readied low.i the educational advantages were so 
limited that it was not until the thiid winter that 
our subject was near any school which he could 
attend. He grew up to J'oung manhood, anil re- 
mained at home until he was eighteen ^-ears old, 
when he went to Michigan, and engaged in the pine 
woods for which that .State is so noted. He after- 
ward went to St. Fouis, and engaged in teaming, 
continuing that occupation for one and a half 
years, and then returned to his home, and worked 
for his father duiing one season. He then obtained 
jiermission to open up a farm of 160 .acres in 
Mitchell County-, which his father owned, and after- 
ward, in 1871, he went to Kansas, and pre-empted- 
160 acres, and also homesteaded 160 acres, which 
was quite a large amount to be under the supervis- 
ion of so young a man. But our subject was enter- 
prising and industrious, and managed with great 
success until the lail of 1874. when he sold his 
liomestead, and returned to Marshall County, 
Iowa. 

In the fall of the year 1873 our subject was mar- 
ried to Miss Fydia E. Wickersham, a daughter of 
Tryon and Elizabeth "Wickersham, who was a native 
of Columbiana County, Ohio, and he remained in 
Marshall County until 1877, after which he rented 
a fai m, on which he remained for two and a half 
years, in Page County. In 1879 he moved to Atch- 
ison County, Mo., where he purchased 160 acres 
of land, and engaged in farming forfourand a half 
years, meeting with much success. The large num- 
ber of emigrants coming from foreign countries at 
that time and flocking to the Great West, caused an 
advance in the price of land, and our subject sold 
his farm at a good price, and came to Nebraska in 
the fall of 1883, having previously purchased 440 
acres in this county. He has set out an orchard 
containing fifty fruit trees, and also a grove of 
hardwood tree.*, conUiining ash, maple, etc. On 
the 1st of July, 1888, he purchased 160 acres on I 
•<• . 



the northwest quarter of section 3, Hooker Town- 
ship, making him the owner of 600 acres. 

Our subject adopted. Harry AVickersham. for 
whom he has cared, and in whose welfare he is 
interested as if he were his own child. He has been 
prosperous, and has built a very good and conven- 
ient house and farm buildings, and in various other 
wajs he has improved and added to the value of 
his farm. Mr. and Mrs. Wickersham are well- 
known members of society, and enjoy the friend- 
ship and esteem of a large circle of acquaintances. 




AVID FITTLEJOHN. To the citizens of 
|j Hanover Township and Gage County gen- 
erallj' this gentleman needs no introduc- 
tion. His extensive business relations as 
a farmer and ranchman, his prominence in po- 
litical circles, and the influential position he has 
come to occup3' since his settlement in the State, all 
render such introduction unnecessary. Without 
further remark, therefore, it will be endeavored 
briefly to sketch the salient features of his history. 
He is a descendant of a wealthy Scotch family of 
influence and position, and was born in Kilbirnie, 
Ayrshire, Scotland. His father, William Fittlejohn, 
was a large land-owner, and an influential man in 
the community and district in which his property 
was situated. The mother of our subject, whose 
maiden name was Jeantte Fife, is the descendant of 
a long line of aucestrj' who bore that honored name, 
their record covering a period of over 700 years, 
and mingling always in honorable record through 
the stirring scenes of the history of the '-uncon- 
querable countrj'." In later times, when society 
had become more settled and its pursuits of a more 
peaceful nature, the representatives of this family 
came to occupy important positions in society and 
commercial circles as the proprietors and operators 
of extended factory interests. The father of the 
mother of our subject was superintendent of a large 
herring net factor^', while on the paternal side 
the family represented extensive eo.al and iron 
interests. 

Owing to the unfortunate hold that intemperate 
habits obtained over the grandfather of our sub- 



-a 





Residence OF Cyrus Swain ,Sec.13. Logan Township. 



IB 



»► 



■^ P" -m ^^ 



m: 







Residence of David Littlejohn .Sec.IO. Han over Township. 



GAGE COUNTY. 



359 



jpct, circumstnnees were such that William Lit- 
tlejohn eniigraterl with liis famiij-. and scttleil in 
Illinois in 1855. and after a residence of eleven 
years emigrated to Nebraska, where Mr. Littlejohn, 
Sr., died at the age of fifty-one years. His wife, 
the mother of our subject, is still living on the 
homestead in Hanover Township, and although 
sixt3' years of age. enjoj's the full use of her facul- 
ties and as a rule excellent hpaltii. She is the 
mother of fourteen children, and of these our sub- 
ject is the eldest, and was born upon the 25th of 
Januarj', 1850, of which fact as a Scotchman he is 
justly proud because it is also the aniversarj' of the 
birthday of Robert Burns, the immortal poet of 
Scotland. 

Our subject is possessed of a memory that is re- 
markable in its strength, clearness and tenacity, and 
is enabled to recall distinctlj' the old Scotch home 
and incidents connected therewith; the familj', 
especiall}- his grandfather, also the more noteworthy 
events connected with his coming to this country, 
and the earl^' life in Morgan and Madison Counties, 
111. At the age of seven j'ears our subject began 
to work as a traj^per in the coal mines, and after 
working hours would devote his evenings to study 
and schooling, by which means he obtained almost all 
his education. The father of our subject at first 
put bj^ a large part of his earnings, and then in- 
vested in buildings and city property, and before 
long succeeded in becoming the owner of a very 
handsome home besides other possessions. A small in- 
curalirance on his propcrt}' and a mortgage held by 
Southern sympathisers led to a litigation, in which he 
became discouraged and let all his property go. 
Recovering somewhat, with energy characteristic 
of his family throughout its historj', he began again 
and for the third time to climb the ladder of fort- 
une, this time putting all his money into Western 
lands, chiefly in Gage County-; in this example he 
was followed by his sons, and it was not long before 
he became the owner of two sections of land. 

The family of which our subject was a member 
came to Nebraska in 1869, and the boj's went to 
work upon the land. Until the death of the father 
the}' continued to operate the property' together, 
but shortlj' after his death it was divided as his last 
wishes had directeil. This removal was in many 

-^ 



regards very beneficial to tlie family and gave to 
each a new start in a new country ; at the same time 
it is indicative of the uncompromising energy and 
strength of character which are ciiaracteristic of this 
interesting family. 

In 1876 the subject of our sketcii was united in 
marriage to Miss Mary Ann Smith, of Sangamon 
County, III. They had lived in close proximity to 
each other in that .State, and it was with pleasure 
that Mr. L. at Last fulfilled his many hopes, and 
returned to this State to claim his bride. Oursidi- 
ject was careful to make ever}- provision for the 
proposed change prior to taking this journe}-, so 
that nothing might be wanting upon their arrival at 
their Nebraska home. They have become parents 
of one child, whom they have named William S. 
Mrs. Littlejohn is the daughter of David and Eliza- 
beth (Simpson) .Smith, natives of Scotland, and born 
not far from the city of Glasgow. Her family is 
one of the very old Scotch families of the district, 
and thej' arc allied to the once |)owerful and noble 
Stewarts and McDonalds. 

Mrs. Littlejohn was born in LaSalle County, HI., 
Nov. 3. 1857, and vvas twelve years of .age when 
she went to Sangamon County. Her mother died 
in the year 1871, aged forty-two j'ears. She w.as 
the mother of sixteen children, the wife of our sub- 
ject being the seventh born. After the death of 
her mother she w.as thrown almost entirely upon 
her own resources, and although but twelve years 
of age, made a noble stand and gathered her strength 
to battle her waj- through the world. She continued 
in the conflict until she became the wife of our sub- 
ject, and formed a union so true that it is almost 
impossible to find one more complete and hapj)}-. 
In the relations of this new life, the relations of 
wife and mother, she has presented the most beauti- 
ful disposition, faithfulness and devotedness, which 
have been strengtheneil and enhanced by the firm- 
ness of her Christian faith and character. She is 
one of the most consistent and active memhers of 
the Free Will Baptist Church, of Nemaha, where 
she is alwaj'S remembered as one who at all times 
has been equal to the many demands necessarily 
made, and in every " work of faith and labor of 
love " has risen to the opportunity presented and 
the responsibility of her Christian calling. The 



r 



|1 360 



-•► 



J 



GAGE COUNTY. 



effect upon her life is such tliat no one can be in 
her presence k)ng williout tlie realization of some- 
tiling of a higher life in its motives, aspirations and 
purity. 

The farm operated by our subject is situated on 
section 10, in Hanover Township, and 27 of Nemaha 
Township, and includes the eastern half of both, 
also two and three-quarter sections in Hanover 
Township, a total of 2,080 acres, thus making 
him, perliaps, tiie largest farmer and ranchman in 
the county. Not only is this true, but he is the 
most successful, for his energy, his intimate know- 
ledge of the business, his shrewd sagacity, natural 
abilitj'. and reserve force, are such as to bring him 
to the front in almost any work he might undertake, 
but more especiall3' in that which is liis chosen oc- 
cupation, and therefore most congenial to him. 
Not that he has been entirely free from reverses, 
for of these he has had his full quota, but that he 
has been enabled in spite of them to continually^ 
strengthen his position, and add to iiis possessions. 
As a sample of the adverse circumstances he has had 
to meet, we inigiit mention tliat wherein lightning 
destroyed at one time .all his horses, upon another 
occasion three horses and seventy-five hogs, while 
yet again, it destroyed fifteen hogs and five horses, 
so that it would seem that if, according to the old 
adage, " lightning never strikes twice in one place," 
it may still strike repeatedly the same |)erson through 
his property. 

Upon his farm our subject keeps employed ten 
teams of work horses and mules, and never less than 
six men. Upon the ranch there are seldom found 
less tiian 170 head of cattle, and 1,200 high-grade 
Merino sheep, and hogs sufficient to fill completely 
three or four cars. In hog-raising Mr. Littlejohn 
has been very fortunate, and has been able to make 
some of his most lucrative ventures, but more at- 
tention is given to his Merinoes than anything else. 
He usually obtains about 7,200 pounds of wool, 
which rei)resents a market value of not less than 
$1,200 to $1,400. 

In i)olitics ovu' suViject is with the Republican 
party, and holds firmly to its principles, though he 
is strongly opposed to all trusts and monopolies. 
He is one of the most influential men in his district, 
f both as a farmer and politician, and in all points 



relative to both these matters he is deeply interested. 
Socially he is connected witii tiie Kniglits of Labor, 
and in tlie Masonic fraternity has been initiated 
into the mysteries of the Blue Lodge and Chapter, 
receiving the degree of a Royal Arch Mason. 

We are pleased to include among the illustrations 
in this volume the view of Mr. Littlejohn's resi- 
dence. 



-^s»t^- 



-<tfitf^> 




YRUS SWAIN. Prominent among the self- 
made men who have risen to a position of 
ealth and influence by the exercise of zeal 
and industry is the gentleman whose name stands 
at the head of this sketch. He began with but 
very limited means, and b}' constant diligence and 
a judicious management of his resources be has 
accumulated a fine and valuable property. His 
father, Obed Swain, was born in Guilford County, 
N. C, in 1804, and after he reached the years of 
manhood he became a mechanical engineer, also 
owning a furniture establishment and carving mall, 
by which he made his own furniture and was very 
prosperous. The grandfather of our subject, 
Thomas Swain, was also a native of North Carolina, 
who moved to Wayne County, Ind., in 1812, where 
the father of our subject continued his business 
until the time of his death, in 1835. He married 
Miss Mahala Boggs, who was born in Ohio in 1815, 
and is at present living in Logan Township, tills 
county, although she makes a visit to Indiana 
almost every summer. Besides our subject she is 
the mother of Ellen Buroughs, who is living in 
Marshall County, Ind. 

After the death of the father of our subject Mrs. 
Swain w.is married a second time, in 1837, to Col. 
Sumner, who w.as born in Wayne County, Ind., and 
distinguished himself during the late war. At 
Plymouth, Ind., in 18()3, he was mustered into serv- 
ice as Lieutenant Colonel of the 87th Indiana In- 
fantry, and was promoted to the rank of Colonel 
before the close of the war, serving honorably 
throughout the whole time of the disturbance. He 
died in 1883 at Plymouth, Iiid., since which time 
I his wife has made her home in Logan Township. 



-i 



h 






GAGE COUNTY. 



361 



*t 



Our subject was born in AVayiie County', Inrl., on 
the Otli of September, 1831. and was Imt four3-ears 
olil when his father died. He was given to the 
cai-e of a kind Quaker familj-, that of Mr. AViliiain 
Macy, with whom he made his home until he was 
eighteen years old. and enjoyed the advantages for 
receiving a good common-school education. At 
the age of sixteen he was apprenticed to learn the 
carpenter trade, and has since followed that occu- 
pation for over twenty years. 

In 1856 our subject moved to Bureau County, 
III., where he worked for about six years, and in 
the fall of 1862 he returned to INIarshall County, 
Ind., and engaged in the occupation of farming, 
which he followed successfully for fourteen years, 
combining with it an interest in the real-estate 
business. In 1876 he came to this count3' and se- 
lected his present place of 240 acres in Logan 
Township, section 13, on which he broke the soil, 
made all the necessary' improvements and planted 
groves of cotton wood and box-elder trees. In due 
time as he was able he erected a very good and at- 
tractive looking house, horse and cattle barns, and 
all necessar3- buildings for the successful carrjMng 
on of farming and stock-raising, and has a stream 
of running water supplied b}' a strong windmill 
pump. 

In connection with his extensive farm work, our 
subject gives attention to stock-raising, and has the 
principal interest in six fine stallions. Hardi. an 
imported full-blooded Percheron, is valued at 
^2,500, and was just lately imported by Mr. Ell- 
wood, of Illinois. Commoner, a Harabletonian 
standard bred trotter, sired by Capool. took the 
first prize at Lincoln in 1887, his time 2:40, and is 
valued at $2,000. Dun Donald is a full-blooded 
Canadian Clj'desdale, sired by imported Dun Don- 
ald. Two three-3'eai'-old Cl3'desdale stallion colts, 
named Barnone and Exchange, each valued at 
§1,550, the first seven-eighths full blooded and the 
latter fifteen-sixteenths, both sired b3' Wait-for- 
Joe. 

Our subject was united in marriage, on the 20th 
of October, 1853, in Marshall Count3-, Ind., to Miss 
Grizzclle Gibson, who was born in that county in 
1835. Her parents, John and ]Mar3' (Luney) Gibson, 
were natives of Ohio, and are now both deceased. 



B3' this marriage our subject and his wife were the 
parents of seven children, named Rufus. Orlando, 
John (deceased), Thomas, Orr, James E. (deceased) 
and George, but the mother did not live to see 
them start out in life for themselves, her death oc- 
curring in 1871. Rufus married Miss Edith Lash, 
and with their five children, named Maude, Frank, 
Robert, Harr3- and Ilollis, they are residing in Logan 
Township; Orlando married Miss Lydia Lash, and 
is making his home in Filley; he is a school 
teacher by profession but at present is the book- 
keeper in J. W. AV right's store in that place, and in 
his famil3' he has one child, named Edward. 

On the 24th of April, 1872, our subject was 
married a second time in Marshall Count3', Ind., to 
Miss Mary R. Lash, who was born in Jli'imi Count3-, 
Ind., in 1852, and was a daughter of Jacob and 
Phoebe (Bigsby) La.sh, natives of Ohio. Mr. Lash 
has been engaged in farming near FlUev'. His 
famil3' numbered four children, named Maiy. L3'di.a, 
Morton and Charles, B3- this marriage our sub- 
ject and his wife were the parents of two children 
named Nellie and Chester, but their mother died on 
the 23d of November, 1878, and Chester now 
makes his home with his grandfather, and Nellie 
divides her time between her father's home and that 
of her grandfather at Filley. 

Our subject was united in marriage, on the 26th 
of December, 1880, with Mrs. Adaline Barnard, the 
widow of Edghill Barnard. Her maiden name was 
Mac3', and she is a granddaughter of the Mr. Mac3- 
with whom our subject made his home when he was 
a little child. By her first marriage she is the 
mother of six children, named Julia, Ella, Carson, 
Addie, Dellia and Barton Barnard. Mr. and Mrs. 
Swain are well-known and leading members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church at Fille3', and are highly 
esteemed in the societ3' in which they move. His 
reputation for integrity and enterprise has caused 
the election of our subject to the oflBce of School 
Treasurer, in which capacity he has served with 
credit for eleven years, being now the incumbent 
of that office. He affiliates with the Republican 
political part3', and for twelve 3'ears has been prom- 
inently identified with the work of public improve- 
ment which is rapidl3' bringing the counl3- to the 
front rank in the State. His fine propert3' and his 

•► 



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362 



GAGE COUNTY. 



well-stocked farm are the results of patient iruUistiy, 
self-reliance and good management, which are quali- 
ties to be admired wherever they are met. A 
view of the Swain homestead is, given on an 
accompanying page of this volume. 

JOHN B. GRANT is one of th^ energetic, en- 
terprising and enthusiastic farmers of Grant 
Townshi|), and in addition to the tillage and 
cultivation of the soil takes great interest in 
the breeding of high-grade stock. He resides upon 
section 30, owning land also on section 31, in all 
about 200 acres. His property' is well adapted to 
stock-raising; the ground is undulating and of rich 
soil, providing succulent grasses and pasture in 
abundance. It is also well wooded, affording shel- 
ter and shade, while there is water without limit 
from the many springs that supply' the creek near Iiy. 
He has been the owner of this property since he be- 
came of age. 

Our subject is the second sou of George Grant, 
after whom the township was named, and was born 
in Sauk County, Wis., on the 18th of November, 
1847. His father was a native of Somersetshire, 
England. He came of a good old English family, 
and exhibited all the admirable traits characteristic 
of his people. He learned the tr.adcs of a wheel- 
wright and carpenter, and followed the same until 
he came to this country. He was first married to 
Margaret Aver}^ a native of the same shire, and 
came almost immedlatelj- after this happy event to 
the United .States, locating in the Empire State 
until after the birth of their first child, when they 
went to Wisconsin, took up land and made their 
home in Sauk County. Thence he removed to this 
county, and became the first settler in what is now 
Grant Township, so named in his honor. About 
three years after arriving, his wife, the mother of 
our subject, died, which trial was sustained by him 
in the year 18G3. He w.as married a second time, 
to Annie Masters, a native of the beautiful, southern 
English county of Devonshire. She came to the 
United States while still a single lady. She still 
survives her husband and is living on the old home- 
stead, where htu- husband died ou the 2d of Janu- 
-«• ^ 



ary. 1882, at the .age of sixty-two years. We 
would refer the reader to the biography of this 
gentleman, which will be found upon another p.age 
in this volume. 

Our subject was quite j'oung when he accom- 
panied his parents, and has been brought up and 
educated in this county. He was united in mar- 
riage with Aliss Amelia Carey, at the old home of 
his father in Grant Township, June 7, 1 870. This 
lady was born in England on the IStb of August, 
1849, and came to America in 1867 when about 
nineteen years of age with her uncle, her husband's 
father, she having lost her father about one j-ear 
previous. Her mother came four years later. The 
union of Mr. and Mrs. Grant has been rendered 
more completely happy by the birth of four chil- 
dren, three of whom still survive. They have been 
named as follows: Ernest A., Daisy Maude. George 
W., and Eddie, deceased. 

Our subject is following the admirable example 
of his much respected father as a public-spirited 
citizen, and is energetic in those plans and projects 
which are for the benefit of the community, and 
especially the younger members thereof. He is an 
efficient member of the School Board, and has 
always been a most reliable member of the Repub- 
lican party. Should it be his good fortune to be 
blessed with as long life as his father, it is not too 
much to expect that the pages of his history un- 
written will record a brilliant career. 

N. BRYANT is successfully engaged in 
farming on section 1, Island Grove Town- 
ship, where he has a well-improved farm of 
1 60 acres. His father, Zenas Brj'aut, was born in 
Maine, in the same house in which his father was 
born, the old homestead having been in the family 
for a great manj' years. He left his native State 
for Cortland County, N. Y., where he was one of 
the first settlers, and made his home in that place 
until the time of his death, at the age of eighty- 
eight years. He had been a farmer but also owned 
and had charge of a carriage factory. The mother 
of our subject was Deborah (Babcock) Bryant, who 
was born in Connecticut and died in Wisconsin. 




*t 



-^•- 



h 



^ii*-H|--^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



3f)3 



She was a daughter of Col. Baljeock, and was the 
mother of nine children, eight sons and one daugh- 
ter. 

Our subject was tlie sixth child of his father's 
family, and was born on the 21st of Ma3', 1820, in 
Homer, Cortland Co., N. Y. He remained in his 
native town until he was twenty-one years of age, 
and in 1842 he went to Jefferson Countj', Wis., in 
which place he made his home until the year 18.59. 
He then went to Minnesota and remained a few 
years, after which, in 1809, he came to Plattsniouth, 
this State, and for three years had charge of a hotel. 
Disposing of it he came to this county and bought 
160 acres of Government land at $3.50 per acre, 
which he improved and had under cultivation until 
1883, when he sold it for $4,500. He then bought 
1 GO acres on section 1 for $3,000, whicli was partly 
improved and on which he has since resided. 

In the year 1849 Mr. Bryant was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Louisa M. Chase, wlio is the daugh- 
ter of Alden and Phcebe (Sterns) Cliase. Her 
parents were natives of Vermont, who had after- 
ward made their home in New York, and Louisa 
was born on the loth of November, 1825, in St. 
Lawrence County. She spent the early years of 
her life in her native county, and was weil edu- 
cated in the schools, remaining at home with her 
parents until the time of her marriage with our sub- 
ject. By this marriage Mr. and Mrs. Bryant have 
gathered about them a family of six children, three 
sons and three daughters, and have extended their 
fostering care to an adopted daughter, named Win- 
nie. Their own children answer to the names of 
Alden S., Estella M., Arvilla L., Charles A., Eva 
and Henry. 

Mr. Bryant is happily situated in his home, and 
has reached the age when he can resign the more 
arduous duties of the management of his farm into 
the hands of renters, and enjoy in comparative ease 
the fruits of his early industry. Having devoted 
himself exclusively to his occupation he has not 
cared to seek public oflice, but he is interested in 
the improvement of the country and the welfare of 
the public in general. He affiliates with the Repub- 
lican parly in [jolitical matters, and is a member of 
the Free-Will Baptist Church. AVhile living in 
Wisconsin he was elected to the office of Deputy 

-4* 



Sheriff, to serve a term of six months, and filled that 
office with so much credit that at the expiration of 
that period he was elected Sheriff, in which capacity 
he served for three years. He was also Assessor 
for three years, which proves his ability for filling 
public offices, and also testifies to the appreciation 
of the [lublic in electing him to these offices. He 
brought up a young man named Henry Doty, who 
enlisted in the 1st Minnesota Battery of Heavy 
Artillery, and had served for nearl3' three j-ears 
when he was killed in the battle of Vicksburg. 



•i- 



-^ 



^ 



^^EORGE L. SHARP is one of tlie 
jlj (— , young men of whom Nebraska has so 
^^^i! fi'if' ^^''^y 1'6 justly proud of tiie vit; 



^^EORGE L. SHARP is one of the rising 

many, 
m and 

the manly, ambitious, intelligent efforts made by 
them to advance not simply their own interests but 
those of the State. Our subject was born in Clai- 
borne County, Tenn., on the 27lh of March, 18G2, 
and is the son of Jonathan Sharp, also a native of 
Claiborne County, now resident of Liberty, hav- 
ing purchased a farm here in 1865. 

Our subject, who was a mere infant when his 
parents removed to Nebraska, was educated in the 
common schools of Beatrice and afterward in the 
graded school, which instruction was supplemented 
by a course at the State Normal School at Peru, 
in this State. Upon graduating from the latter in- 
stitution, our subject taught school for twenty-one 
terms, or in other words, about seven years. For 
two years he taught in Liberty, and gave much 
satisfaction by his efficiency and general manage- 
ment to all parties concerned. 

Upon the 12th of November, 1885, Mr. Sharp 
was united in marriage to Miss Louisa M. Beeler, 
a lady whose education, inherent refinement and 
tastes were eminently congenial, and with her most 
excellent disposition, promised a union more in- 
timate and happy than is usually found, and in 
this, it is safe to remark, they have not been dis- 
appointed. This ladj' is the daughter of James 
and Elizabeth Sharp, natives of Tennessee, but 
now resident in this township. She was born in 
Union County. Tenn., April 15, 1868, was brought 
up and educated at Libert}', Neb., being reared by , 



• ^ m ^> 



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.t 



364 



GAGE COUNTY. 



Mrs. Nanc3' Mutclimore, until her marriage. Their 
union has been blessed by the birth of one child, 
to whom bas been given the name of Lou Burton, 
and who was born May 31, 1887. 

The farm of the subject of this sketch is situ- 
ated upon section 31, Libertj' Township, and com- 
prises eighty acres of excellent land for agricultural 
purposes, which he has greatly improved, and cul- 
tivates assiduously. He operates it upon the line 
of general farming, and, given a fair season, his 
harvests are large. Tlie greater part of his life has 
been spent upon his father's farm, where he became 
intimately conversant with the operation and work- 
ing of the same, so that when he came to take 
charge of his own, he had no difliculty whatever in 
working it. He is deserving of ever3' success, and 
is accorded the fullest regard and confidence of his 
neighbors, who recognize in him a man of charac- 
ter and sterling qualities. 



BANDER M. PEMBERTON is a native of 
Illinois, and was born near Paris, the count}' 
seal of Edgar County, on Nov. 12, 1845. 
The father of our sul)jecl, Harvey G. Pember- 
ton, was a native of Washington County, Va., 
where he was born in February, 1 808. He fol- 
lowed the joint occupation of carpenter and far- 
mer. In Septemijer of the year 1833 he became 
the husband of Caroline C. King, a native of Sulli- 
van County, Tenn., who from that time presided 
in a most happy manner over his home. Shortly 
after uiarriage they settled in Coles County, 111., 
where, owing to the new condition of the country, 
considerable suffering was experienced from ague 
and its kindred ills. In 1854 tiie family removed 
to Iowa, and settled at Homer, Hamilton County. 
In this place the mother of our subject died, in 
18(34, aged fifty-three years. Her husband sur- 
vived her oul}' until October of the following year. 
The family of which our subject was a member 
included nine children, of whom Leander M. was 
the seventh. His youthful years were occupied in 
attendance at the common schools. When sixteen 
years of age he made some efforts to enter the 
army, but failed ; then for a time he attended 




school during the winter and worked on the farm 
during the summer. This program was varied 
after a time by his becoming a teacher. 

In the year 18(J3 Mr. Pemberton entered Albion 
College, and after spending some time there, be- 
came a student at the Iowa State University. 
Upon reaching his sophomore year, he was obliged 
to leave his studies. He next went to Webster 
City, and studied law with Judge D. D. Chase. 
After passing the required examination, he was ad- 
mitted to the bar at Boone, in that State, in the 
year 1870. Almost im mediately' he went to Cla}' 
County, and began the practice of his profession. 
The following year he was elected Count}' Auditor, 
in which office he continued for three consecutive 
terms. He continued to practice in that place until 
October, 1879, when he came to Beatrice, which 
has since continued to be the place of his residence. 
In 1885 he formed the present copartnership with 
Mr. Bush in the practice of his profession. 

Our subject was married in Spencer, Iowa, on 
the 30th of April, 1879, to Miss Ida M. Harris, of 
that place, who was born in New York. She is the 
daughter of E. E. and Maria L. Harris. Four chil- 
dren have been born to them, to whom have been 
been given the names here appended: Zulu L., 
Paulina A., Louise M. and Fred King. 

Mr. Pemberton was appointed City Attorney for 
two yearb, and is now serving a second term. He 
has always been Republican in politics. Mr. Pem- 
berton is a lawyer of acknowledged ability, strong 
character and unquestioned reputation. He stands 
in the front rank of his profession, and is one of 
the valued citizens of Beatrice. 

EV. WILLIAM SCHRAMM. Among the 
most healthful and prosperous of clergymen 
^i^vll are those who seek recreation from their 
W^ pulpit duties in tiie garden and the fields, 
and, it would seem, should have the truest appreci- 
ation of the works of Nature and of God. The sub- 
ject of this sketch, one of the most efficient and 
worthy of his joint calling, minister and farmer, 
owns a finetractof land in Clatonia Township, com- 
prising 160 acies on section 13. In addition to 



-^•- 



■♦HK-*! 



GAGE COUNTY. 



3(>5 I i 



i' 



general agriculture he is largel}- interested in stock- 
raising, and has been very successful in his labors. 

A native of Nassau, German}-, our subject was 
born on the 10th of Ma}-, 1823, and is the third 
son of Peter and Elizabeth Schramm, whose family 
consisted of eight children, four sons and four 
daughters. In common with most children of the 
Fatherland young William received an excellent 
education in his native tongue, besides careful 
home training in those habits of industry to which 
he is indebted for his position to-da}'. When a 
youth of sixteen years he began learning the trade 
of a carpenter, which he followed for some time, 
then entered the Prussian arm}-, to which he gave 
his services for eight years. During this period 
occurred the Baden Revolution of 1818, and he 
saw considerable active fighting, participating in 
one severe engagement but escaping unhurt. 

Mr. Schramm received his discharge from the 
regular arm}' in 1850, and in December of the 
year following was united in marriage with Miss 
Margaretta Schaab, a native of his own Province, 
and born Feb. 5, 1829. Mrs. Schramm is the 
daughter of Jacob and Margaret Schaab, and of 
her union with our subject there have been born 
nine children, eight of whom are living, namely: 
Henry, at home; Phillip is a minister of the Ger- 
man Methodist Episcopal Church, in Oregon, Mo.; 
George, William; Mary, the wife of John Unland; 
Theresa, Mrs. Daniel Roser, Eliza and Lilly: Albert 
died when one year old. All the children were 
born in Illinois. 

In the spring of 18.52 our subject with his little 
family embarked on a sailing-vessel at Bremen for 
the New World. After a stormy voyage of fifty- 
six days they landed in New York City, and thence 
proceeded directly to Schuyler County, 111., where 
our subject began farming. He was a resident 
there until 1872. then came to this county, and lo- 
cated on the farm in Clatonia Township, which he 
has since occupied. He purchased at the time a 
half-section of land from the Burlington & Mis- 
souri River Railroad Company, paying therefor §8 
per acre. Several years ago he sold half of this 
but still owns 160 acres, which is fairly well de- 
veloped. 

The property of our subject is the result of his 



own industry and economy, ably assisted by an 
intelligent an<l devoted wife, who has ever been his 
cheerful helpmate and counselor. Both are mem- 
bers of the (ierman Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and by their quiet and well-ordered lives they have 
earned the friendship and confidence of all who 
know tliem. .Since 18G2 Mr. .Schramm h.as given 
much of his time to ministerial labor. He was one 
of the founders of the church in Clatonia Township, 
and to it has always given a cordial and libei'al 
support. He and his estimable wife, now in their 
declining years, are surrounded by the comforts 
which they have so justly earned. Their cliildren 
rise up to call them blessed, and their neighbors 
and friends bear testimony to the good influence 
which they have exerted upon those around them. 



-*"e~ 



'rSAAC HUYCK. In contemplating the biog- 
j raphy of tliis gentleman, the mind reverts to 
'11 the aphorism, ''like causes produce like effects," 
whether as the boy at school, the young man flglit- 
ing in defense of his country, or the husband and 
father, laboring day in and day out upon the farm 
in order to sustain his family, in each and every 
instance the whole-souled, thorough, persistent ef- 
fort and manner of working, though not marked 
by meteor-like brilliancy, won the day. Our sub- 
ject, whose present home is upon section 36 of 
Sherman Township, was the third child born to John 
and Miriam (Herrick) Huyck, both natives of Jeffer- 
son County. N. Y. Their family included six chil- 
dren ; only four, however, survive: Andrew, of 
Sparta, Wis.; Ximena, wife of Isaac Johnson, of 
Lincoln; our subject, and John H., of Chamberlain, 
Dak. 

Our subject was born on the 20th of March, 
1841, in Jefferson County, N. Y. Until he was 
about nine yeai-s of age he remained at home, and 
obtained also some rudimentary education. At 
that age he began to work in the employ of the 
Milwaukee <fe St. Paul Railroad as a cast boy. The 
same year he began to work in a woolen factory at 
Watertown, Wis., but continued only until 1861, 
and then went to work on a farm in Dane County, 



3GG 



GAGE COUNTY. 



iT 



the next season, and followed farming until Apiil, 
1861. when he enlisted. 

Upon entering the ami}' our subject became one 
of the 1st Illinois Militia, enlisting for a terra of 
three months. The3' proceeded to Chicago, but at 
no time left the .State, and were finally sent back. 
He then re-enlisted, in Company A, 13th United 
States Infantr3', August 13, and proceeded to Jeffer- 
son Barracks, Mo., and saw active service in the 
States of Missouri, Tennessee, Mississipi)i, Louisi- 
ana and Georgia. He was present at tlie sieges of 
Vicksburg and Jackson, and was an active partici- 
pant in the battles of Ft. Ilindmer, Collersville, 
Missionary Ridge and Black Bayou, besides quite a 
number of lesser fights. He was taken prisoner by 
guerrillas at Mem|)his, and held as such for some 
time, which furnished him an experience hard to 
forget but far harder to endure. He received an 
honorable discharge in August, 1864, and again 
enlisted, in Comijanj' K, 2d Regiment, the Hancock 
Veteran Corps from Wisconsin, and continued to 
serve until the close of the war, when he received a 
final discharge. 

Returning from the war our subject again took 
up his farming in Dane Count}', and continued in 
the same until the year 1884, when he came to this 
county and purch.ased 240 acres on section 36. 
This land was |)art of the common-school grant, 
and cost him $3,200 for lease and improvements. 
On the 27th of September, 1871, he was united in 
marriage with Mary Helen Jewett, daughter of 
Hull and Erna J. (Cornes) Jewett. Mr. Jewett was 
born on the 22d of March, 1829, in Oneida County, 
N. Y. ; his wife on the 3d of December, 1830, at 
W.aterville, in the same county. They were mar- 
ried on the 6th of July, 1848, and became the par- 
ents of five children, whose names are recorded .as 
follows: Mary H.; George, of Dane Count}', Wis.; 
Henry C, o( Turner County, Dak.; Charles W., 
of Petosia, Wis., and Edward H., who resides near 
his brother Henry. Mr. Jewett departed this life 
on the 16th of April, 1882, and his wife on the 20th 
of March, 1884. 

Our subject and his wife have become the par- 
ents of four children, who have received the follow- 
ing names: Emma M., Joiin H., Harry D. and 
Gilmer A. Socially, Mr. Huyck is a member of the 



A. F. ife A. M., and is connected with the lodge at 
Liberty, also of the William A. Butler Post No. 
172, G. A. R., of Burchard. Religiouslj', he is a 
member of the Episcopal communion. He has held 
the office of Assessor for one year, and is numbered 
among the stanch friends and able supporters of 
the Republican party. The story of his life is one 
of a constant upward struggle and conflict against 
adverse circumstances, and this with very little lielp 
or aid from without; but it is the stor}' also of a 
successful struggle, one that is an honor to our 
subject, and which has brought him the hearty 
esteem of the community at large. 

W)ILLIAM H. FUNK, whose ple.asant resi- 
dence is upon his well-situated and fertile 
farm on section 28 of Holt Township, al- 
though not one of the pioneer settlers, is by no 
means behind the best in those qualities essential 
to a successful career and financial prosperity. He 
settled upon this property on the 6th of September, 
1883, and is now the owner of 480 acres of very 
valuable, well- improved and highl}' cultivated land. 

Mr. Funk w.as born on the 24th of November. 
1838, in Henr}' County, Ind., and is the son of Jo- 
seph and Sarah (Rader) Funk, natives of Rocking- 
ham Count}', Va., where their ancestry have made 
their home for several generations. The parents of 
our subject were married in Virginia and migrated 
to Indiana in 1832, and after sojourning in Wayne 
County for two years settled in Henry County. 
In the fall of 1864 they removed to Madison 
County, Ind., where the mother died in January, 
1883, and the father in March, 1888. They were 
the parents of six children, whose names are sub- 
joined : Parraelia, wife of Newlon M. Jones, of 
Grant County, Ind.; George W., who died in the 
year 1855, in Rockingham County, Va., aged 
twenty -one years; John J.; Joseph N., a resident 
of Madison County, Ind.; our subject, and Nancy 
J., the wife of Mr. Henry Jones, of Grant County, 
Ind. 

Our subject spent all his early life upon the farm, 
audits various duties were so intermingled with his 
play and school tasks that almost unconsciously 



•^^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



369 



and before lie was aware of it he hail become capa- 
ble of undertaking the raanageinent of a farai for 
himself. He received as good an education as was 
possible for him to obtain in the common school, 
and from the time of leaving it until he was twent}'- 
four years of age he continued to reside at home 
and work upon the home farm. Upon arriving 
at that .age he joined the army of "benedicts," 
being united in marriage with Barbara A. Bowers. 
This laily was the daiiw;hter of Andrew and Mary 
Bowers, and a native of Delaware County, Ind. 

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Funk resided for 
two years in Henry County, afterward in Madison 
County, and in the eighteen years of their residence 
in the latter county saw a large measure of success. 
At the close of that period they determined to go 
West, believing that a larger opiiortunity was ac- 
corded their family in that newer country. After 
stopping for six months in Nemaha County, they 
came on to Gage County. While in Madison 
County, Ind., he had made several investments in 
real estate, and was the owner of 100 acres of land, 
which he sold on coming to Nebraska, in order to 
invest upon arrival in this .'^tate. From that time 
to the present he has been interested in stock-farm- 
ing, and it has been for him a succession of success- 
ful j'ears. 

The family of our subject includes seven chil- 
dren, whose names are recorded as follows: Clem- 
ent K., Nora A., LaFayette L., James W., Charles 
N., AVilliam W. .and Wade H. 

Mr. Funk is a gentleman of enterprise and in- 
dustry, and although not a politician and somewhat 
independent in the disposition of his vote, he is 
everywhere received as an honorable, useful and 
valued citizen. In representative politics our sub- 
ject is a decided Democrat. 



' OSEPII M. MESERVE. Our subject is one 
<jf tlie largest, most enterprising and wealth- 
iest farmers in the county. He comes from 
/ a family and ancestry who have occupied 
prominent positions since anti- [{evolutionary times. 



The great-great-grandfather. Col. George Meserve, 
came to America in 1745, a Colonel in the British 
army, and fought through the French and Indian 
AVar. When this was over he settled in the south- 
eastern part of New Hampshire, near Dover, and the 
estate is still in the hands of a distant relative of 
the family, amd bears the familj' name. In tlie agi- 
tation which led to the Declaration of Independ- 
ence, the Colonel took his stand with the Colonists, 
and the old "garrison" house or barrack, a large, 
commodious, and especially strong building, is still 
standing. 

In the Revolutionary War all the sons of Col. 
Meserve took part; he served with them at Concord, 
Bunker Hill, and in the major part of the engiige- 
ments, and at the close retired to his estate, where 
he died about the year 1790. His son Joseph, the 
grandfather of out subject, took up as his chosen 
occup.ation agricultural pursuits, and lived upon the 
old homestead. His family comjjrised three sons 
and two daughters, whose names are recorded as 
follows; Samuel P., Joseph, William, Eliza and 
MarJ^ Tlie fatiier of our subject was Joseph, the 
second son of the above ; he also was born in the 
New Hampshire home, the same .is that of Col. 
Meserve. The father of our subject as a young 
man deviated himself to farming, but afterward 
entered into mercantile life. As a business man he 
was very successful, but his health failed him, and 
his physicians advised a change of climate. Fol- 
lowing this aflvice, in the spring of 18,')0 he re- 
moved with his faniil3' to Illinois, settled in LaSalle 
County, and returned to farming. He became the 
owner of a yery unusually large estate, which upon 
his demise he left to his wife. He was twice mar- 
ried ; by the first union he became the parent of 
four children, who were named as here subjoined : 
William H., John W., Joseph M. and Marietta. 

Our subject is the third son of the above family, 
and was born in Coos Count}', N. H., upon the '20th 
of December, 1833. This district is one of the 
most beautiful in the East, perhaps in America. The 
estate is situated about fifteen miles from the White 
Mountains, sometimes called the Switzerland of 
America. Amid the magnificent surroundings and 
stupendous grandeur of Nature's work in this dis- 
trict our subject was brought up. His education 



*t 



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S70 



GAGE COUNTY. 



w;is receivefl in the schools of his district, supjile- 
nicnted and completed 1)3" the fidi cuniculiun of 
instruction at Lancaster Academy, in the city of 
that name in New Hampshire, and Wilson Collegiate 
Institute, of Wilson, Niagara Co., N. Y. He was 
eighteen years of age when he went with the family 
to Illinois; there he began to teach school, but find- 
ing tliere was little money and less glory in that 
work, he abandoned the profession, and turned his 
attention to the fertile, widespread prairie of Illi- 
nois, and set to work to solve the problem of the 
adaptability of three or four yoke of oxen, aided 
by the usual implement, to breaking the surface of 
the same. 

Until he reached his majority the subject of our 
sketch remained with his father, but then started 
for himself, bought land, and soon had a ver^' fine 
farm of his own. He was mari-ied, Feb. 29, 1855, 
to Miss Elizabeth Call, a lady of excc|)tional refine- 
ment and womanly grace. .She was born in Essex 
County, N. Y., Jan. 1, 1833, and is the daughter 
of William and Olive (Trumbull) Call. Her 
mother was a native of the same county; her father 
of Clinton County, of the same Mate. By occupa- 
tion her father (vas a farmer, and settled in Essex 
County, after a time removed to Clinton County, 
which was their home f<jr about five years, then 
removed toLaSallc County, and became neighbors 
of the Meserve family, purchasing a farm in their 
immediate vicinity. She has presented her hus- 
band with ten chililreu, who have received the 
names here appended: Amelia A., Joseph M.. Will- 
iam Henry Harrison, Marietta M., David W., 
Harriet L., Jessie A., Archie, Charles S. and Min- 
nie C. 

After his marriage our subject continued upon 
the Illinois farm until 1863, but in the latter years, 
owing to the general depreciation of values, he suf- 
fered large financial losses. He therefore sold out 
his interests in LaSalle County, and went to Iowa, 
settling in Poweshiek Count}', and there continued 
his farming with a much l)etter outlook and success 
than was expected. This was their home for about 
tvvelve years, and the birthplace of nine of their 
children. Then the}- came to this county, and set- 
tled upon section 20 of Nemaha Township, which 
is still their home. At the time of their settlement, 



in common with the greater part of the county, this 
land was in its original condition, but before ver}' 
long there were abundant evidences of the fact that 
a master mind, strong will and ripe intelligence were 
at work, resulting in even larger prosperity and 
success than ever before. 

The primitive l^uilding material provided by the 
prairie is frequently used in the construction of the 
dwelling of the pioneer farmer, and in entering 
upon that life our sul)ject, although used to a dif- 
ferent order of things, had determined to follow 
the usual custom of that time in this regard. There 
are sod houses and sod houses, everything depend- 
ing upon the builder. Concerning that of our sub- 
ject, it is sufficient to sa}' that after being in use for 
fifteen years, it is still better than many in the first 
year of their erection. There is something particu- 
larly picturesque and refreshing to the traveler who 
has been riding over the prairie for hours, and, 
wearied with his journeying, sees before him in the 
distance what at first appears a beautiful green 
bank, but upon nearer approach resolves itself into 
a human iiabitation — a home. A sod house can be 
made not simply habitable, or even comfortable, 
but ■' a thing of beauty, and a joy," for the term 
of its existence. Such is the home of our suliject. 
The site of this sod house measures 20x50 feet, and, 
as above stated, is still the home of our subject, 
and has continued to be thus used for fifteen years, 
and within it have been spent the happiest years in 
the whole history of Mr. and Mrs. Meserve. 

The farm of our subject comprises 390 acres, all 
under the plow. The remainder of the section he 
has filled up with two tenant houses and their 
grounds. Near his own house our subject has an 
unusually fine grove of cottonwood trees, and 
upon the east side of the section he has fifteen 
acres, in which he has planted fruit trees, including 
apple, pear, plum, apricot and similar fruits. He 
has also set out groves of shade trees in different 
parts of the place. An additional feature of beauty 
and utility is the fish pond he has constructed upon 
the most scientific principles, and has stocked with 
much care. In the operating of his farm Mr. 
Meserve keeps five teams constantly employed. 
The barns, stabling, granaries, cattle sheds and other 
necessary farm buildings are models in their line, 



*f 



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i^l-4. 



GAGE COUNTY. 



371 



and are fully supplied with everything necessary 
fur their efficiency. One of the chief products of 
the farm, beyond that of the grain growth, is the 
raising of hogs, and of these our subject ships 
seldom less than three or four carloads per annum. 
Mr. Meserve has preserved one exceptionally fine 
and well-situated piece of ground, upon which, in 
the near future, it is proposed to erect a handsome 
and commodious dwelling, which will then take the 
place of the present residence. 

For ten 3'ears Mr. Meserve has been serving as 
Postmaster of the Meserveville post-otHce, the office 
being situated at his residence. He has at all times 
been exceedingly active in every enterprise for the 
advancement of the interests of the community, as 
is evidenced in the work he did in order to aid the 
organization of the township. He was one of the 
first Justices of the Peace appointed under that 
organization, and has been School Director for eight 
years; also a member of the Circuit and Petit 
Jury several times. At the Republican Conven- 
tion of the county he was selected as a delegate to 
that body; he was a member of the State Conven- 
tion at De.s Moines, Iowa, and moved the nomina- 
tion of Abraham Lincoln for the second term. By 
a family connection on the father's side he is a 
second cousin of ex- President Hayes. 

The political sympathies of our subject have al- 
ways been with the Republican parly; he has always 
been one of its strongest supporters and stanchest 
friends. His first Presidential vole was cast for 
John C. Fremont, in 1856. A brilliant success has 
attended our subject as a result of his manl3' effort, 
coupled with the encouragement lent him by Mrs. 
Meserve. Often, especially at the lime of their 
financial trial, has the faithful and affectionate part- 
ner of his life infused new hope .and brightness into 
the counsels and plans of her husband, by which he 
has taken fresh heart, and once more braced him- 
self for the struggle that has resulted so favorabl}'. 

In the Christian Church Mr. and Mrs. Meserve 
are among the most energetic, consistent and 
devout members. A new church of this communion 
is to be built upon the northeast corner of section 
20, the site being the gift of our subject, who is an 
Elder of the church, and has served in that office, 
and also as Sunday-school Superintendent in lUi- 



nois, Iowa and Nebraska. The portrait of this es- 
teemed gentleman appears on an accompanying 
page. 



^g-JiiL*4e 



|ACOB W. MUMFORD. Upon section 8 of 
I Logan Township is found the stock farm of 



w 



the gentleman whose life is here briefly 
sketched, who, in addition to the responsibili- 
ties devolving upon him in connection therewith, is 
the popular, much respected and most efficient Post- 
master of Freeman. The father of our subject, 
John Mumford, was born in Worcester County, 
Md., in 1785, and afterward followed the occupa- 
tion of farming. In 1840 he migrated to Adams 
County, Ohio, but was taken si(.-k upon the way 
with measles, while in Westmoreland County, Pa., 
and died. His wife, who accompanied him, re- 
mained in Ohio for some time after his death. In 
1853, accompanied by two sons, she removed to 
Argyle, Wis., and died at Willow Springs in the 
same State, in 1863. Her maiden name was Mary 
Perkins, and she was born in Worcester Count}', 
Md., July 4, 1794. Besides our subject, there 
were four children born to his parents, one of 
whom died about 1873. The names of the surviv- 
ing children are as appended : George W., John B., 
our subject and Marj-. 

Our subject was born on the Maryland farm, on 
the 20111 of October, 1834, and made his home with 
his mother until he was twenty years of age. He 
had received a good practical education in the 
usual institution, where he had shown an aptitude 
for study, and had developed a mental power and 
ability for work that was prophetic of his future. 
Upon the removal to Argyle, above mentioned, he 
farmed for one year, and then went onto a farm at 
Willow Springs, which is situated near Darlington, 
where he continued until 1865, although part of the 
time from the year 1862 had been spent in military 
service. 

The date of the admission into the 23d Wiscon- 
sin Infantiy of the gentleman whose history is here 
presented, dates from the 29th of August, 1862, and 
he was a member of Company B. He was mustered 
in at Madison, AVis., leaving his brother, John B., 
in charge of the farm. After seeing much hard 

— — ^ 



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372 



GAGE COUNTY. 



t bo 



service and enduring cheerfully the many privations 
and hardships of campaign life for three months, he 
was taken sick from the exposure and strain, but 
after lying ill for some weeks in the third ward of 
the hospital at Louisville, Ky., he returned to duty, 
and served until the 6th of January, 1864, when he 
received an honorable dischaige, owing to physical 
disability. In this period he had been one of the act- 
ive campaigners, and had been an active combatant 
in quite a laige number of the more memorable 
battles, bt sides an innumerable number of lesser but 
no less dangerous fights. 

In 1865 our subject came to Logan Township, of 
this county, and took land on section 8, and also 
pre-empted a second claim. His prosperity has 
been marked ; since that time he has purchased 400 
acres of land in the same township, has erected a 
very pretty and commodious residence, has set out 
a very large orchard of choice trees, and many 
other improvements, in addition to the cultivation 
of his farm, which is all well fenced and hedged, 
and is constantly watered by a live stream. Bear 
Creek, which runs through his property. His farm 
is further improved and beautified by some excep- 
tionally fine natural groves of forest trees, that are 
invaluable to him in addition to the elegance of 
their appearance. 

In Fayette County, Wis., our subject was mar- 
ried, on the 3d of July, 1870, to Sarah M. Lindsey, 
a school mistress, who had taught school about 
fifteen terras. This lady was born in Pennsylvania, 
on the 20th of June, 1840. Her parents, Thomas 
and Mary (McFatridge) Lindsey, also natives of 
the Keystone State, were spared to reach an ad- 
vanced age. Her father died some years ago; her 
mother, who is still living in Wisconsin, is seventy- 
five years of age. Mrs. Mumford died upon the 
1st of February, 1874, leaving two children, to 
whom had been given the names Emma and Burton. 

A second marriage was entered into by our sub- 
ject on the 22d of December, 1876, when he be- 
came the husband of Annie R. Isewton, who was 
born in Chester County, Pa., upon the 12th of June, 
1850. Previous to her marriage she had taught 
school for two years. Her father, John Newton, 
was a native of Manchester, England, where he was 
born in 1826. He was by trade a hatter, but upon 



coming to this eountiy and settling in Fayette 
Count}', AVis.,he followed the pursuit of husbandry, 
and still resides upon his farm, although for some 
j'ears he has lived a retired life. Her mother, Re- 
becca (Wilde) Newtcn, was born in the city of 
Manchester, in 1823, and died on the farm in Faj-- 
ette County, in 1886. Besides her daughter Annie, 
the wife of our subject, she was the mother of two 
sons, named respectively Isaac and John. The fam- 
ily of our subject has by this second marriage been 
increased by the birth of four chikken, who still re- 
side with their parents, and have received the names 
here appended: George S., John N., Stella and 
Oliver C. 

In addition to his position as Postmaster, to 
which he was appointed some three j'ears since, Mr. 
Mumford has filled the office of Assessor for three 
years, and School Director for twelve years; in each 
and everj' instance his attention to the business of 
his office, and manner of discharging the same, have 
won for him the hearty esteem of his fellow-citi- 
zens. Sociallj', he is connected with the order of 
the Grange, and has been Master of his Assembly. 
It will have already been surmised, and that cor- 
rectlj', that our subject's political sympathies are 
Democratic. Of this party he has for many years 
been a member, and by every effort in his power 
has done all that was possible for the advancement 
of the same, and will not be found wanting in the 
on-coming campaign or any future one, so long as 
he is spared in health and strength to participate. 
He recognizes full}- the privilege of his citizenship, 
and will utilize the same to the fullest extent. 



'if? AMES I. SHAW comes of a family of mili- 
tarj' heroes, his ancestors having distin- 
guished themselves in the French and In- 
dian War, the Revolutionary War, and the 
Wyoming Massacre, and thus he inherited a militaiy 
zeal and fervor by which he served his country in 
the capacity of a loyal soldier for a period of five 
years less one day. His parents, Stephen P. and 
Hannah (Hicks) Shaw, were natives of New York, 
the former having been born near the celebrated 
springs in Saratoga County, and the latter in 

•^ 



I 



I I 

If 



GAGE COUNTY. 



3T3 



Dutchess County. The Hicks f.amilj-of the present 
trace their ancestry to the Hicks family which came 
over to America on the second trip of the " M.aj'- 
flower," landing at Plymouth in 1022. The great- 
grandfather of our subject was a soldier in the 
English army, and was among the men wlio sus- 
tained the loss known .as Braddoek's defeat in 1 755. 
Being discharged he settled in the Wyoming Valley, 
Pa., and afterward served in the war of the Revo- 
lution, also in the Wyoming Valley massacre, in 
which he had two sons killed. The grandfather 
of our subject, Benjamin Shaw, also lived in the 
Wi'oming Vallej', and after the massacre he moved 
to Saratoga County, N. Y. The parents of our sub- 
ject were married in Dutchess County, and in 1850 
they moved to Wisconsin, making their home in 
Kenosha. 

In 1857 the parents of our subject, in company 
with their sons and sons-in-law, came to Nebraska 
bringing their families with them. The father had 
two Tagons and four teams of oxen, John had one 
team, William one team and wagon, and James and 
William 'Silvernail, the sons-in-law, had each a team 
and wagon. Thus with all their worldlj' effects, 
and happy at the thought that the^' were soon to be 
located in their new homes, they made their way 
through Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa to Nebraska, 
with their procession of six wagons. Once in Ne- 
braska the question of location was to be decided, 
and the father bought 180 acres on sections 20 and 
21 in Adams Township, Gage County, arriving at 
his new home on the 6th of July, 1857. He 
died in 1863, almost sixty-three years old, but the 
mother survived until 1886, and had reached the 
age of eighty-five years, longevit}' being a char- 
acteristic of her familj-. This household comprised 
a famil3' of ten children, who were named William, 
Egbert, Margaret, Emaline, John, Alrayra, Hannah, 
Rebecca, James I. and Stephen. 

Our subject was born on the 30th of November, 
1838. in LaGrange Townsl^p, Dutchess Co., N. Y., 
and was ten 3ears old when his parents moved 
to Litchfield County', Conn. He resided there until 
he was thirteen years old, at which age he went to 
.Wisconsin, tiience to Nebraska when he was eight- 
een years old, and Iiaving attended the schools in 
New York, Connecticut and Wisconsin, he has had 



* ••--f^^ 



abundant opportunity to compare the educational 
systems of the dififerent States. He ranks the 
schools of Wisconsin .as best, those of Connecticut 
second, and of New York third in point of excel- 
lence. When he came to this State he drove a team 
for his father all the w.aj', crossing the Mississippi 
River at Rock Island, and pursuing their course 
westward they passed through Iowa City, Des 
Moines, and crossed the Missouri River at Nebraska 
City. After locating in Nebraska he remained at 
home until 1860, when he went to Colorado, pros- 
pected there one summer, and returned to his home 
in the fall of the same year. 

In 1861 the call was made for men to hasten to 
the defense of the countrj-, and in response our sub- 
ject enlisted in Company- _H, 1st Nebraska Regiment, 
under Gov. Thayer, who went out as Colonel of the 
regiment. They drilled at Omaha, dep.arted for the 
field of battle, going soutii down the Missouri, and 
entered the Array of the Tennessee in 1862. In 
1863-64 our subject was in the Department of 
the Missouri, and in 1865-66 he was in the De- 
partment of the Platte. His first engagement was 
at Ft. Donelson. and the next at Shiloh, where be 
was promoted to the rank of Orderly Sergeant, 
having been promoted Sergeant at Omaha. By order 
of the War Department his regiment w.as mounted 
and changed from infantry to cavalry, then trans- 
ferred to the Division of the Missouri. He partici- 
pated in the engagements at Cape Girardeau. Jackson 
Point, Clarendon, Ark., and Grand Prairie, besides 
assisting in a great deal of skirmishing. In the 
summer of 1864, liis first term of three \envs having 
expired, he re-enlisted and came home on a veter.an 
furlough. While he w.as at home the Indian 
troubles began, and his regiment was sent to the 
plain of the Platte to look after the mail service 
and protect it from the depredations of the In- 
dians, with whom thej' had numerous skirmishes. 
The winter of 1864-65 will long be remembered by 
our subject and the other boys of the regiment as 
one in which thej^ suffered extreme exposures, not 
being provided with winter quarters, and awa3' off 
on the plains, cut off from communication with the 
rest of the countrj-. Having re-enlisted for three 
years or during the war, our subject remained in the 
service until he was discharged at Omaha, having 

9^ 



f 



u 




374 



GAGE COUNTY. 



server! five yenrs less one flay, and received an 
honorable discharge with the rank of First Sergeant. 

In 1867 our subject was married to Mrs. Vir- 
ginia Stewart, daughter of John and Ann Amelia 
(Gray) Douglass, both of whom were natives of 
Scotland. The parents were married in Canada, 
then returned to Scotland, where they remained for 
four years, after which they returned to America. 
Mrs. Shaw was born on the Atlantic Ocean on the 
10th of February, 1838, and spent her girlhood 
years in Canada, on the banks of the Chautauqua 
River, in the Province of Quebec, forty miles from 
Montreal and three and a half miles from the State 
of New York. She attended a graded school con- 
ducted on the rate system in Canada, and received 
a thorough education in the elementary branches 
of learning. Her parents had a family of eleven 
children, five boj'S and six girls, she being the 
third born. The father died in 1849, at the age of 
fifty 3'ears, and the mother in 1857, at the age of 
forty j-ears, she and herchildien making their homes 
witli her father after the death of her husband until 
the time of her death. Mrs. Shaw was married at 
the age of fourteen years to Edward Stewart, a 
young man of nineteen years, and they went to 
Quebec, where, through the influence of a wealthy 
uncle, Mr. Stewart obtained a situation as steward 
on a sailing-vessel. They then knew no home but 
on the watery deep for a period of three years, after 
which they went to Kenosha, AVis., thence removed 
to Chicago, in which place the husband died, leav- 
ing four children to the care of the young mother, 
none of whom, however, are now living. From 
Chicago Mrs. Shaw came to Omaha in 1867, where 
she met our subject, and by their marri.age they are 
the parents of one child, named Egbert John. 

Mr. Shaw owns 360 acres of land on section 30, 
Adams Township, which is devoted to the purposes 
of general farming. He is a Republican in politics, 
and is a man of broad views, generous and consid- 
erate, combining with his intellectual force a great 
deal of executive ability. The citizens of Adams 
Township have chosen him for Assessor and Justice 
of the Peace, which offices he has held with satis- 
faction and credit, and he has also served as Treas- 
urer of the School Board for five or six years. He 
is one of the prominent members of the G. A. R. 



Post, of Adams, of which order he was chosen the 
first Commander, and as it fell to his lot to name 
the post, he bestowed upon it the name of his com- 
rade, Sergt. James E. Cox, who was the first man 
from the Nebraska regiment killed in the battle of 
Shiloh. Under his command the post prospered 
well, and has become an organization of twenty- 
five members, our subject having been Adju- 
tant of the post for the past three or four years- 
Two of his brothers, William and Egbert, enlisted 
in the 1st Regiment with him at the breaking out 
of the war, the former meeting his death at St. 
Louis by the running away of a team, and the 
latter serving out his time of three years. 

Mr. and Mrs. Shaw are very courteous and hos- 
pitable, kind and considerate of the comfort and 
happiness of others, and are situated in such a 
manner as to enable them to spend their remaining 
days in ease and comfort. They are living happily 
without making a great show or pretension, and are 
always ready to welcome the coming guest. Our 
subject took up his homestead of 100 acres in 1869, 
which was among the last issued in the township as 
well as in the county. As a man descended from 
brave and illustrious ancestors, as a distinguished 
warrior and a most loyal citizen, as a man of ex- 
ecutive ability and principles of the strictest integ- 
rity and philanthropy, he is entitled to the esteem 
and admiration accorded him by his fellowmen. 

"^fiOEL SCHOCK. One of the best improved 
farms in Sicily Township, one of the most 
beautiful for situation, is that which is the 
property of the Assessor of the township, 
whose biography is herein epitomized. This gentle- 
man is the son of George and Lucy Ann (Ware) 
Sehock, who are natives of Pennsylvania, he of 
Union County, and his wife of Lehigh County. At 
the age of sixteen years the father of our subject 
accompanied his parents in their migratory journey 
to Ohio, and Miss Ware, at the age of thirteen, re- 
moved to the same State under similar circum- 
stances, and in Seneca County, that State, the ac- 
quaintance and friendship which had grown up 
between them were transformed into the golden 



:^^ 



u 






GAGE COUNTY. 



375 



bonds of wedlock. This interesting event took 
place in Seneca County, Ohio, in September, 1843, 
and they settled and continued to reside in Ohio 
until 1 87 1 , when they removed to St. Joseph County, 
Mich., which is still their home. Their family cir- 
cle included nine children, all of whom are living, 
and with the exception of the youngest all are mar- 
ried and have homes of their own. Their names 
are recorded as follows: Benjamin F., John D., 
Joel, Polly, Eli, Sarah A., Ilettie A., Lydia A. and 
Emma A. Mr. and Mrs. Schock are both members 
of the Reformed Church, at Three Rivers, Mich. 

Our subject was born in Seneca County-, Ohio, 
Oct; 29, 1851. His early school days were spent in 
the usual institution, but were afterward supple- 
mented by the High School course at Three Rivers, 
and he then taught for several winters, five terms 
in Michigan, two in Nebraska, and one summer 
term in Ohio. During the summer, however, it was 
his custom to employ his time in farming. 

Some thirteen 3'ears since, Mr. Schock purchased 
his present farm, but it was not until February, 1 882, 
that he left his Michigan home and settled thereon. 
The property includes 160 acres, and is composed 
of a very fine soil for agricultural purposes, and 
well situated. To these natural advantages our 
subject h.is added a number of improvements in the 
shape of the general cultivation and various farm 
buildings. Whether barn, ice house, implement 
and machine house, milk house, granary or stabling 
be examined, the verdict would be "most excel- 
lent," which would apply to their construction, con- 
venience and condition. The residence of our sub- 
ject is most pleasantly situated, and is the embodi- 
ment of comfort, and to the wear3' worker at the 
close of the day is something to be appreciated in- 
deed. 

On the 4th of November, 1877, our subject was 
married to MissC. Libbie Ulsh, of Michigan. The 
wedding service was held at the residence of the 
groom's father, and was attended by a number of 
relatives and friends. Mrs. Schock was born on the 
25th of June, 1861, in Snyder County, Pa. When 
she was about three years of age, her parents, Joseph 
and Christina (Mover) Ulsh, removed to Sandusky 
County, Ohio. In the year 1869 another change 
was made, and they took up their residence in St. 



Joseph County, Mich. They became the parents 
of six children, of whom all are living. Mrs. Schock 
being the fifth child. In this latter pl.ace Mr. Ulsh 
died, Aug. 12, 1879, at the age of sixty years. 
After this his widow made her home with our sub- 
ject and wife, whose family includes three children, 
who are named as follows: James E., born July 20, 
1879; Mary E.. Sept. 21. 1881 ; and Benjamin F., 
Feb. 6, 1884. 

Our subject has made an enviable reputation in 
regard to the superior merits of his stock, and is 
very particular in reference to the variety and grade 
of the same. His specialty lies in thorough-bred 
Poland-China hogs and Short-horn cattle. In his 
political relations our subject affiliates with the Re- 
publican party, and is thoroughly loyal to his citi- 
zenship, and by his enthusiasm and thoroughness in 
the fulfillment of the duties of his office has won 
the highest regard of all concerned. With his wife, 
he is an earnest" and devoted member of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church, and ever active in the ad- 
vancement of that cause, and they are accorded that 
appreciation and regard which are justly due. 



!->^J«f-» 



<if/ ACOB B. SWILER is a native of Cumber- 
land Count.y, Pa., where he was born on the 
1 1 th of April, 1831 , and where he was reared 
to manhood. In 1850 he moved to Ohio, in 
which State he remained for two years, returning at 
the end of that time to his native State to claim for 
his wife Miss Rachel Boak, to whom he was married 
on the 12th of June, 1853. She is a daughter of 
Lewis and Rachel Boak, the former of whom was a 
soldier in the Revolutionary War. They were 
members of the United Brethren Church, and both 
died in Pennsylvania, the father at the age of fifty- 
four, and the mother when she w.as seventy-five 
years old. Mrs. Svviler was born inVork County, 
Pa., on the 29th of June, 1833, and after her mar- 
riage with our subject they removed to Illinois, 
making their home in Warren County in 1857, 
where thej' remained until i 880. They then came 
to Nebraska, and located on the farm which is their 
present home, on section 9,.Sicil3- Township. Nine 
children have been born in their familv, of whom 






370 



■•► 



GAGE COUNTY. 



five are living, mid bear tlie names of Austin H., 
Carton P., Minnie W., Mamie E. and John. 

Our subject spent his earl}' years on his father's 
farm, engaged in the various duties of an agricult- 
ural life until he was seventeen years old, at which 
time he began to learn the wool manufacturing busi- 
ness. This he followed for about two .years, but 
wiis compelled to abandon it at the end of that 
time on account of his ill-health, and he afterward 
moved to Ohio, where he learned the plastering 
trade. He engaged in the latter occupation for 
about thirty years, and by that time his sons were 
almost grown, and he began in company with them 
to engage in agricultural pursuits in Illinois. They 
farmed for four years, and then came to Nebraska, 
where they have since made their home. Mr. and 
Mrs. Swiler are esteemed members of the Church of 
God, which religions denomination has an organiza- 
tion in this township. 'Ihe former was initiated 
into the order of the I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 1 60, in 
Monmouth, 111., about 1873, and was a charter 
member of the Encampment. At the time of the 
late war he applied to the Government as a volun- 
teer, but his proffered service was rejected on ac- 
count of his ill-health. He waimly advocates the 
policy of the Republican party, and favors liie senti- 
ment of prohibition. 

When our subject came to his farm there had 
been very little improvement made on it, but by 
the exercise of constant diligence and much hard 
labor, he has brought it to a fine state of cultiva- 
tion, and has erected a good house, barn, and all 
necessary out-buildings for the convenience of farm 
life. He has also made good fences, and has set 
out a fine orchard containing apple, cherry, and all 
kinds of sm.all fruit trees, including 200 bearing 
apple trees, which have produced such fine varie- 
ties and such a delicious quality of fruit that it has 
taken several premiums at the count}' fairs when 
placed on exhil)ition. In various wa^s has he im- 
proved the appearance and utility of his farm, and 
has increased its value manyfold since it came into 
his possession, but he has attained these splendid 
results onlj' by the greatest industry and most care- 
ful management. 

Our subject is a son of Jacob .and Agnes (Baker) 
.Swiler, who were natives of Pennsylvania, the 



former of German, and the latter of Scotch parent- 
age. Tlie father died in the year 1853, at the age 
of sevent3'-two years, but the mother is still living 
with her daughter in Perry County, Pa., and has 
now reached the advanced age of ninety j'ears, still 
being quite active and in good health. Since his 
residence in tliis county our subject has been prom- 
inentlj' identified with its public affairs, having been 
a memljcr of the School Board since the organiza- 
tion of the district, and is now filling the office of 
Justice of the Peace. He took a very active part 
in forming his school district, of which he has been 
Treasurer since its organization, and he has been no 
less active in the promotion of religious affairs, hav- 
ing been an Elder in the church .and Superintendent 
of the Sunda3--school since their organization in 
1883. He and his wife have freed their farm from 
all incumbrances, and are now situated in such a, 
manner as to enable them to spend their remaining 
days in case and comfort, enjoying the fruits of 
their early industry. They are highly respected 
citizens, and have endeared themselves to a large 
circle of friends and acquaintances. 



^ft URRAY B. VOORHEES. This gentleman, 

/// l\\ ^''i*^*^ stock farm is situated on section 25 
J l^ of Sherman Township, is the eldest son of 
* Henry V. Voorhees, a native of Somei-set 

Count}', N. Y., whence he removed as a young 
man to Peoria, 111., and afterward to Jersey County, 
in the same State. During the earlier part of his 
life he was a farmer, but afterward eng.-iged in 
the business of hardware and groceries, in Jersey- 
ville. 111., continuing in the same for about five 
years, and then returned to farming. In political 
matters he was a Democrat, but this did not pre- 
vent him being elected to most of the important 
offices of the township, including both that of Su- 
pervisor and Treasurer. In the year 1861 he be- 
came the husband of Matilda Bacon, a native of 
New York State. Her grandparents were English, 
but her parents were of American birth. They be- 
came the parents of six children, five of whom are 



T 



f1 











»t"i"i-"ii> J ii'4r.>2;iN»» 



i^^i>ili^^!^@edi|i^|>t^Ui^V^^ 



, ^ J toiC 8tf k\ ^ijariida>aaaat3^^ 



Residence of John K. Trek ell. Sec. 9 . Highland Township. 




Residence OF Henry Rice,5ec.29. Paddock Township 



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M^^saa^i's^i^^ras; w;,^^a^wi«i^v:Aa.^-..^>..j*w>.-:.;.■^-. V ^' 



Residenceof r. H. Dobbs,Sec.H. Rockford Township. 



I 



^^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



379 



living. Their n.TniPS are .is follows: Miivrny B., 
our subject; Fanny. Harry V.. Rachel C. and Martlia. 

Our subject was born while his parents resided in 
Jersey County, 111.. Jan. 20, isr.2. Until he at- 
tained his majority he made his home with his par- 
ents, who afforded him through the years of his 
boyhood and youth every opportunity to obtain a 
fair practical education in the common school of 
that district, after which he went to work upon the 
farm. Shortly after attaining iiis majority he was 
united in the irrevocable bonds of matrimony 
with Jennie Rich, daughter of Richard and Alzina 
(C'lard}') Rich. Her father was born in Devon- 
shire, England, on the 12th of February. 1834. He 
came to America in 1851 and settled in Jersej' 
County, 111., following the occupation of farming 
until his death, which occurred on the 7th of Au- 
gust, 1880. For twenty-five years he had been a 
member of the Baptist Church. He was married 
on the 25th of November, 1850. and became the 
father of four cliildren, one of whom died in in- 
fancj". The names of the remaining three are: 
Anna, now Mrs. William Birkcm.aj-er, of Jersey 
County; Marj', the wife of William Darby, of the 
same county; and Jennie T., the wife of our sub- 
ject. 

Mrs. Voorhees was born on the 1 4th of No- 
vember, 1861. at Fidelity. Jersey Co., 111., and 
continued to live with her parents until her mar- 
riage. She had been given quite a fair education, 
and was thoroughly conversant with the various 
duties of the household, and both by nature and 
education fitted to hold a good position in general 
societj'. After her marriage, which occurred upon 
the 4th of April, 1883, she continued to live with 
her husband at Fidelity for about three years, our 
subject being eng.aged in farming. Thence they 
removed, in 1886, to this county, and engaged in 
stock and grain farming upon section 25. operating 
three-quarters of the entire section. Mr. Voorhees 
has shown his enterprise by engaging in the breed- 
ing of Hereford cattle. 

The family of our subject has been increased 
since his marriage by the birth of one son, who has 
received the name of Richard. Mr. Voorhees is a 
man who is devoted to his home and business, and 
seeks no engagement outside these, therefore he 



has given comparatively little attention to political 
matters, and has never sought office; usually he 
votes with the Republican part3', but is somewhat 
independent in that matter, considering first the 
man and his fitness for office, and then his part}'. 



■• «2je£/®^«^^^«S!NS!/J37f>— 



ENRY II. SNYDER. Few of the intelligent 
'' and enterprising subjects of the German 
F^mpire who come to our shores from year 
to year are more so than Henry Snyder, the 
father of our subject, who is one of the prosperous 
farmers of Jackson County, Ind. He was born in 
1820, in Germany, and came to America when 
about fifteen years of age, and made his home in 
Cincinnati. He began life in this country' at the 
foot of the ladder, and was very soon working as a 
da^' laborer; by diligence and care it was not long 
before he was enabled to purchase the farm in 
J.ackson County, Ind., where he still resides. He 
is a man greatly admired and respected, and has at 
various times been called upon to fill ever}' office of 
his township. 

Mr. Snyder, Sr., was married, in 1847, to Anna 
Meslow, who was born in Germany in 1825, and 
died in the year 1885. They became the parents 
of twelve children, eight of whom survive. The 
names of these are recorded as follows: Louisa, 
whose husband, Henry Holla, is a prosperous farmer 
of Jackson County. Ind.; our subject; Margaret, 
now Mrs. Harmon Krette; Amelia, widow of Au- 
gust Brethaure; John F., a farmer of Sherman 
Township, this count}'; Anna and Lavina, who 
make their homes in Indianapolis; and Willie, who 
is still at home in Jackson Countj*. 

Our subject was born on the 15th of April, 1852, 
and continued to live with his parents until he was 
twenty-three years of age. His school da3's closed 
with his fourteenth j'ear, but in that time he had 
laid a good foundation whereon to erect the super- 
structure of his later experience. F'rom that time 
onward farming has occupied him almost entirel}-, 
and long before he was of age he was sufficientl}' 
well acquainted with all the details of its work to 
take charge of an entire farm. 

In the year 1871 Mr. Sn^'der bade farewell to 



=?=f* 



^ 



380 



GAGE COUNTY. 



bachelor life and became the husband of Anna 
Klinge, the daughter of Henry and Annie Klinge, 
who were natives of Gernian3'. Mrs. Snyder was 
born in Jackson Count}', Ind., in the year 1856, 
and after a married life that comprised about two 
bright and happy years, died on the 8th of October, 
1877. In the following Februarj' our subject re- 
moved to Page County, Iowa, and there engaged 
in farming with much prosperity. 

On the 14th of February, 1882, our subject con- 
tracted a second matrimonial alliance, the lady of 
his choice being Mary E. Martin, a daughter of 
John M. and Anna (Allen) Martin. Her father 
was born in New Jersey, in 1831, and resides in 
Pawnee County, Neb. Her mother was born in 
Cincinnati, in 1839, and died in 1864. Their home 
circle included thirteen children, nine of whom are 
living. Mrs. Snyder was the eldest of the famil}', 
and was born in Page County, Iowa, Feb. 4, 1860, 
and continued to reside with her parents until her 
marriage. She presented her husband witli four 
children, whose names are as follows: J^dward, 
Charles C, William J. and Merl. 

In the communion of the Lutheran Church, in 
which our subject was brought up, he continues to 
find that which is in harmony with his religious 
principles, and is a regular and devout worshiper. 
His political associations are with the Democratic 
party, and he is a consistent and regular supporter 
of that party, and has so continued since it was his 
privilege to vote. 

TEPHEN D. TERRY. One great secret of 
success in any position, calling or pi-ofession 
in life is congeniality and adaptability', and 
this is the secret of the success in life of 
the subject of this sketch, wliose reputation is un- 
questioned along the line of his chosen occupation, 
viz., that of stock-raising. Gage County has few citi- 
zens who more delight in this department of work, or 
who better understand what is demanded in that 
connection; the wise and the otherwise of the hand- 
ling and care of stock. He is in fact, as it were, to 
tiie manor l)orn, and as a result takes to it naturally. 




and equally as natnrallj' is rewarded with an un- 
usual prosperitj- and success. 

Our subject is a native of Fleming County, Ky. 
When he was 'fifteen years of age his mother re- 
moved to McDonough County, III. There he lived 
until the spring of 1 880. when he came to this 
county, where shortly after arrival he leased the 
half-section where he now lives, at that time owned 
by a Mr. John Ellis. He commenced to handle 
stock, chiefly cattle and hogs, and from that as a 
beginning has continuouslj' progressed. Upon land- 
ing in the township he found himself possessed of 
just $15, §10 of which he immediately forwarded 
to his wife to pay railroad fare, that she might join 
him, and of this amount upon arrival she possessed 
but ninety-five cents. These figures give the finan- 
cial basis of our subject's fortune, but no figures 
can show the spirit and determination to succeed 
that inspired this young couple. He purchased 
stock of Mr. Ellis tf) the amount of $550, for which 
he gave his note, for which he took interest in the 
form of a partnership, sharing the profits for five 
years. Then Mr. Terry was enabled to purchase 
the farm of 840 acres, and also Mr. Ellis' interest 
in the stock. 

From the time of the above purchase our subject 
has continued to operate the farm in his own inter- 
est and upon his own responsilility, and with even 
greater success than he previously enjoyed. There 
are at present some 300 head of high-grade cattle of 
pure blood upon the place, and about 100 that are be- 
ing fattened for the market. In pigs his special breed 
is the Berkshire variety. Of these he raises seldom 
less than 300 per annum. His sales never run 
lower th.an 250 head of fatted cattle, and from 200 
to 300 hogs. In addition to the above, and upon 
a somewhat more limited scale, though with no less 
measure of good fortune attending, Mr. Terry 
raises some very fine Clydesdale, Norman and En- 
glish draft horses. 

The farm of our subject is naturally adapted for 
his purpose, and is well supplied with water from -a 
stream that has its origin in springs which are 
chiefly upon his land. No matter how hot or drj' 
the season, this most important requisition is found 
in abundant supply. He raises for feed purposes 
about 150 .icres of corn every 3'ear, and in addition 



I 



i 



^ii^K* 



GAGE COUNTY. 



381 



11113-8 from 12.000 to 15.000 bushels. All his farm 
is well fenced, 160 neres of it with .a ''hog tight" 
and the remainrler witii a first-class wire fence, the 
whole being so flivided that stock can be handled 
to the greatest advantage and with the utmost ease. 
There is an abun<lant supply of sheds and shelters 
for protection from winter's cruel cold and sum- 
mer's severe heat; in fact, in all the appointments 
our subject .nims to have those of a first-class stock 
farm, as his is. 

The parents of our subject were natives of Ken- 
tucky, in which State iiis father died when Ste- 
phen D. was quite a little boy. His mother with 
her famil}' of five children then removed to Illinois 
in lb67. It was an apparently interminable strug- 
gle and endless anxiety for this noble woman to 
provide for her children, and as soon as it was pos- 
sible our subject, being the eldest son. took the lend 
in endeavoring to assist in the support of the fam- 
ily. Being liorn on the •2d of Februarj-, 1852, 
he was fifteen years of age when his mother 
removed to Illinois. The3' have now a good f.arm 
in Labette County, Kan., where the mother and one 
daughter reside. The following are the members 
of this interesting familj', viz. : .Stephen D., our 
subject; William, who is married and lives in Ken- 
tucky; Mary E., who resides with her mother; 
Amelia, happily married to Jacob Botoff, a prosper- 
ous farmer in Labette Count}'; Amanda, now Mrs. 
Ora F. Fenneywitt, resident in the same county, 
each being in the s.ime neighborhood. 

Miss Harriet McElvain, of McDonough County, 
111., is the lady whom our subject chose to be his 
life companion, and with whom he was united in 
marriage upon the 14th of Januar}', 1872, since 
which time it has been abundantly demonstrated 
that the step was a most happj' one. Mrs. Terry is 
the daughter of George and Jane (Barr) McElvain, 
who still reside in Illinois. There have been born 
to our subject seven children, who have received 
the names here following: Clifton D., John H., 
Oscar, Amelia, William H., Lou and Mattie, all of 
whom are still living. 

The ancestry of the Terry family' for sevenil 
generations have been members of tiie Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and in this communion our sub- 
ject and wife also find their religious home, and are 

M» 



by the entire membership in common with the com- 
munity at large held in highest esteem. In politi- 
cal circles our subject is not prominent, usually 
voting with entire disregard to the party of a can- 
did.ite, and thinking solely of his fitness for the 
desired oflice and his character. 



fL^OBERT F. NORCROSS is a well-informed 
and reliable business man, who has made a 
!^ brilliant success of farming on his well-im- 
•,(0; proved land on section 3 1 , Logan Township. 
His father, William F. Norcross, was born in p;rie 
County, Pa., on the 14th of February. 1812, ami in 
1840 he moved to Warren County, III., where he 
now resides, continuing his early vocation of farm- 
ing. His father, the grandfather of our subject, 
was a native of Ireland, and after coining to Amer- 
i(^a he served as a private in the War of 1812. The 
mother of our subject was Maria L. (Dixon) Nor- 
cross, who was born in I^rie Count}', Pa., in 1818. 
and died at the age of forty years, in 1858, by 
which a family of five children, named John G., 
Marietta, William P., Hobert F. and Henry M., was 
bereaved of her tender care. 

Our subject was born in Warren County, 111., on 
the 31st of August, 1851, and as he reached boy- 
hood's years he began the acquisition of his* educa- 
tion, which was completed in 1872 by graduation 
from the High School at Monmouth, III. In the 
spring of 1875, being then about twenty- four years 
old, he removed to near Beatrice, where he en- 
gaged in farming for tiirce years, and in 1878 he 
bought his present place, consisting of 100 acres on 
section 31, Logan Township. When the land came 
into his possession it was in an uncultivated state, 
since which time be has made many improvements, 
and has set out orch.ards of fruit trees, groves of 
native timber, and beautiful liedge fences, which 
add greatly to the value and ajjpe.arance of the 
place. His house, barns and farm buildings are all 
in excellent condition, containing the modern con- 
veniences and improvements, while within a dis- 
tance of forty rods from the house there is a spring 
of clear, cool and refreshing running water. All 
that ingenuity can devise or labor procure has been 




-4^ 

382 



^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



done to beautify and increase the utility of this 
splendid farm, and the owner of it may well feel 
gratified because of his success. In 1883 he pur- 
chased 160 acres of land two miles eastof the home 
farm, on which he has made many improvements, 

On the 12th of February, 1874, our subject was 
united in marriage, in Monmouth, 111., to Miss 
Laura E. AVebster, who was born in Erie Count)', 
Pa., on the 12th of November, 1856. Her parents, 
O. E. and Emily E. (Dunn) Webster, were natives 
of the same count)', the former having been born in 
1835, and the latter in 1838. They are the parents 
of four children, named Laura E., Stella, Elroy and 
Zoah, and the father is the present Street Commis- 
sioner of Beatrice. By their marriage our subject 
and his wife are the parents of one child, named 
Bertie, who was born on the 2oth of April, 1876, 
and is brightening their home with the charm of his 
boyhood's years. 

The excellent and thorough education which our 
subject received entitles him to a prominent rank 
among the educators of his township, for, although 
he is not immediately engaged in the work of 
teaching, he has for six years been the Director of 
the schools, and has given careful and conscientious 
service in behalf of the educational institutions of 
his township. He is an ardent Republican, and does 
not lose an opportunity to further the interest of 
his party. In business matters he is distinguished 
for his uprightness and integritj% and his word is 
everywhere considered as good as his bond. His 
wife is an amiable and estimable lady, possessing 
true, womanly characteristics, and takes a proper 
pride in her excellent domestic qualifications. 



■y*Ae2/®^''~~^% 



-e8^S/^r^w»» 




]EORGE W. CAMPBELL. The eventful life 
of the subject of the following narrative, 
and which now spans a period of over fifty 
years, began at the modest country home of his 
parents iu the township of East Sraithfield. Brad- 
ford Co., Pa., Maj' 3, 1835, and is culminating in 
its prime amid the surroundings of an enjoyable 
home on section 33, in Nemaha Township, this 
county. A soldier of the Union army during the 



late Civil AVar, he survived more than ordinar)' 
hardship and suffering, and at its close in 1868, 
sought a home among the people of the 3'oung and 
promising State of Nebraska. He was prospered 
in his venture, and now, sitting under his own vine 
and fig tree, with comfort and plenty around him, 
can look back with a reasonable degree of satisfac- 
tion upon the results of a life whose aim has been 
to make himself worthy among good citizens, and 
of value in his community. 

The parents of our subject, George W.. Sr., and 
Harriet (Kingsley) Campbell, were also natives of 
Bradford County, Pa., and represented excellent 
German blood on the father's side, and on the 
mother's Scotch-Irish. The elder Campbell was a 
lumberman and farmer, and acquired a large prop- 
erty. His death took place not far from the place 
of his birth, in Burlington Township, Bradford Co., 
Pa., in 1887, when he was seventy-eight years old_ 
The mother is still living, ranking her home with 
Sterling at the old home, and is now aged about 
seventy-four. The parental household included 
nine children — William. George W., Jr. (our sub- 
ject), Almira, Martha, Chauncey, Owen, Sterling, 
John and Alanson. 

When the subject of tliis sketch was about five 
years old his father purchased a large sawmill in 
Burlington, Bradford Co., Pa., which he operated 
about fifteen years, and then selling out, moved 
on a farm. In the meantime young George made 
himself useful about the mill, attending the saw 
and handling lumber. Their home being in the 
wooded districts, the opportunity for education 
was somevvhat limited, although our hero mastered 
the common branches, and branched out consider- 
ably in philosoph)' and the scientific studies. His 
regular school days, however, terminated at the age 
of fifteen years, and his acquirements after that 
were mainl}- by his own efforts at home. He con- 
tinued under the home roof until twenty years old, 
and was then united in marriage with Miss Mar)*, 
daughter of John and Poll}' (Holmes) Dewey, who 
with their family were natives of New York State. 
Mrs. Campbell was the fourth in a familj' of five 
children, and was born in Chenango County, Aug. 
4, 1834. She remained a resident of the Empire 
State until a maiden of sixteen years. Her father 



1 



-<- 



GAGE COUNTY. 



383 



i- 



i~ 



died when she was a small child, and the familj' 
being left without means, the children were separ- 
ated, and Mary fonnd a home among strangers. 
After a few years her elder sister married and 
Mar}' went to live with her, in Bradford County, 
Pa. Here she was provided with educational ad- 
vantages, and developed into a teacher, hy which 
means she suppo/'ted herself comfort;ibly until her 
marriage. 

Mr. and Mrs. Campbell continued in Pennsyl- 
vania a jear after their marriage, antl then re- 
moved to Carroll County, 111., where Mr. C. rented 
a farm, and was mailing good he.adwa}' toward a 
competency when there came the first call from 
President Lincoln for troops to put down the rebell- 
ion. To the other ties which bound Mr. Camp- 
bell to his home had been added that of a father, 
but he determined to forsake all in response to the 
demands of true patriotism, and accordingly en- 
listed in Company B, 7th Illinois Cavalry, being 
mustered in at Camp Butler, in October, and drill- 
ing at Camp Butler, Springfield. On the 1 5th of 
December the regiment received orders to move, 
and went via Cairo to Bird's Point, Mo., where 
Mr. Campbell made the acquaintance of Gen. Grant. 
Under him they skirmished for a time, and were 
then ordered to Shiloh. reaching that point just 
after the battle. They afterward participated in the 
siege of Corinth, and did railroad dut_v in that 
section for some time. Mr. Campbell was with 
the troops of Gen. Grant on his first expedition 
against Vicksburg. but they were forced to return 
to LaGrange, Tenn., on account of a scarcity of 
supplies. Their next move w\as as guard along the 
Tennessee River, but the approach of Gen. Price 
caused them to fall b.ack to Corinth, where they 
engaged in the second battle at that place. 

The winter of 1862 was spent by the regiment in 
camp at LaGrange, Tenn., and the spring of 1863 
opened with the Grej-ston raid of sixteen days, and 
six daj's of which Company B rode by itself 425 
miles, fighting along the road. At the siege of Port 
Hudson they guarded the rear with credit, and then 
took boats up to Memphis for the purpose of 
recruiting. They then went to Collierville. Tenn., 
and while there on picket dut}-, Mr. Campbell with 
twenty -five of the forty-nine men thus engaged was 

4« 



captured during the fight, Nov. 3, 1863; there were 
engaged 500 Union men and 2,000 rebels. The 
prisoners were_.t;iken to Cahaba, Ala., where they 
were kept until the following April, and were then 
transferred to Andersonville. 

The horrors of Andersonville Prison, Mr. Camp- 
bell states, could not by an\' possibilit}' be exagger- 
ated. Sufferings awful, and unmitigated by a gleam 
of humanity on the part of their captors, made the 
lives of the weary victims a wretched mockery. 
Nauseous food, impure water, crowded and vermin 
infested quarters, contributed to disease and death, 
which took away all but eight of the company of 
twenty-six. Mr. C. and his comrades remained there 
until August, 1864, when thej' were removed to 
the sporting ground of Charleston, kept there four 
weeks, and then taken to Florence, where Mr. C. 
was released on sick parole. 

After regaining his liberty Mr. Campbell made 
his way first to Annapolis, Md., and thence to his 
father's house in Pennsylvania, arriving there in 
January, 1865. He received his honorable dis- 
charge in April following, having been in the serv- 
ice three years and six months, thirteen months and 
eleven da3-s of which had been passed as the cap- 
tive of the rebels. 

Mr. Campbell after rejoining his family in Car- 
roll County, 111., was unable to do any work for 
fully a year, but after a time gradually resumed 
farming. He made up his mind to secure a home 
of his own as soon as possible, and believing he 
could make better headwaj' upon the soil of a 
newer country, started for Nebraska in the spring 
of 1868. He was accompanied by his wife and 
two children, and they made the journey overland 
with a wagon and two teams of horses. They 
crossed the Mississippi at Lyons, Iowa, and pushed 
their way through the Hawkeye State, crossing the 
Missouri at Brownville, and touching Tecumseh. 
The prairies of Nebr.aska were tlien mostly in their 
primitive condition. Mr. Campbell took up a home- 
stead claim of 120 acres, and commencing at first 
principles, slowl}' but surely built the foundation 
of his present home. In connection with the culti- 
vation of the soil he has turned many an honest 
pennj' as a well-horer, having sunk 500 or 600 wells, 
probably- more than an}- other man in this part of 



•► J f 4» 




384 



GAGE COUNTY. 




Gage County. The first dwelling of our subject in 
this county was a board shanty, and they occupied 
this nearly five years. They have now a substan- 
tial residence which compares favorably witii those 
of their neighbors, convenient out-buildings, and a 
beautiful grove of Cottonwood and maples planted 
nineteen years ago by the hands of the proprietor. 
A flourishing apple orchard of 130 trees yields 
bountifully for the needs of the family, with a fair 
assortment of the smaller fruits. The household 
circle numbers four children — Dewey, John, Effa 
aud George B. The second and third in order of 
birth, Nettie and Hattie, died at the ages of six 
and one-half years and three months, respectively. 
Dewey married Miss Abbie Kessler, and is a resi- 
dent of Hooker Township; they have one child, a 
son, Roy. John and Effa operate jointly two 
farms in this township; the youngest son has charge 
of the home place. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell are 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
our subject, as an ex-soldler, has for a, long period 
been Quartermaster in Sergt. Cox Post, G. A. R., 
at Adams. It is hardly necessarj' to say that 
politically, he is a "dyed in the wool" Republican. 



»-*^- 



-fe 



■jj OHN CARSTENS. Among the representa- 
tive farmers and esteemed citizens of Cla- 
tonia Township, the subject of this sketch 
occupies a good position, sociallj' and finan- 
cially. He possesses all the admirable qualities of 
the substantial (ierman race, and is a native of that 
Empire, having been born in Hanover, P'eb. 24, 
1843. 

The subject of our sketch is a son of John and 
Gesche Carstens, being the eldest of the family, and 
has only two brothers living; of Tebbe C. a sketch 
appears in this work. His mother died in Han- 
over and his father lives in this county. John 
early in life became familiar with farm pursuits, 
while at the same time he was thoroughly educated 
in the common schools of his native Province. In 
I8GG, when a young man twenty -one years old, he 
entered the Hanovarian army and fought against 
tlie Prussians on the side of the Austrians in the 
beginning of the memorable struggle between those 



two countries, in the battle of Langensabza. Fi- 
nally retiring from the ai-my at the close of the 
struggle, he emigrated to America, embarking from 
the port of Bremen on an ocean steamer, and after 
a voyage of three weeks landed in New York City. 
Thence he proceeded to Schuyler County, III., 
where he was employed at farming several years. 
The fall of 1874 found him with his steps turned 
still further westward, and making his waj' to this 
county he purchased 160 acres of land from the 
Burlington & Missouri River Railroad Company, 
at $7 per acre. This was located on section 1 1, Cla- 
tonia Township, and upon this he has since lived 
and labored, transforming the raw prairie to a 
highly cultivated farm, and putting up the build- 
ings required for his comfort and convenience. 

In his pioneer labors our subject found in his de- 
voted wife a most efficient assistant, and he gen- 
erously accords her that credit which is too often 
withheld from the pioneer wife and mother. He 
had no means when he landed upon American soil, 
and his possessions to-day are consequently' the re- 
sult of his own industry aud economy. His mar- 
riage occurred two years after his emigration to 
this countrj', the wedding taking place in Rushville, 
111., on the 12th of March. 18C8. The maiden name 
of Mrs. Carstens was Mary Schmid, and she was 
also born in the Fatherland, Feb. 1. 1847. Her 
parents were Jurgen and Etta (Goldenstein) Schmid, 
who lived and died in Germany. Mrs. C. came to 
the United States in the fall of 1865. Of her 
marriage with our subject there have been born 
seven children^ namely: George J., Feb. 24, 1869; 
Lilly G., July 15. 1873; Arthur E., Aug. 16, 1876; 
Mary Auetta, April 12, 1879; Theodore F., Jan. 
31, 1881 ; Alvin B., Oct. 27, 1882, and Emma F., 
June 29, 1885. 

The property of Mr. Carstens includes 160 acres 
of land, enclosed with good fencing, and producing 
in abundance the rich crops of Southern Nebraska. 
He has a good setof frame buildings with improved 
machinery aud a fair assortment of live stock, in- 
cluding cattle, horses and swine. In religious mat- 
ters he belongs to the German Metliodist Episcopal 
Church, of which he was one of the founders, and 
h.as been a Trustee for man}' j'ears. Both he and 
his estimable wife have alvvays taken an active in- 



-<»■ 



-•► 



■u 



GAGE COUNTY. 



385 ( i 



tcrest in the success of cliurch and school, and 
sought to educate their offspring in the manner 
wliicli sliall make of them good and wortliy citizens. 
Mr. Carstens, politically, votes the Republican ticket, 
and h.as served upon the School Board of his dis- 
trict a number of years. In the spring of 1887 he 
was elected Assessor of Clatouia Township, and has 
served on its Board of Elections many times. He 
is considered one of the representative men of his 
community, active in all good works, and the sub- 
ject of a record which his children may look upon 
in later years with pride. 



•"'♦i*^?^^"^ 



^ ji^ B. SPRAGUE is the senior partner of the 

\/iJl ^' ™ *''^ ^^ ■ ^' ''P'"'''»"'^ '^ Son, proprietors of 
W^ the Sunnyside Ranch, on sections 17, 18 
and 19, Nemaha Township, one of the largest cattle 
ranches in this counti'. He is a son of Frederick A. 
and Bridget (Moodey) Sprague, the former of 
whom traces his ancestry to English, and the latter 
to Irish families. The father served in the War of 
1812, anil after his marriage with the mother of 
our subject in Medina Countj', Ohio, thej- made 
their home on a farm in that county until the year 
1841, when they removed to Waukesha County, 
Wis. The father purchased a large tract of laud, 
which he devoted to agricultural purposes, and 
meeting with much success he accumulated wealth, 
and became the owner of several sections of land. 

The father of our subject was an able politician, 
and was distinguished among his contemporaries 
by being elected to the Wisconsin State Senate, 
receiving the election to that honorable office on 
the Democratic ticket by a large majoritj', which 
speaks well for his popularit3'. He died in Feb- 
ruary, 1865, in his seventieth year, and the mother 
died in January, 1885, in her eighty-third year; 
they were the parents of nine children, all of whom 
were spared to become honored men and women, 
and their names are as follows: Frederick A., Jr., 
Romeo, Joseph, John Q., Juliet, Peter, William 
B., lliram B. and Elizabeth. 

Our subject was born in Ritchficld, Medina Co., 
Ohio, on the ICth of April, 1838, but as he was 
only three 3'ears old when his parents moved to 



Wisconsin, he has no recollections of his eai-ly 
home. AVhen ho became a young man he was early 
taugiit to take care of horses, oxen, stock in gen- 
eral and farming implements, .and to swing the ax 
with a strong and steady hand, living as he did in 
a country abounding in woods with but small 
clearings. He otherwise had an experience in 
common with the other sons of the early pioneers 
of Waukesha County. His schooling was rather 
limited, owing to the limited advantages of the 
time, and he remained at home engaged in the 
duties of the farm until he became twentj'-one years 
old, at which age he was married. 

In 1859 our subject was united in marriage with 
Miss Elizabeth Hazlehurst, a daughter of George 
and Margaret (Brown) Hazlehurst. The parents 
were natives of England, and their ancestors were 
noted for their inventive genius, grandfather John 
Brown, of Manchester, England, having been the 
inventor of the first steam loom used in the large 
cotton factories in that city. The father was an 
excellent weaver, and became the overseer in a 
cotton factory in his native country, but having 
conceived the idea of coming to America, he em- 
barked for this country in the j'ear 1840. He 
bought a farm in Oswego Count}^ N. Y., on which 
he remained for some time, and met with success, 
but he subsequently removed to Fall River, Mass., 
and became overseer in the "Que-Que-Chan" Mills, 
in which capacity- he remained for six years. He 
then went to Oneida Countj', N. Y., where he re- 
sided for several years, until he came to Waukesha 
County, Wis. For thirty years tl-.e father served 
as an overseer in the cotton mills, twenty-four years 
of which were spent in England. 

Mrs. Sprague's motiier died in 18G8, at the age 
of sixty-five j'ears, and her father died in 1875, in 
California, aged seventy-five years. They had a 
family of five children, all of whom grew to man- 
hood and womanhood ; their names are as follows: 
Edward, AViliiam, Marj', Elizabeth and Margaret. 
William Hazlehurst was at one time the foreman in 
the Hay ward Mines, and was well known in San 
Francisco. He accumulated a large amount of 
wealth, and was at one time a millionaire. Mrs. 
Sprague was born in Manchester, England, on the 
23d of July, 1839, but her earliest recollections 



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-4^ 



38G 



GAGE COUNTY. 



are of her home in Oswego County, N. Y. She was 
five years oM when her parents moved to Fall 
River, Mass., where she attended school, and worked 
in the factory. When she first began to work in 
the factory she had to have a stage to stand on, 
and attended two looms. 

The education wliich Mrs. Sprague received was 
obtained in the schools of Westmoreland, and 
when she was fifteen years old she went to Wauke- 
sha County, Wis. Her mother was afflicted with 
ill-heallli, which made it necessary for her to take 
charge of the household until the time of her mar- 
riage with our subject. After their marriage they 
bought a farm of 120 acres, and in 1864 our sub- 
ject began to buy horses for the army. After the 
war closed he went to Pennsylvania, and for eleven 
months he worked in the oil region, returning again 
to Wisconsin in 1866, and resuming operations on 
his farm. In 1870 ho went to Troj' Center, Wal- 
worth County, and engaged in the stock and prod- 
uce business, also having an interest in the lumber 
business. He continued therefor three years, meet- 
ing with very good success, and then returned to 
his former home and purchased a sufficient amount 
of land to make him the owner of 360 acres. He 
carried on farming in Waukeslia County until 1879, 
when he exchanged one of his farms for lands in 
Gage County, and afterward sold the other farm 
in Wisconsin and bought cattle, bringing with him 
about 100 head when he came to Nebraska. 

Our subject settled on his own farm in Sherman 
Township, nine miles east of Beatrice, and for 
three years he took the entire management of the 
farm, consisting of 480 acres. He then exchanged 
it for a quarter-section near Beatrice, some other 
lands, and the remainder in money, and worked on 
his new farm until 1887, when he came in charge 
of the Sunnyside Ranch. He has been as a rule 
very successful, but a short time ago he met with 
a drawback from having bought 200 head of stock 
cattle from Rosenbaum Bros., live stock com- 
mission merchants, of Omaha. The cattle proved 
to have been mortgaged, and the loss to our sub- 
ject was $4,000, on account of which a suit is in 
litigation, and now pending in the Supreme Court. 
In carrying on his ranch our subject handles 400 
head of cattle, sixty horses and fifteen teams. In 



company with him is his son William, and together 
they operate one of the largest stock farms in the 
county, having 1,400 acres under cultivation, and 
500 acres in pasture. They have a very elegant 
home, and all its appointments speak of wealth and 
refinement. 

There are four children in the family of our sub- 
ject, whose names are William B., Jr., Ada E., Mary 
E. and George H. William B. married Miss Ada 
Onyon, and they have one child, named Erma; Ada 
E. married Edward Burton, of Eagle, Waukesha 
Co., Wis., and they reside on the old homestead 
with their two children, Harry B. and George Will- 
iam; Mary E. and George H. are living at home 
with their parents. Mrs. and Miss Sprague are in- 
fluential members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, of Summit, and are admirably fitted to 
grace their luxurious home, possessing as they do 
many charms of person and manner united to the 
admirable qualities of mind and heart. Our sub- 
ject is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is 
an able advocate of the Democratic party. Both 
Mr. and Mrs. Sprague understand thoroughly' the 
happj' art of entertaining their guests in their 
handsome home, and their hospitalit}' and kindly 
bearing fit them to adorn the highest societ3'. 



OHN CHERRY. The people of Grant Town- 
ship have every reason to be proud of the 
fine farms that are to be found so plentifully 
scattered over its broad acres, and its repu- 
tation as a stock-raising district is not unenviable. 
Among those who have done not a little to support 
and extend the latter is the subject of our sketch, 
whose ranch and residence are situated upon section 
22. This has been his home for more than twelve 
j'ears. although he has been a resident of the State 
since 1867. He is the owner of 300 acres of well- 
improved, excellent land, upon which almost every 
improvement has been the work of his own hands. 
For the first few years after coming to the State 
our subject made his home in DeVVilt Precinct, 
Saline County, taking a homestead on Turkey 
Creek, and working upon it until he brought it to 



h 



-#^ 



-A 



GAGE COUNTY. 



387 '^ 



llie condition of a good and productive farm; tiien 
he came to his present iJi'opert}', which, hcing wa- 
tered by the SoapCrceii is fruitful, even in dry sea- 
sons, and is by no means devoid of other natural 
features tiiat go to make it a most desirable prop- 
erts", well adapted to all the uses that miglit be 
demanded from either an agricultural or pastoral 
standpoint. 

Prior to coming to this State our subject had 
been living in Ohio, which was his native State. He 
was born in Clarke County-, on the 11th of October, 
1833, and was two years of age when his father re- 
moved to a farm in Logan County, where he made 
his home until his death, which occurred when he 
was forty-six years of age. He was the husband 
of Susan McManarva, who, after her husband's 
death, rejoined her sous by taking the journey to 
their Nebraska home, but died the same fall after 
siie came out, which was in 1867. At the time of 
her demise she was seventj-two years of age. 

The subject of our sketch was the third child 
born to his parents, and until he attained the estate 
of mauhood resided upon the olfl Logan County 
farm. In that neighborhood he became acquainted 
with Miss Julia A. Robertson, and to her was joined 
in wedlock, in Logan Count3', Ohio, May, 15, 1861. 
This lady was born iu Virginia, in the year 1835. 
Her family had for several generations been resi- 
dents of that State, and had been among its most 
successful farmers, an occupation which her father 
also followed. She was not twelve j^ears of age 
when her parents removed to Logan Count3', where 
she received her education, and was further jjre- 
pared bj' her mother for the time when she would 
be called upon to rule her own household. 

As the years have sped in their courses the fruit 
of this education has been the more apparent and 
happy. Her husband and nine children have all had 
occasion to thankfullj' acknowledge the happy in- 
fluenceeucourageinent and help she has brought to 
them. One member of the family has reached the 
" bourne from whence no traveler returns;" this 
was their son David A. The other children are as 
follows: Minerva M., the wife of Francis Walburn, 
whose home is upon part of Mr. Cherry's land in 
this township; William A., who is his father's assist- 
ant upon the farm: John D., James C, Anna E., 



Thomas O., and Edward L. and Charles, who are 
twins. 

The days of the married life of our subject and 
his wife have been spent in hard, continuous work, 
mutually assisting in order that the^' may together 
enjoy the pleasures of rest and the enjoyment of 
their fortune and home. They have been faithful 
to the vows made, and their home is one of the 
most happy and pleasant. It is their ple.asure to 
receive the hearty respect of their fellow-citizens, 
who recognize in them the attributes of character, 
honor, loyalty and rectitude. Both are active mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and have 
so continued from their youth, in his political as- 
pirations and sentiments our subject is with the 
Republican part}', and is a recognized trusty friend 
of the same. 



— ^^Wtp-^^ 

J~ p. WESLER. Among the worthy citizens 
of Lincoln Township who are entitled to an 
honorable mention in this collection of biog- 
raphies, because of loj-al service in behalf 
of the Union and interest in the public aflfairs of the 
township, is the gentleman whose name we have just 
recorded. For about eight j'ears he has made his 
home on his farm, consisting of 160 acres on section 
11, most of which is in a highly im|)roved condi- 
tion. Previous to his residence on his present farm 
he had lived forabout eight j'ears in Beatrice, where 
he was eng.aged as a builder and contractor, being 
a practical brickmasou b}^ trade. He erected some 
of the best buildings in the city during the time of 
his residence there, but since his removal he has 
given his attention solely to farming and its ac- 
companying business of stock-raising. He first 
came to this State in 1870 and made his home in 
Brownville, Nemaha County, whence he came here 
and secured a homestead of 160 acres in Highland 
Township, on which he made many improvements 
and lived for about five years previous to his resi- 
dence in Beatrice, since which time he has sold the 
homestead. 

Our subject was born in Miami County, Ohio, on 
the 6th of September, 1844, and when he was eight 
years old the first great sorrow of his life occurred 
in the death of his father, Elijah Wesler. The latter 



n 



•^^i^^ 



■•► 



388 



GAGE COUNTY. 



was horn in Lancaster County, Pa., anr) was of 
American parentage, though his ancestors were for- 
merly from Germany, and liad been for many years 
American citizens, some of tlie Wcsler family hav- 
ing particii)ated in the War of 1812. The father 
was engaged in wagon-making, whicli pursuit he 
followed until the time of his death; in matters of 
politics he had all his life been an old-line Whig, 
and religiously, his family were connected with the 
Bai)tist Church. He was married in Pcnns3lvania 
to the mother of our subject, Miss Mary R. Riue- 
walt, also of American parentage and German an- 
cestry, who was born and spent lier early life near 
Valley Forge, Pa. Her family were members of 
the religious denomination known as Dunkards, and 
she died at Tippecanoe, Ohio, in 1874, at the age of 
sixty-six j'ears. Our subject was next to the young- 
est of a family of four children, two sons and two 
daughters, of whom we have the following record : 
Catherine was the wife of A. W. Miles, who was 
the Postmaster of Tippecanoe. Ohio, in which place 
she died ; Sarah died when she was about eighteen 
j'cars old; Judson, the only brother of our subject, 
enlisted in the 94th Ohio Infantrj', and was killed 
at the battle of Kenncsaw Mountain on the 1st of 
July. 1863, by a gunshot from the enem}-. He 
w.as a good man and soldier, and fought bravely for 
his country before he fell. 

Our subject remained in his native county until 
the breaking out of the Rebellion, when he enlisted, 
on the 8th of August, 1862, in the 94th Ohio In- 
fantry, Company D, under command of Capt. R. 
P. Hutchins, with Col. Frizell in charge of the regi- 
ment. The latter was assigned to the Cumber- 
land Army, and the first active eng.Tgement in which 
it participated was at Perryville, Kj-., the next at 
Stone River, and then at Cliickamauga. Our sub- 
ject was present in all of the engagements of his 
regiment during the campaign, and was honorably 
discharged at Washington. D. C. after the grand 
parole of his regiment, his discharge dating May, 
1805. Fortunately he never was wounded, and was 
able to respond to the roll call every time, discharg- 
ing all his duties in a cour.ageous and valiant man- 
ner, and proving himself the possessor of a loj'al 
heart. 

After he was released from the service of his 



country our subject returned to his home, and in 
1870 he came to Nebraska. Three 3'ears later he 
was united in marriage, on the IGtii of November, 
near Cortland, this count3-, to Miss Anna Newton, 
who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on the 3d of 
June, 1857. Her parents, William and Jane (Wil- 
son) Newton, were also natives of that State; the 
father was .accidentally killed while a member of 
the fire department of Cincinnati, and the mother 
still makes her home in that city, having married a 
second time. Mrs. Wesler was quite young when 
she went to Como, Whiteside Co., 111., to make her 
home with her paternal grandparents, and she grew 
to womanhood under their kindlj- care, coming with 
them to Nebraska. She is the mother of six chil- 
dren, one of whom is deceased, and the others all 
living at home, bearing the names of Mary, Katie, 
Judson, Ruth and C. H. Vanwyke. Both Mr. and 
Mrs. Wesler attend the Mission Church in this town- 
ship. The former has held some of the local offices 
and is at present the Assessor of the township. He 
is a Union Labor man in politics, and is a member 
of the Bricklayers' International Union. His hon- 
orable service during the late war entitles him to a 
membership in the G. A. R., Lodge No. 35, of Bea- 
trice, of which he is a charter member. 



♦^S»}»> 



-^^ 



<5«f-,> 



UILLIAM N. SPARKS. Among the general 
farmers and stock-raisers of Lincoln Town- 
^J^^ ship, the subject of this sketch occupies a 
leading position, being recognized as a gentleman 
capable and intelligent to a high degree, and repre- 
senting a good property. This is niostl3' in real 
estate, embracing 303 acres of land occupj'ing the 
greater part of section 7, in Lincoln Township. It 
is mostly' in a productive condition, and the im- 
provements, which evince the enterprise and in- 
dustry of the proprietor, have been effected mostly 
bj' his own perseverance and good judgment. 

Mr. Sparks came to Nebraska from Illinois, in 
June, 1871. He was born farther east, in Monroe 
County, Ind., Aug. 11. 1855, and is consequently 
a j'oung man. His father, John Sparks, a sketch of 
whom appears elsewhere in this work, and whose 

*► 



f 



-^^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



389 



tragic death is rcincniborerl bj' many of our citi- 
zens, was born and reared on a farm in Nortti Caro- 
lina, and removed witli his parents to Indiana, 
wliere he dcvclupcd into manhood. After reach- 
ing his niajoritj" he was united in m.ajriage with 
Miss Martha K. Holder, a native of iiis own State, 
and who also became a resident of Indiana in her 
youth. Her parents likewise settled in Monroe 
Count}', and she lived with them until her marriage. 

The father of our subject carried on farming in 
Indiana for a number of 3-ears. but after his re- 
moval to Illinois established a flouring-mill and 
engaged quite extensively as a grain bu\cr. He 
finall}- became a resident of Minonk. where oc- 
curred the death of iiis wife, Mrs. Martha 'E^. 
Sparks, in 1869. Bj- this calamity four children be- 
came motherless, and William N., our subject, was 
the elder of the two sons. The other son is a resi- 
dent of Gage Count}', and tiie two daughters are 
still living. John Sparks had up to this time been 
a very successful business man, but he now met 
with misfortune, losing $6,000 within the space of 
a few months. He finally disposed of his mill and 
grain business, and in the summer of 1871 came to 
Nebraska and purcliased a slightly improved farm. 
To tills he later added more land, and at the time 
of his death, Jan. 12, 1 888, possessed the warrantee 
deed to 640 acres, leaving a fine estate to his heirs. 
His decease was attended with circumstances un- 
usually sad, he having been caught in a snowstjrm 
and perished. 

The second wife of John Sparks, to whom he was 
married in the early part of 1871, was formerly 
Miss Martha A. Roberson, a native of North Caro- 
lina, and who is still living on the old homestead in 
Lincoln Township. William N., our subject, came 
to this county with his father, and continued with 
him until his marriage, which occurred in Fairbury, 
Jefferson County, his bride being Miss Carrie G. 
Lang worthy, and their wedding taking place Feb. 
1, 1881. Mrs. S|)arks is the daughter of W. O. and 
Caroline (Oldrew) Langworthy, and a sketch of her 
father will be found elsewhere in this work. She 
was born in Peoria. 111., March 23, 1859, and- came 
to Nebraska with her parents about 1876. Of ber 
union witii our subject there have been born three 
children— Chester A., Nellie and llattie. Mr. 8i)arks, 



like his father before him, is a stanch Democrat, 
politically, and has s<'rved as Justice of the Peace 
as well as Director and Treasurer of his school 
district. He lakes an active interest in everything 
pertaining to the progress and welfare of his county, 
and is destined to become one of its leading citizens. 



^ , T , " ^ 



JOSEPH H. RAMSEY. Among the char.ac- 
teristics of this most esteemed resident of 
Filley Township, is his love of and his pride 
in his native land and everything pertain- 
ing to the interests of her people. While having 
due regard for the welfare of his family and the 
comfort of his home, his thoughts are much with 
the political situation and the future prospects of 
the greatest Republic on earth. This spirit also ex- 
isted with him at a time calling for the exposition 
of men's principles, during the dark and stormy 
days of the Rebellion, when with the patriot's zeal 
he went forth to fight the battles of freedom and 
union. 

Mr. Ramsey is descended from Old Dominion 
stock, his parents having been born in Vii'ginia, 
an<l the mother being of the " F. F. Vs." The 
father, Joseph Ramsey, first opened his eyes to the 
light near the town of Abingdon, about 1803. 
When a young man he emigrated to Iowa, Uiking 
up his abode among the pioneers of Appanoose 
County, where he carried on farming and probably 
worked some time at his trade of millwright. He 
was married in Abingdon. Va., to Miss Jane Berry, 
whose father, for her marriage portion, gave her 
her choice of a family of slaves or a certain amount 
of money. Although born and reared under the 
teachings of the " peculiar institution." Mrs. Ramsey 
was an Abolitionist and refused ownership in human 
flesh, taking without hesitation the money instead. 
The parents of our subject continued residents 
of Iowa until 1870, and the mother passed away at 
her home there in 1868. Mr. Ramsey survived 
his wife a period of ten years, his death taking 
place in 1878. Their family consisted of eight 
children, three sons and five danghtei-s, six of whom 
are living: Margaret is the wife of Jonathan Cox, a 
farmer of Davis County, Iowa; Susan married 



■•► 



■^^ 



31)0 




GAGE COUNTY. 



John Bailej', Tvbo is tilliug a portion of the soil of 
Hickory Count}', Mo.; Mary, Mrs. Snell, lives in 
Cliejenne County, this State ; Robert is farming in 
the vicinitj' of Beaver City, Neb.; Sarah, Mrs. 
Jack Evans, lives with her husband on a farm in 
Appanoose Count}', Iowa; Caroline is the wife of 
John Flock, a farmer of Washington County, Kan. ; 
Joseph II., our subject, was the youngest of the 
family. 

Mr. Ramsey was born in Washington County, 
Mo., Jan. 31, 1843. and while yeta child, his father 
removed to Appanoose County, Iowa, where he 
developed into manhood and remained until the 
outbreak of the Rebellion. His schooling began 
at the age of thirteen years, the countrj' liaving not 
been sufiSciently settled before to warrant the es- 
tablishment of schools. He was trained to habits 
of industry, and as soon as old enougii began to 
assist in the labors of the farm. Although but 
eighteen j'ears old at the opening of the war he en- 
listed the first year, Aug. 22, 18G1, and with his 
comrades remained in camp at Jefferson Barracks, 
Mo., until January following. He first saw active 
lighting in the southwestern part of ihat State, witli 
the Indians under rebel influence, and shortly after- 
ward joined the forces of Gen. Curtis, going down 
the White River to its mouth, and skirmishing all 
along the line. The next objective point of this 
division of the army was at Vicksburg, and young 
Ramsey participated in tiie first attack on the city, 
then marched to Jackson, Miss., participating in the 
battle there. Thence they went to Canton, and 
from that place they commenced the famous 
thirteen days and nights march to Memphis, during 
which they stopped one hour out of the twenty- 
four just before daybreak to cat, feed and rest their 
exhausted animals. 

In tiie fall of 18C2, when Grant was pressing the 
rebels at Helena, Ark., our subject was with the 
force that cut them off from Holly Springs, and 
during one night rode the almost unexampled dis- 
tance of seventj'-five miles. He was present during 
nearly the entire siege of Vicksburg, an<l afterward 
at Memphis and Little Rock. In the vicinity of 
Little Rock they had under guard 200 loads of 
army supplies destined for that place, and guarded 
the outposts for a distance of twenty-five miles 



from Little Rock until the spring of 18G4. After- 
ward they went home on a furlough of thirty days. 

During his visit to his old home in Iowa our sub- 
ject was united in marriage with Miss Sarah J. 
Evans, the •wedding taking place at the home of the 
bride, JIarch 3, 18G4, and ten days later the bride 
and groom were seijarated by the departure of the 
latter for Mempiiis, Tenn., where his regiment was 
encamped. On the 1st of June following they re- 
ceived marching orders, but their destination was 
unknown except to those in command. After 
reaching Riple}', Miss., the company of Mr. Ramsey, 
with another, was sent to collect forage for the 
horses, and ran into a rebel battery. Upon the 
alarm being given orders were i.'sued to prepare 
for an early mount the following morning. Nine 
days had elapsed since they left Memphis. On the 
10th of June they took up their line of march at 
noon. Meantime the rebel General, Forrest, had 
gathered with his forces at Brice's Cross Roads, 
Miss., and a desperate battle was now fought and 
lost to the Union cause. While protecting their 
supplies, Company I. our subject's companj', was 
captured. While surrounded by the rebels Mr. 
Ramsey and his comrades made a dash for liberty, 
putting spurs to their horses and breaking for the 
woods. Being unable to cross the streams with 
their animals they turned them loose, and throwing 
away their carbines, traveled four nights and slept 
days. When near White Station, Tenn., Mr. Ram- 
sey, with twenty-four men, was captured by the 
rebels and sent to Andersonville, where he was 
confined until the fall of Atlanta. 

At Andersonville our subject endured all the 
horrors and sufferings which have given that rebel 
stronghold its infamous place in history. F'oul and 
insufficient food and water, exposure and suffering, 
formed the daily record, and swept off hundreds of 
the Union soldiers, whose fate could only be guessed 
at by their friends. After the capture of Atlanta, 
Mr. Ramsey and others were transferred to Florence, 
in the northern part of South Carolina, where they 
were subjected to no less hardship than before. On 
the 31st of January, 1865, the twenty-second birth- 
day of Mr. Ramse}', he was delirious from the 
suffering of hunger and thirst, remaining so for a 
period of fifteen da3's, when, with others, he was 



t 



I 



<^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



391 



taken to Goldsboro, X. C, ami kept under guard 
until February 26, when tliej' were exchanged. 
Mr. Ramsey was carried to the hospital at Wil- 
mington, S. C, by a comrade, and although weak 
and emaciated he still had strength to realize the 
bliss of freedom, and felt that he had escai)ed, as it 
were, from the inferno to Paradise. 

On the 22d of August, 1865, our subject received 
his honorable discharge and returned to his bride 
and friends in Appanoose County, Iowa. There 
he rented a farm for two years, then changed his 
residence to Taylor Count}', that State, where he 
carried on agriculture for a period of twelve years. 
In March, 1880, he came to this count}', locating 
in Filley Township, and the following June pur- 
chased 160 acres of laud on section 34. This was 
wild prairie, and the family lived in their wagon 
until Mr. R. could erect a shanty. This latter was 
12.\20 feet in dimensions, and they occupied it 
until in the fall, when Mr. Ramsey put up a frame 
house. His was the common lot of the settler in a 
new country, the contest with an uncultivated soil, 
the distant market, and all the other inconveniences 
attendant u[x>n pioneer I'fe. 

There has been, however, a wonderful trans- 
formation upon the fapm of Mr. Ramsey, who has 
now one of the most fertile tracts of land in Filley 
Township. In addition to general agriculture he 
has operated successfully as a stock raiser and 
feeder, shipping numbers of cattle and hogs to the 
market. Wliile mindful of the welfare of his 
family and his home interests, no man has taken 
more satisfaction in witnessing the develoitment of 
this count}', and none have evinced in a greater 
measure the true principles of the public-spirited 
citizen. He cast his first Presidential vote for 
Grant, and has always been an ardent supporter of 
Republican principles. He holds membership in 
the G. A. R., belonging to tlie lodge at Beatrice, 
and is also identified with the A. F. & A. M. 

Mrs. Ramsey was the second child of Jesse and 
Mary (Ferguson) Evans, whose family included 
two sons and five daughters, all of whom are living: 
Rachel is the wife of Hammond Ellis, a farmer of 
York County, this State; Jolin is farming in Appa- 
noose County. Iowa: Elizabetii is tiic wife of Jesse 
Payne, of York, Neb. ; Margaret. Mrs. Stewart, is 




i~ 



also living in York County; Fid ward E. is farming 
in Hamilton County, as is also John Cain, the hus- 
band of Mary. The parents were natives of Penn- 
sylvania, where they lived until 1858, when they 
emigrated to Appanoose County, Iowa. Mr. Evans 
was born about 1818, and is now living in Hamil- 
ton County, this State; the mother died in 1858. 

To our subject and liis wife there have been born 
five children — Frank S., Minnie, Merrill, Ralph and 
Roy. The eldest is twenty-two years of age, and 
the youngest one year. Tliey form an interesting 
and intelligent group, giving promise of becoming 
useful and reliable members of society. The family 
is widely and favorably knowu throughout this sec- 
tion, and Mr. Ramsey is one of the most popular 
men in this part of Gage County. 



->^\/v--<«ej2i2/©^-»^^^-*^^3/Zy3Jw>~ 



-HOMAS J. SMITH. There is more truth 
than fiction in the old adage which declares 
that "Trutli is the medium line between two 
extremes." The same principle is true in regard 
to the inimtc qualities or forces in the mental sphere; 
selfishness, unless it run to the extremes, is an essen- 
tial quality in every life, though it may be above 
or below par, and become a life-embittering force; 
pride is another of such attributes; it may 'go to 
the extreme which produces the overbearing and 
tyrannical, or the coxcomb and fop, in the one case 
a source of dread, in the other of contemptuous 
amusement. A man without pride is also without 
self-respect or ambition. If there is any one case 
where pride is justifiable, it is that where a man with 
these latter qualities, self-respect and ambition, has 
overcome those things which are opposed to his 
success, and won in spite of all a home for himself 
and those who are the nearest and dearest integral 
parts of his life and happiness. The present sketch 
is intended to present succinctly the more promi- 
nent points in the life of such an one. 

Our subject is a native of East Tennessee, and 
was born in that State. June 29, 1848. When he w.as 
about three years of age his parents went to Mc- 
Donough County, III. There he was reared and 
received what education ct)uld lie obtained in the 
district schools of that day. His fatlier was by 

1^ 



u 



-•► 



392 



GAGE COUNTY. 



oftupation a fanner. an(\ from liis youlh Mr. Smith 
lias licon familiar with all tiie- various phases of 
tliat life. It was the great affliction of our subject, 
.■ind the oalamil^' of his life, that in the years of 
ehilflhood his mother was removed from him by 
rleath, and because no one could possiblj' have for 
him maternal affection, no one could be to him a 
mother. 

The ])arents of our subject were natives of Ten- 
nessee. His father was Elijah Smith, who was born 
July -25, 1815, and became the husband of Eliza 
Collier, who was born Sept. 21, 1818, and died Aug. 
31, 1842. On the 4th of April, 1844, he married 
Mary Winton, the mother of our subject; she was 
born Nov. 21, 1816. After an exceptionally happy 
wedded life of about nine years Mr. Smith was left 
with five children, of whom our subject was the 
fourth. 

While quite a young man our subject came to 
Nebraska, and in the year 1871 located upon the 
farm where he now lives. It was not, however, at 
that time in any wise different from the miles of 
broad prairie by which it was surrounded. The 
deer and antelope grazed there, the wolf jnowled in 
search of his prey, and the cayote raised his voice 
in dismal howling with a serene contempt for the 
pioneer who had intruded upon his domain. But, 
nothing daunted by these or less distinguished pre- 
vious occupants, our subject set to work to build 
his house, break and improve the elghtj' acres which 
constituted his claim, and he ma}' well be allowed a 
laudable pride in the good results obtained. Not 
only has he a very ]>leasant and comfortable farm 
dwelling, and in addition the usual barn and other 
out-buildings, but possesses to-day a highly culti- 
vated, well-tilled, fertile farm, an extensive and 
flourishing orchard, besides a fine collection of shade 
and forest trees. In addition to this propert}' upon 
section 9, Sicily Township, he is the owner of ten 
acres in the southern part of section IG, which is 
covered with a heavj' growth of choice timber. 

Mr. Smith was married, on the 2d day of July, 
1874, to Miss Clara Bell, a lad}' in every waj' fitted 
to advance those interests which by that act she 
made her own. She is the daughter of John J. and 
Elizabeth (Kelly) Bell, who were natives of Ohio. 
Their daughter was born at Nevada, Ohio, on the 



28th of March. 1857. The family circle of our sub- 
ject includes four children, whose names are as 
follows: Retta, Alfredda, William A. and Maude. 
Both Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and it is their con- 
stant endeavor that this should be something more 
than in mere name, and as their endeavor is largely 
successful in the adornment of their profession with 
a consistency in everyday affairs, they are propor- 
tionatel}' esteemed in that communion. In political 
matters our subject is an affiliate of the Republican 
party, but is somewhat inclined to withdraw himself 
from the heatand excitement of political affairs, and 
votes more with reftrence to the requirements of 
the people as he understands them, than the party 
to which the candidate belongs. 



ARLEY J. SHAW. When we hear the name 
of a famous General or titled soldier our 
thoughts instantly revert to the inspiring 
scenes of the particular battle- field in which 
he so distinguished himself as a commander; but the 
honorable title expresses still more than the military 
prowess and skill of the bearer; it is a still broader 
term, and includes the loyal devotion and dauntless 
courage of thousands of brave men, without whose 
daring deeds the title could never have been won. 
A General may possess militarj^ genius, but if his 
commands do not fall on the ears of tried and true 
men, men of intrepid daring and unconquerable 
zeal, of devotion to cause and utter disregard of 
self, the)i his genius avails him naught. One of the 
bravest of brave soldiers who helped to maintain 
the honor of our famous Generals during the late 
Civil War, and forever placed a grateful country 
under obligations to him because of his zeal in her 
behalf, is the gentleman in whose honor we write 
this sketch, and not only has he distinguished him- 
self by his honorable and ardent war career, but he 
has proved himself in every sense a noble, patriotic, 
industrious, intelligent and progressive citizen, 
whose name deserves to be handed down in bistorj'. 
Our subject is now residing on the southeast 
quarter of section 19, Rockford Township, where 
he is engaged in farming on 160 acres. His par- 



T* 



-L 



GAGE COUNTY. 



-•► 



a93 



i' 



ents, Samuel and Lj'dia (Reiuilds) Shaw, were born 
in Onondaga County, W. Y. Both the paternal 
and maternal grandfathers of onr subject distin- 
guished themselves as soldiers, the former in the 
War of 1812, and the latter, Col. Renulds, in the 
Revolutionary War with Gen. Washington. lie had 
a wonderful vitalitj' and lived to be one hundred and 
fouryears old. Theparentsof our subject were mar- 
ried in their native county, where the father was 
engaged in the occupation of milling, and he after- 
ward removed to Wisconsin, making his home at 
different times in Waupaca, Green Hay and Ste- 
vens Point. The father is sixty-eight years old, 
and the mother sixty -three years old ; they make 
their home with our subject and his brother, Frank 
Shaw. There were five children in their famil3\ 
who were named Harley J., Frank B., James Sam- 
uel (deceased), an infant daughter and Adolphus 
Samuel. 

Our subject, the eldest son, was born in Onon- 
daga Countjs N. Y., on the 2oth of December, 
1841, and was three years old when his father re- 
moved to Wisconsin. After residing in that State 
for five or six \'ears the family returned to their na- 
tive State, and in the common schools of Navarino, 
Onondaga Countj'. our subject received his edu- 
cation and imbibed the precepts which have since 
controlled his actions. He remained in his native 
count}' until the breaking out of the war, when he 
enlisted in the armj', in .Januarj-, I8G2. at Syracuse. 
He was mustered into service at Palace Garden, 
New York Citj', and started for Washington under 
command of Capt. Jennings, Batter}' F, 3d New 
York Light Artillery. They were engaged with the 
heavy artillery at Ft. Corcoran, and when their 
guns came they departed to the scenes of Bull Run, 
where they fought under Gen. McClellan. Among 
the many engagements in which our subject par- 
ticipated with much ardor we mention the expedi- 
tion of Gen. Burnside to New Berne, N. C. ;at 
Kingston, where he had his horse shot from under 
him with two balls, and sustained a desperate 
charge, being at the first gun which held the bridge; 
at Whitehall, Goldsboro, Little Washington (the 
latter including two engagements), and at Plymouth 
he distinguished himself and gave proof of his 
dauntless spirit. Then, under Foster's command he 

4* 



was detailed as a sailor, and started for Hilton Head, 
S. C, vvliere they ran by old "Ironsides." He was 
under Gilmore at the siege of Charleston, where he 
was under fire for three months, and was also at 
Wagner, Gregg, James Island, Jacksonville, Fla., 
and Savannah. At the last-named place his term of 
enlistment expired, but he continued in the service 
through the engagements at Honey Hill, Ft. Telego 
and .Seabrook Island. 

In the man}' encounters in which our subject 
met the enemy he escaped without even a wound, 
and was never sick or absent from a battle, or 
failed to respond at roll call, a Divine Providence 
seeming to have charge of his life. He was mus- 
tered out of service at Hilton He.ad, S. C and 
honorably discharged there un the 14th of March, 
186.5. He then returned to his native county, and 
remained with his friends until the fall of the same 
year, when he came to Nebraska, and took up his 
residence in Otoe in November, 1805. In the fol- 
lowing winter (18G5-66) in companj- with his father 
he took charge of the Otoe grist and saw mill, 
and that winte>r will always be remembered as the 
one in which he cast the first vote for the adoption 
of the Stiite Constitution. 

In the spring of 1866 oursubject took up a home- 
stead claim of 160 acres in Rockford Township, on 
which he still makes his home. In the fall of 1867 
he married Miss Flora Andrews, and b}' that mar- 
riage he became the Lather of five children, named 
Lovilla L., Corey A. (accidentally shot in 1887), 
Addie E., Miles S.. Eleanora, and Ralph, who died 
when one year old. The mother of these children 
died in 1884 at the age of thirty-three years. Our 
subject married a second time, on the 17th of April, 
1886, Miss Mary L. Berry, a daughter of AVilliam 
and Eliza Berry. Mrs. Shaw was born in Iowa in 
1867, and when a little girl she moved with her 
parents to Kansas and there grew to womanhood, 
coming to Nebraska in 1886. She has one son, 
named Clementine. 

Besides being engaged in milling, our subject for 
a time carried on a freighting business to and from 
St. Joseph, Beatrice and Lincoln. In various wa3's 
and for nianj' \'ears has he been connected with the 
public institutions, and is a promoter of the public 
welfare in this county, having been instrumental in 



-•► 



394 



GAGE COUNTY. 



oi-ijanizing the coiinty into townships; organized Dis- 
trict No. 133 1)3' dividing lip District No. 19 in 1888. 
For ten years he has l)cen .School Director, and for 
two terms has served as Assessor. He is a member 
of Rawlins Post, G. A. R., of Beatrice, and being 
an ardent Republican he was sent as a delegate to 
the Republican County Conventions in 1880, 1882 
and 1 884. In the judiciary courts he has served 
on the Petit Jury, and his name is everywhere 
mentioned in terms of the highest lespect and praise. 
Both Mr. and Mrs. Siiaw are influential members of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, at Holmesville. Mr. 
>Shaw is now in the prime of life, and will doubtless 
enjoy many yearsof happiness and the full fruition of 
his early labors, but his name will never be forgot- 
ten nor will his noble and exemplar}- life record be 
erased from the pages of the history of the State in 
•whose beiialf he has done so much. 



' ^=^:=iS^=^ 



,^'UGUST WARDEL. 



There are few more 



USs/Uil worthy representatives of the German Em- 
pire than our subject, who is the owner of 
1^^ a beautifully kept and well-cultivated farm 

of 320 acres, situated on section 24 of Grant Town- 
ship, of which he is a prominent citizen. The farm 
is watered by the Snake Creek, which makes it most 
valuable as a stock farm, since even in di-y seasons 
there is a sufficiency for the cattle. The property 
has been In his possession since 1875, and he has 
since spared neither time, trouble nor expense in 
order to bring it to a well-nigh perfect state of 
agricultural efficiency, and to supply it with the 
divers necessities and conveniences in daily requi- 
sition upon a stock ranch. His farm buildings are 
unusually fine, being substantially built, commodi- 
ous, and in arrangement convenient. 

Previous to removal to this county our subject 
•was a resident of Logan County, III, where he 
made his home in Lincoln for about four years, 
having an interest in the furniture and hardware 
business. He came to the United States in 1871, 
and located at Lincoln, being about twentj'-nine 
yearsof age at that time. Previous to coming to 
this country he had been a resident of the city of 
Berlin, German}', for about eleven years, and was 

■^m 



there engaged in piano building. The place of his 
birth was the city of Kiel-Raisdarf, in Sleswiek- 
Holstein. This interesting event occurred on the 
19th of Januar}', 1842. In this place our subject 
was brought up, educated, and learned the trade of 
furniture-making, after which he continued to work 
four years as a journeyman cabinet-maker, and 
after spending three years in various parts of the 
Fatherland repaired to Berlin. as above noted. He 
was a skilled workman, but his health failed him, 
an<l was the immediate cause of his seeking another 
climate and of his coming to the United States. 
His quest of health has not been fruitless, for he 
has gained this in a remarkable degree. 

While residing in Berlin our subject became the 
husband of Carlena Bree, in the }'ear 1866. This 
lady was born in Werbelin. on the 16th of Decem- 
ber, 1843, and is a descendant of a good old Ger- 
man family. Both herself and husband are well 
educated in their native tongue, and it only required 
that they should become conversant with the En- 
glish language in order to utilize it in this countr}'. 
The\- are the happy parents of one son and four 
daughters, to whom they have given the following 
names: AVilliam, Anna, Clara, Lizzie and Berta. 
Our subject and wife are both members of the 
Lutheran Church, in which faith they were reared. 
In his political sympathies our subject is Demo- 
cratic. He takes great pleasure in studying the 
various issues before the nation, and his former 
patriotic sentiments in nowise interfere with his 
loj'alty to the Republic. He has sought to make 
himself thoroughly well acquainted with the insti- 
tutions and government of this country, and ap- 
preciates them to the fullest possible extent, and is 
in fact in every waj' worth}' of mention as a repre- 
sentative German-American citizen. 



<S^DWARD BARTLETT, of Blakely Towu- 
1^ ship, has been well known among the people 
/*' — ^ of this county for a period of nearly twenty 
years, having come to this locality in the winter of 
1869. He has the greater portion of his life been 
engaged in farming pursuits, and has been success- 
ful in his libors. As a [)ioneer of Southern No- 





Residence or Aug. Ward el. Sec. 2-^. Grant Township. 



r.-..^^V'.-;--...,j. 



,f}v-»::vvv^ 




RE5IDENCE0F Edward Bartlett, S ec.33 . Blakely Townshi p 



u 



GAGE COUNTY. 



397 / L 



braska, coming here (hiring tiie days of its early 
settlement, he has been the privilegefl witness of 
the many changes which have passed over the face 
of the country, and in its growth and prosperity 
has borne no unimportant part. 

Mr. Bartlett, soon after striking tiie soil of Gage 
County, concluded there were few bctt(>r places to 
locate, and secured a tract of land which had been 
homesteaded by another party, who had retired in 
disgust from the undertaking of becoming a per- 
manent resident of the then Territory of Nebraska. 
This tract embraced 160 acres on section 33 of 
Blakely Township, and was in its primitive condi- 
tion. Our subject began the cultivation of the soil 
in a modest way, in keeping with his means and 
facilities, and, by a course of study and economy, 
in Ihc course of time began to realize the result of 
his labors. What had seemed a barren waste be- 
gan to respond to the hand of the husbandman, and 
in due season Mr. Bartlett found himself on the 
road to [irosperity, with capital for making the 
necessary improvements. Gradually there arose 
the farm buildings which the traveler observes with 
interest to-day, together with the machinery for the 
prosecution of agriculture after modern metliods. 
A goodly assortment of live stock began to grow 
up, together with fruit and shade trees planted by 
the hand of the proprietor, so that now the well- 
appointed country estate not onlj' appears as a 
credit to its owner, but is a credit likewise to the 
township and count}'. 

When we consider that Mr. Bartlett built up his 
little fortune from the foundation, coming here 
poor in purse and without other resources than his 
own indomitable will and persevering industrj% it 
will be granted that he has accomplished much 
where many a man would have failed. A native 
of Wiltshire, England, he is of that stanch, substan- 
tial ancestry which has ever been noted for its relia- 
ble qualities of citizenship. He was born Feb. 7, 
1848, and is the son of Henrj' Bartlett, who was a 
weaver by trade, and worked iu the woolen-mills 
of his native town several years before coming to 
this country. He made two visits to the United 
States before settling permanently, and is now set- 
tled on a good farm near the town of Pickrell. this 
county, living with his fourth wife, a German lady. 

■^^ 



The mother of our sulijeet was in her girlhood 
Miss Elizabeth Whatle}', an<I departed this life in 
her native England, when her son, our subject, was 
less than a year old. The latter lived with his fa- 
ther and step-mother until after reaching his major- 
it}-, coming with them to the United Stjites and 
assisting them in the maintenance of the family. 
They landed in Beatrice, this county, on the 6th of 
December, 1869, and soon afterward located on a 
farm in Blakely Township among its earliest pio- 
neers. When ready to establish domestic ties of his 
own Mr. Edward Bartlett was united in marriage 
with Jliss Martha, daughter of Isaac and Isabella 
Lamb, the wedding taking place at the home of tiie 
bride in Blakely Township, July 16, 1873. Mrs. 
B.artlett was born in Marion County, Iowa, Dec. 6, 
1855, and was a young girl when her parents came 
to Nebraska. The latter were natives of Ohio, and 
are now residents of Blakely Township. Mrs. B. 
received a common-school education and remained 
under the home roof until her marriage. Of her 
union with our subject there have been born eight 
children, one of whom, Elizabeth, died when nine 
months old. Those living are Charlotte, Henry, 
P^mma, Arthur, Anna, William and Isabella. They 
form a promising family group, and will be given 
the advantages suited to their station in life. Mr. 
Bartlett takes a lively Interest in educational mat- 
ters and is the friend of progress generally. Polit- 
ically, he gives his support to the Democratic party. 

"^ ' ^^ ' ^~' 




iiHOMAS P. TEACiARDEN is a prosperous 
young farmer residing on section '66. Elm 
Township. His father, George W. Teagar- 
den. was born in Virginia in 1S26, and his motlier, 
Maria (Pees) Teagarden, was born In Ohio in 1831. 
The father was a blacksmith by trade, and was 
engaged in business in Washington, Pa., in which 
place he married. In 1862 he enlisted in the 2d 
Corps, Company D, 140th Pennsylvania Infantry, 
and In the time of his service he w.as engaged for 
thirteen months as the army blacksmith, serving 
the remainder of the time in the ranks as a loyal 
soldier. 

During one of the engagements the father of our 



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u 



398 



GAGE COUNTY. 



4 



subject was shot in the forehead, hut the bullet 
glanced to one side and the wound did not prove 
fatal, though he was incapacitated for service for a 
few months and suffered extreme pain. He was 
mustered out in April, 1865, and ui)on his release 
from the service of the country he went to Pros- 
perity, Pa., where he remained for two years, and 
then removed to Marshall County, 111. Thence he 
went to Livingston County, and again changed his 
residence, to Bureau Count}', in which place both 
father and mother are now living. He is engaged 
in the vocation of his earlier <lays, and is also sell- 
ing machiner}'. There were nine children in their 
family, our subject being the second. 

Mr. Teagarden was born in Washington, Pa., on 
the 30th of April, 1854, and he remained at home 
until he reached the age of twenty -three 3'ears. He 
received a good common-school education, and 
after his school days were over he farmed for a 
period of two 3'ears in Livingston County, 111., 
and again for two years in Bureau Count}'. He 
then moved to Johnson Count}', this State, where 
he remained for one year, and in 1884 he came to 
this county and bought eighty acres of land in Elm 
Township, on which he makes his home. He has 
made all the improvements except the building of 
the house, and his farm presents a very attractive 
appearance. 

On the 24th of December, 1878, while he was 
living in Illinois, our subject was married to Miss 
Clara Carse, who was born in Bureau County, on 
the 12th of February, 1854. She is a.daughter of 
Andrew and Cornelia (Anthony) Carse, both of 
whom were born in Ohio, and at present reside in 
Livingston County, 111. They had a family of 
nine children, of whom the wife of our subject is 
the third child. She received a thorough educa- 
tion, and took a course of instruction in the State 
Normal, at Normal, 111., and was thus well fitted to 
engage in the profession of teaching. In that 
capacity she was occupied for eight years previous 
to her marriage, and her intelligence and ladylike 
manners insured her eminent success in the noblest 
of vocations. She is as admirable a wife and 
mother as she was exemplary as a schoolmistress. 

To our subject and his wife there have been 
given four children — Frank S., George Roy, Maude, 



and a babe unnamed. Both Mr. and Mrs. Teagar- 
den are much interested in educational matters, the 
former having held the office of .School Director for 
three years, and in every way they lend their sup- 
port to the measures by which the highest enlight- 
enment of the community can be secured. Our 
subject is a strong Prohibitionist, and is prominent 
among active and public-spirited men. 

-i #-# i— 



J^> MBROSE STRAWDER carries on an exten- 
'@iUA\ sive and prosperous business as farmer and 
* stock-raiser on section 28, Hooker Town- 
ship, and is widely known as a man of 
great business ability and unimpeachable character. 
He is a son of Isaac and Lucinda (Wimer) Straw- 
der, who were both natives of Virginia, and lived 
in their native State for a time after their marriage. 
Grandfather Wimer participated as a brave soldier 
in the War of 1812, and lived to tlie extreme old 
ageof one hundred and twoyears, while Grandfather 
Strawder attained the age of ninety-six years. The 
father of our subject was engaged in farming in Vir- 
ginia until 1865, when he moved to Kansas, but he 
did not long survive in his new home, departing this 
life soon after his removal to that State, at the ,age 
of fifty-two years. The mother is sixty-fouryears 
old, and still lives at her home near Lincoln, having 
cared for a family of six children, namely: Am- 
brose, William T., Isaac N., Philip A., Solomon G. 
and Sarah C. 

Our subject was born on the 30th of Octolier, 
1852, near Franklin, Va., and spent his early days 
on his father's plantation. The educational facili- 
ties were much limited, and the only schools which 
he attended were the '' rate schools, " in which he 
gained a thorough acquaintance with the element- 
ary branches of learning. He remained at home 
until he was twenty-four years old, and then he 
came to Nebraska, stopping in Cass County, where 
he worked on a farm near Plattsmouth for two 
yeais and then rented a farm in Otoe County. In 
the following year of 1880, be was married to Miss 
Sarah E. Miles, a daughter of A. C. and Eliza 
(Lockwood) Miles. 

Mrs. Strawder was born on the 20th of May, 






■<- 



GAGE COUNTY. 



399 



ISfi3. in Missouri, and was a young giil when she 
w.TS brougiit to Nebraska during the time of liie 
war. .She has received a very good common- school 
education, and possesses many charms as a lady of 
education and refinement. For one year after their 
marriage our subject and his wife remained on a 
farm in Otoe County, after which the3- came to 
Gage County, and have since resided on their 
present farm of 300 acres, of wliicii they own 240 
acres. The land is very valuable and our subject 
has been very successful in the cultivation of it, as 
well as in tiie use to whicii lie devotes it as a stock 
ranch. He has 112 head of cattle and from thirty- 
five to sixtj' head of bogs. His farm appears to be 
in a splendid condition, and he may well feel grati- 
fied at its appearance, since the improvements have 
been mainly wrought by the labor which he has ex- 
pended on it. 

Our subject and his wife have an interesting 
famil}' of five children, on whom they have bestowed 
the names of Estella, Rosy, Carrie, Oliver and 
Nellie. With the careful home training of the de- 
voted mother and the raanj' advantages of educa- 
tion and societ}' which the position of their father 
can secure for them, these children will undoubt- 
edly become intelligent and noble men and women, 
and an honor to their parents. Our subject takes 
an active interest in the welfare of the public, as all 
right-minded and loj'al citizens should, and the 
public is not slow to acknowledge his worth, having 
elected him Moderator of the schools, in which capac- 
ity he is now serving. He strongly advocates 
the policj' of the Democratic part}', and b^' his hon- 
orable and successful career he has won the esteem 
and friendship of the people of his community, who 
speak of him in terms of the highest praise. 



►^^ 



OLAND E. SHELLEY is the genial clerk 
of Rockford Township, and although a 
^•oung and unmarried man he is probablj- 
more widely and favorably known than 
anj- other man of the township. He possesses a 
naturally pleasant and agreeable disposition, which 
has gained for him a host of warm and admiring 
friends, and he may well feel gratified because of 




his popularity, having twice been elected by a 
vote far in advance of his party ticket. He is a 
son of Francis and Fanny (HoUingworth) .Shelley, 
who were natives of England, the former of !Staf- 
fordshire, and the Latter of Derbyshire. The father 
followed the occupation of a shoemaker, and came 
to America with his family of five children in 
185.T, m.aking his home in Portage County, Wis. 
He worked for a time on a farm near .Stevens' 
Point, and in 18G1 he brought his family to Ne- 
braska, with its two additional members, and took 
up a homestead on section 19, Rockford Township, 
where he prospered well. He died in 1884, at the 
age of seventy-two, but the mother of our subject 
still lives in Ilolmesville with her son. There were 
six children in the family, four of whom were born 
in England, and named Alyra, James W., Thomas 
and Francis R. The remaining two, named Joseph 
A. and Roland E., were born in Wisconsin. 

Our subject was born on the Gth of January, 
1860, near Plover, Wis., and when he was a babe his 
parents moved to Nebraska, in August, 1801. The 
educational advantages were but limited owing to 
the newness of the country, but by close application 
our subject secured a thorough education in the 
common-school branches, and naturally possessino- 
an ingenious and inquiring mind, he accumulated a 
large fund of general information, which, united 
with the attainments of the school-room, marks him 
as a young man of more than ordinary intelligence 
and keenness of perception. He remained at home 
on his father's farm until he reached the age of 
tweutj'-one, when he went into a telegraph office of 
the Union Pacific Railro.ad, at Holmesville, and 
learned telegraphy. He soon obtained a situation 
on the Nebraska extension of the Missouri Pacific 
Railroad, at Padonia, Brown Co., Kan., where he re- 
mained for some time, but as his father was getting 
old our subject came home to take care of his par- 
ents as a dutiful sou should. His father died oa 
the 25th of Maj', 1884, at the age of seventy-two 
years. 

In 1883 our subject had a neat and attractive 
frame house built in Holmesville, to which he re- 
moved with his mother in March, 1886. He has 
been engaged in the mercantile business, and is at 
present the gentlemanly and accommodating clerk 



-•► 



400 



.t 



GAGE COUNTY. 



of J. H. Fuller, dealer in general merchandise. His 
well-known efficiency secured him the election to 
the office of Clerk of the township, in which he is 
now serving his second term, giving general satis- 
faction. He is a member of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church, and is prominentl}' identified with the 
work of the Sunday-school, having served as Super- 
intendent of the school. He ardently advocates 
the policy of the Democratic party, and in the year 
1887 he was sent as a delegate to the Democratic 
County Convention, where he was chosen delegate 
to represent his township at the State Convention. 
He is at present the delegate to the County Con- 
vention, his former service in behalf of his party 
having secured him this last election. In the 
Judiciary Court of September, 1887, he served with 
much credit on the Circuit Jury. He is an enter- 
prising young man, and has the promise of a bril- 
liant future before him, for vvliich he is qualified by 
the possession of the virtue of true manhood. 



<^MOS L. WRIGHT. Our subject, one of 
^Iu\\ Sherman Township's valued citizens, re- 
sides iipon section 14, and is tlie owner of 
one-half the section. James Wright, the 
father of our subject, was born in Ohio, and there 
spent the first twelve years of his life, when he ac- 
companied his parents when they removed to 
settle in Menard County, 111. In that State he 
made his home until 1855, .and then went to Keo- 
kuk County, Iowa, remaining there until he came 
to Nebraska, in 1867, and settled in Saline County, 
which was his place of residence until his death, 
which occurred in the spring of 1882. He was a 
man of active habits, bright and hopeful, but when 
he made up his mind upon a point, quietly deter- 
mined to effect his purpose. His death was gener- 
all}' lamented by all the large circle that comprised 
his relatives, friends and acquaintances. His wife 
was Elizabeth Ofiield, a native of Kentucky, in 
which State also her parents were born. She was 
united in marriage to Mr. AVright in 1843, while 
residing in Menard County. Their family circle 
included eight children, all of whom are still living. 
Amos, our subject, was the first-born; the other 



members of the family received the names sub- 
joined : William, who is a carpenter in Scott County, 
Iowa; John D., a mason at Wilber, Saline Count}'; 
Ira S., who is a farmer at DeWitt, of the same 
county ; Edward, a professional musician in DeWitt; 
James H., a farmer in this county; Hannah, the 
wife of Selden Lupher, a farmer in Saline County, 
and Elizabeth, who is still unmarried, and lives at 
home. 

It was upon the 27th of September, 1844, that 
our subject was born in the old farmhouse in 
Menard County, 111. He continued at home until 
he was twenty-two j'cars of age. His education 
was commenced at about the usual age, and con- 
tinued until he had passed through all the classes 
of the common school, after which he attended the 
complete course at the High School of Washington 
County, Iowa. In 186C he came to this county, 
and on the 13th of Julj' entered a homestead on 
section 10, where he continued to reside until 1885, 
when, having a good offer, he sold it and purchased 
one-half of section 1 4, his present property. There 
are no especially dramatic events or adventurous 
phases in the life of our subject; it is rather the 
story of the quiet, somewhat retiring, but prosperous 
life of the busy, intelligent, practical farmer, with 
very little of care or anxiety outside the circle of 
his occupation and his home. To this latter, how- 
ever, it is his endeavor to bring a wealth of all 
those parts, points and attributes that go to make 
it the perfect haven of rest and abode of true 
domesticity it was originally designed to be. 

In 1874 Mr. AVright married Clara Wickham, who 
has exhibited those womanly graces and matronly 
qualities that make her name a pride and delight 
to her family and friends. This lady was born in 
Andrew County, Mo., July 27, 1847. It was her 
misfortune to be bereaved of her father in the year 
1853, and her mother now makes her residence in 
the home of our subject. Mrs. Wickham pre- 
sented her husband with thirteen children, seven 
of whom are living, Mrs. Wright being the young- 
est of the family. Our subject and wife are the 
parents of three children, who have received the 
names Francis A., Elizabeth and Frederick A. 

One of the most interesting memories of the past 
of our subject is that connected with his earlier life 



^ 



«► ■ "^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



401 




in the State, and concerns the following incident: 
In 1867 the Indians made a raid upon the settle- 
ment, leaving their track marked with blood, vio- 
lence and destruction. The Governor called upon 
the settlers for help; among those who responded 
with alacrity was our subject, and he was one of the 
party to discover and identify- some of the slain, 
and rescue certain captives. Mr. Wright has for 
man}' j'ears been associated with the Republican 
party, and still continues his adherence to the same. 
He has V)een called upon to fill the office of As- 
sessor, and did so with much credit. For four 
years he served most worthily' as a member of the 
School Board. With his family, as before remarked, 
he enjoys the highest regard of his fellow-citizens, 
which he values and appreciates most highlj'. 



[J SAAC NAYLOR is an industrious and prosper- 
j ous farmer resiiling on section 17, Nemaha 
i\ Township. His father, John Naylor, was a na- 
tive of Kentuck}'; his motiier, Barbara (Corman) 
Naj'lor, was a native of Maryland, and they were 
married in the fiist-nained State, making their home 
in Fayette County. The father's ancestors were 
natives of England, who had come to America dur- 
ing the Colonial times, and at the time of the War 
of 1812 the father of our subject particijwted in 
some of the engagements. He was a farmer, and 
lived in Fayette and Jessamine Counties the greater 
part of his life, but although he had a large planta- 
tion and prospered well, he would keep no slaves 
even during slave time. Unfortunately he did not 
live to see the abolition of slavery, his death occur- 
ring before the war, when he was sixty-two years old. 
The mother of our subject died in 1869, in her 
eight3-fifth year, and had borne a family of eight 
children, four girlsand four bo3's, all of whom grew 
to manhood and womanhood, and whose names are 
Mary, Elizabeth, Nancy, Isaac, John, James, Jane 
and Benjamin. 

Our subject was born on the 15th of July, 1S19, 
in Ohio, at the time of the three-^-ears residence of 
his parents in that State, but his earliest recollec- 
tions are of the scenes in his Kentucky home. His 
father met with an accident while quarrying rock 



and was crippled so that he was no longer able to 
attend to the supervision of his large plantation, 
and our subject, as the eldest son, was earlj' called 
upon to assume the responsibilities of manager of 
the estate. He received his education from the 
common schools of that time, and continued in 
charge of the homestead until 1842, when he was 
married to Miss Maria Miller. After his marriage 
he lived on a farm in the vicinitj' of his old home 
for seven or eight years, and then went to Macoupin 
Couutj', III., where he bought a farm and was pros- 
pering well until the second year, when his wife 
died. Her death was a sad bereavement to him, as 
they had been married but ten jears, and she was 
only twenty-four years old when she left him her 
five children, whose names are Mary Jane, Louisa, 
Jacob, Ann and an infant. 

With the exception of the last-named child the 
children of our subject and his first wife were mar- 
ried and established in homes of their own, and 
had about them their own children. Mar3- Jane 
became the wife of W. II. Stults. a blacksmith, and 
they reside near Waverly, Macoupin Co., 111. In 
their family they have five girlsand five bo^-s, whom 
we name as follows: Luther, Mettie, Pearlie, Lou, 
Ella, Eugene, James, Butler, Elberta and Alfred. 
Louisa married John Beard, but she died in 1869, 
at the age of twenty-three 3'ears; she was the 
mother of one child, P'rankie, who is also deceased. 
Jacob resides in Nemaha Township, and is a pros- 
perous farmer; he married Martha Nibert, and is 
the father of four <hildrcn — Charles, Frank, Walter 
and Adah. Ann married Joseph Stidle3'. and re- 
sided in Adams Township until the time of her 
death in 1885, leaving motherless the following 
seven children: Mathew, Maud, Ella, Joseph, Will- 
iam. Charles and George. 

Our subject continued to reside on his farm in 
Macoupin County, and was married on the 15th of 
January, 1854, to Jliss Eliza Baggerly, a daughter 
of Jonathan and Cassandra (Baile3') Baggerly. Her 
parents were born in Shelby Count3', Ky., and both 
the paternal and maternal grandfathers were soldiers 
in the Revolutionar3' War. The parents lived in 
Shelby County, where the father was engaged in 
farming, and after wanl they removed to Clark 
Counl3', Ind., where they lived a long time and 



«► ir^ 



402 



GAGE COUNTY. 



^•^T^ 



rearerl a family of eleven children. With Init one 
excepUon the children were spared to become use- 
ful men and women, bearing the names of Elizabeth, 
Charlotte, Nancj'; William, who died when he was 
seven jearsold; Eliza, Joseph, Isaac, Louis, Mel- 
vina, Clinton and Benoni. 

Mrs. Navlor. the fifth child in her father's famil3', 
was born on the 2,')th of October, 1829, and was a 
babe when her parents moved to Indiana. She en- 
joyed good advantages from attending the common 
schools, but as they were conducted on the rate or 
subscription system she could not attend until she 
acquired a thorough education. She went to visit 
her uncle and some relatives in Macoupiu Count3-, 
111., and there our subject made her acquaintance 
which resulted in their marriage. Mr. Naylor has 
resided in Macoupin County over thirty years, for 
twenty-seven years of which time Mrs. Naylor has 
been his faithful companion and devoted wife. 
They had a family of thirteen children, eight of 
whom died in infancy, and the names of the sur- 
viving members we mention as follows: IMalissa, 
limily, Cassandra, Allen and Martha. 

M.alissa, the eldest daughter of our subject and 
his wife, was married to Mr. A. West, and they re- 
side in Red Willow County, this State, the parents 
of one child, named Johnny; Emily married M. F. 
Shores, and they with their four children, Roy, 
Freddie, Louis and Adelbert, reside in Nemaha 
Township; Cassandra married Thomas Windle, but 
after becoming the mother of one child, named 
Zelma, she died in the year 188G; Martha married 
Thomas West, and they also reside in Red Willow 
County, this State; Allen has charge of the home- 
stead. 

Mr. and Mrs. Naylor came to Nebraska in 1881, 
and have been very successful in their business, our 
subject now being the owner of one and a half sec- 
tions of land in Nemaha Township, besides having 
given each of his first children forty acres of land 
as a marriage portion. They are members of the 
United Baptist Church, and are among the influ- 
ential society people of this section. Mr. Naylor 
is a Democrat and a thoroughly good man, possess- 
ing excellent traits of character and enjoying the 
confidence and esteem of his fellowmen. His wife 
possesses many personal charms, and is a talented 



and estimable lady, who has proved herself a devoted 
wife and mother, and a worthy copartner in the 
accumulation of his wealth, having many times 
aided him in his business transactions by her sym- 
pathy and advice given with sound judgment. 
Together the}' are enjoying the fruits of their in- 
dustr}', and take rank among the influential families 
of this com muni tj'. 



•^n. 






M^^^^ 



(^5$)H0MAS M. MARTIN is widely and favor- 
m^^ tibl}' known as the enterprising and success- 
^^^' ful farmer whose property is situated on 
section 19 of Sherman Township. Thomas Martin 
his father, was born in Scotland in the 3'ear 1809. 
When fifteen years of age he left his native hills 
and braes, and with his father and two brothers 
came to the United States and settled in Louis- 
ville, K}'., being the youngest of the family. Later 
his father removed to Indiana, purchased a tract 
of land and divided it among the boys, thus giv- 
ing each a small start. The maiden name of his 
wife was Mary Miller, a daughter of Peter and 
Kate (Hafford) Miller. This lad}' was born in 
Pennsylvania in 1812, and went to Indiana soon 
after the close of the war of that date. Her death 
occurred in 1876; that of her husband in the year 
1838. They were the parents of seven children, 
only one of that number being a daughter. Our 
subject is the sole surviving child, and w.is born in 
Union County, lud., on the 20th of December, 
1 835. 

The first twelve 3'ears of the life of our subject 
were spent at home, and to its pure and elevating 
influences and surroundings is doubtless due the 
character which is to-day possessed Ijy him. He was 
but three years of age when his father died. Some 
time after her bereavement his mother removed to 
Madison County of the same State, where she 
made her home for some years, and then went to 
Union County, where our subject worked for three 
3'ears in connection with farming. From there he 
went to Clinton Count}'., Ind., being occupied in 
the same line. In 1858 he came to Nebraska, and 
remained one summer prospecting, and in the fall 
returned to Indiana and rented a farm. During 



• ► f^^ : 






o^yna^ 




»► Ji "^ 



^ i » ^l l <o 



GAGE COUXTY. 



403 



V 



these years he had been slowlj- Imt surely making 
provision for the opportunity lie felt sure would 
eome of mailing a start towanJ better things. 

In the year following the trip to Nebraska (18.")9) 
Mr. Martin became the husband of Mary Dailey, 
a daughter of Jaraes Dailey. This lady was born 
in Washington County, Ind.,on the 4th of Septem- 
ber, 1841, and made her home with her parents 
until her marriage. From that on her life h.os, of 
course, been spent in the home of herself and hus- 
band, wliich has been rendered more completely 
happ3' l)y the l)irth of nine children, wbose names 
are here recorded : Mary E., now the wife of 
Thomas Richards, of Rockford Township; Jaraes 
W., a prosperous farmer of Sherman Township; 
Charles W., Thomas M.. John M., Lennie, Jessie 
D., Lillian A. and Iria J., all of whom are still at 
home. 

Mr. Martin and his wife pursued the even tenor 
of their way until the year 1862, when our subject 
was impelled by loyalty, conscience and desire to 
step forth in defense of the country whose wel- 
fare was a part of his life's interest. Accordingly, 
on the 8lh of August of that year he enlisted in 
Company K, 7 2d Indiana Infantr}', and was soon 
sent to Louisville, Ky., and thence to Stone River. 
Here the regiment was mounted, and served in the 
Army of the Cumberland. He was one of the act- 
ive combatants in the battles of Stone River, 
Hoover's Gap, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, 
Lookout Mountain, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Salina, 
Okolona. Miss., and Selma. Besides the above 
eng.ngements, he was engaged quite extensively in 
skirmishing, and was also present, and engaged in, 
a large number of conflicts of lesser importance. 
His record is remarkable on two accounts. First, 
in that, although so extensively- and actively en- 
gaged in such a large number of battles, of both 
major and minor mention, and in the service such 
a length of time, he was never wounded; and sec- 
ondly, despite all the hardships, privations, dele- 
terious influences and unsanitary surroundings, he 
was unfit for service onl}' about two months of 
the entire period. He received an honorable dis- 
charge at the city of Indianapolis, upon the 4th of 
July, 1865, and returned home. 

For about two years after his return Mr. Martin 

<^« 



continued farming as before, but in 1867 he came 
to this county, and took up a homestead claim of 
160 acres. Upon the ground he found n. small 
house that had been left by a "squatter" some 
time previous; this i)lace he fixed up and utilized 
until he should find time to put up a better and 
more substantial dwelling. The journey from In- 
i diana, which was performed in the then usual 
manner, with wagon and team, although slow, tedi- 
ous, and somewhat plentifully sprinkled with dis- 
comforts, was without special interest, and ended 
with the safety and health of all. The arrival at 
the new home was necessaril}- the signal for an ex- 
hibition of that inherent love of labor and hard 
work that should be a part of every person's indi- 
vidualit}', but occasionally is conspicuous by its 
absence. This, however, was not the case in the 
present instance, and each was given, or found, 
something to do for the common weal. Being un- 
able to commence his farming right away, owing to 
a lack of implements, he began b^' working out by 
the month wherever opportunity' presented. This 
he followed for about two years, and then com- 
menced the improvement of his own property, with 
the gratifying result that by 1879 he not only had 
his original property' in a high state of cultivation, 
a comfortable and commodious residence, but his 
farm wassupplied with the divers buildings and mul- 
tifarious machines and implements which the proper 
working of the farm rendered indispensable. In 
the above year he was enabled to purchase forty 
acres additional, for which he paid $119. In 1882 
another eighty acres was purchased, at the rate of 
§10 per acre, so that to-daj' he is operating 280 
acres in all. along the line of grain and stock farm- 
ing. In the earlier years, and even now, in a large 
measure, wheat formed the staple article of grain 
produce, and he had to haul it a distance of seven- 
ty-five miles to Brownsville, which was then the 
nearest market. 

In his political sympathies Mr. Martin is with 
the Democratic party, and is usually found voting 
its ticket; at the same time he is not prominent 
in political circles, although he has been called 
upon to hold quite a number of township olDces, 
and has always done so in a most creditable and 
satisfactory manner. Sociallj-, he is connected with 



404 



GAGE COUNTY. 



the G. A. R., and is a member of Scolt Post No. 
37, m(!etiiig at Blue Spring. There arc few farms, 
taken in tiieir entirety, tliat surpass in general ef- 
ficiency, fertility and productiveness that of our 
subject, nor are there many in that exceptionally 
fine body of men — the Nebraska farmers — who sur- 
pass Mr. Martin in practical intelligence, sound 
judgment, genial affabilit}', hospitalit3' and iiitog- 
ritj'. He is a man highly respected, a sentiment 
and feeling which are extended to ever}- member 
of his familj'. 




THOMAS G. WHEELER. Among the num- 
ber of blight, hard-working, [jlucky, practi- 
cal Englishmen who came to (irant Town- 
ship, and helped to develop its resources in the 
early days of its history, was the subject of this 
epitome. Here he has succeeded in building up a 
very nice property and home, and also in laying 
by a competency sufficient to remove the dread of 
the future, when work and labor are beyond his 
strength. He began life a poor man, and it is 
therefore more complimentary to him and more 
satisfactorj' in every regard. His farm is IGO 
acres in extent, and is situated on section 30, the 
entry of which dates from 18G9. Ho owns also 
eighty acres in Blakely Township, partly im- 
proved. 

The home, both in the building, internal ar- 
rangement and embellishment; our subject's farm, 
both in its fields and buildings, its machinery and 
implements, all testify to the fact that he is by 
no means fossilized ; per contra, he is one of the 
most progressive men in the county, and in enter- 
prise is second to none. He came to this place 
direct from his English home, when he was but 
twenty years of age, and he has from that time 
grown up with the country, imbibed freelj' the 
principles of its government, the glories of its 
institutions and the perfection of its citizenship, 
and has learned fullj' to appreciate, admire and 
loyally love them. 

Our subject was born in Wiltshire, England, upon 
the 7th of April, 1849. His father, Chailes Wheeler, 
as a }oung man learned the trade of tailoring, which 



he continued to follow. The maiden name of his 
wife, the mother of our suliject, was Ann Pierce, a 
native of Wiltshire. During her married life she 
helped to support the family, which included six 
children, and died in August, 1888, at the age of 
seventy-six years. She was a most estimable lady, 
of noble character, and a devout member of the 
State Church (of England) for the whole of her 
life. Her father had fought under one of the 
British Generals in the Revolutionary War in this 
countr}', and at its close returned to England, where 
he lived to the advanced age of ninety-five j'ears. 
The father of our subject is yet living, and has 
reached the good old age of eightj'-six years. He 
still continues his devotion to the Episcopal Church, 
where he is a regular attendant. 

Our subject is the fourth child and second son 
of six chililren, three of them being daughters. The 
family circle has been broken bj' the death of one 
of the sons, Joseph, who met his death in London, 
when at the .ige of thirtj'-three years, owing to a 
fall in winter on an icy walk. Our subject, his sis- 
ter Ann, now Mrs. Barrett, and a brother Charles, 
are residents of this State; the remaining two sis- 
ters, Elizabeth and Sarah, still reside in England. 
The latter is happily married to Mr. Thomas Cor- 
born. 

Our subject was brought up and educated in his 
native shire, and afterward served a three-years 
apprenticeship to learning the trade of whitesmith, 
as the finisher of iron work is called, as distinguished 
from the forger or blacksmith. Upon finishing 
this department of his education, and having the 
knowledge of his trade at his command, he came at 
once to tills countr}', and located as above men- 
tioned. Upon the 27th of March, 1873, he w.as 
united in marriage with Miss Florence J. Banks, 
who was born in Page Count}', Iowa, on the l.ith 
of March, 1856, to Philip and Keziah (F'arnes) 
Banks, natives of Indiana, who now reside in Linn 
County, Kan. The wife of our subject was brought 
up in Page County, Iowa, until she reached the 
age of seventeen years. She received the best 
education the times afforded, and developed graces 
and qualities that have made her life and home 
continuously bright. Upon reaching her seven- 
teenth year her life in Iowa was finished, and 



i- 




^' 






■^^ 



■•► 



GAGK COUNTY. 



407 i^ 




shortly after the family removed to this State. 
Three chiklron have been horn of her marriage, but 
it is llieir misfortune to have lost two of them by 
death, viz: Maud E. and JMarvIn L. The surviv- 
ing child is their son. Claude T. Our subject and 
wife are verj- highly respected b^' the entire com- 
munity, not so much because of their success in life 
as their jiersonal sterling characters, and admirable 
disposition as friends and neighbors. Mr. Wheeler 
has been a Iie[)ublicau from principle ever since 
he has made a study of the political economy of 
tiie countr}', and is one of tlie firmest .adherents of 
that cause. 



^ EORGE W. BAKER. Among the most val- 
ued and respected citizens of Holt Town- 
ship, and at the same time one of the most 
successful from a business standpoint, is the gentle- 
man whose biography is lierein somewhat tersely 
presented. Mr. Baker is the son of Gibson and 
Anna (Hook) Baker, natives respectively of Mary- 
land and Virginia, and of Scotch-Irish descent. In 
Revolutionary times the male representatives of the 
family played no mean part in the struggle for lib- 
erty. Grandfather Hook was thioughout the war 
aid-de-camp to George Washington. 

The parents of our subject settled in Kentucky 
when they were children, and were married there. 
The father was by trade a millwright, and found 
considerable opportunity for a profitable prosecu- 
tion of his business. From Kentuck}- he removed to 
Ohio, and from the latter State, with wife and chil- 
dren, migrated to Illinois. He settled at Metamora, 
and there continued to reside for about twenty 
years, when he died at the age of eighty. He was 
survived about three years by his wife, whose 
demise occurred in the year ls7a, atthe ripe age of 
eighty-four years. The family circle included the 
following children, viz: AVllliam G., Sarah Jane, 
Eliza, George W.ashington, Margaret, Andrew 
Jackson, Clarissa, Ellen and Lucinda. William and 
Eliza are deceased. 

The subject of our sketch was born on the 'iOth 
of July, 1820, in Brown County, Ohio, and it is 
with laudable pride that he is enabled to look back 
to the days of boyhood, and remember the pleasant 



school acquaintance and youthful friendship with 
the illustrious iiero, Ulysses S. Grant. No one can 
be associated with men who have been hc>nored as 
was the late General and President, without the 
reflex of their nobility insensibly aflfecting, to a 
greater or less degree, the associate. 

The days of schooling completed, our subject 
was busy about the home farm, and gave his atten- 
tion to learning the trade of his father, giving, 
perhaps, more attention to the finer carpenter work 
than the millwrighting. His apprenticeship began 
wiien he was seventeen years of age. He continued 
working in this business with an increasing finan- 
cial success until he reached the age of about thirty 
years, and then removed to Illinois, where a larger 
field vviis opened to him, and where he would be 
nearer his family. 

The 28th of November, 1852, was a memorable 
day in our subject's history, one from which the 
radiations of happiness have never ceased to 
brigiiten his p.ithway ; upon it he was united in mar- 
riage with Mary E. Poole, the amiable daugliter of 
Hiram A. and Miranda C. (Niles) Poole. Her 
father was born at Keene, N. H.; her mother in 
Covington of the same State. Her early life and 
young womanhood were spent upon her father's 
farm. The family, went to Illinois in 1843, and 
thence emigrated to Nebraska in the year 1873, set- 
tling at Table Rock, Piiwnee County. There the 
mother died in i 875, at the good old age of sixty- 
six years. The father, who survive<l about ten 
years, died in 1885, aged seventy-five years. Their 
famil}' included five children, whose names are re- 
corded as follows: Mary E., Sarah H., Hiram II., 
Myra and Milo R. 

Mary, the wife of our subject, was born on the 
lOth of August, 1835, the place of her birth being 
Haverhill, Grafton Co., N. H. She was about 
eight years of age wlien the family removed 
to Illinois, and at an earl3- age began to attend the 
public school. Here she develo|)ed an unusual 
aptitude for study, and was the scholar of her class 
to whom the teacher looked to save the reputation 
of the school when upon special occasions questions 
might be asked to which others failed to respond. 
Slie w.as indefatigable in her efforts, and seemed 
early to grasp the idea that •■knowledge is power." 



JL 



■•► 



40.S 



GAGE COUNTY. 



The (ffect of this upon her home life has been most 
happy, both as regarrls her conipaiiionsliip with her 
husband, and her ability to leach and instruct the 
little ones that have been given her. Upon leaving 
school she taught for three terms in Woodford 
County, 111., with a success that was only equaled 
b}- that which bad preceded while she was a scholar. 

Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Baker in marriage 
there have been born nine children, of whom, how- 
ever, it has been their privilege to bring to years of 
man and womanhood only four. The names of 
the children are as follows: William G., Sarah E., 
Albert L., each of whom is deceased; Alva; 
Clarence K., now deceased ; Lillie M. ; James Lin- 
coln, also deceased; Hiram G. and Cassius A. 
Alva is happily married to William A. Grifling, 
who is prosperous in his business, which is that of a 
plasterer and bricklayer at Table Rock, Pawnee 
County, where they reside. They are the parents 
of three children, who are named Lillie, Mai'y A. .and 
J'rank R. Lillie Baker is the wife of Marion 
Fellers, a resident of the same place, engaged in the 
merchandising business. 

Our subject was one who stepped forward loj'ally 
in response to the call for defenders of the Union. 
He enlisted at Peoria, in Company G, of the ICth 
Illinois Infantry, and served for a period of one 
year, taking part in the grand review at Washington. 
From a business point of view our subject has been 
wonderfully successful; he has built in different 
parts of the Prairie State twenty-seven sawmills, 
thoroughly equipped with every modern appliance, 
including steam-engine and machinery. The date 
of his removal to this State was 1 873 ; from that time 
he has been engaged chiefly in agriculture. 

'i'he home and farm of our suhject are situated 
upon sections 33 and 34 of Holt Township, and 
the property includes 320 acres of excellent agri- 
cultural land, which is thoroughlj' improved and 
highlj' cultivated; upon it he has erected a very 
pleasant and commodious farm dwelling, and the 
usual farm buildings. He has also set out an ex- 
tensive orchard of choice, thrifty fruit trees of 
diverse kinds ami select variety, and maj' be justi- 
fied if a feeling of manly pride should till his heart as 
lie looks over the proiierly he has acquired, which is 
all the result of his own labor and toil, in which he 



has ever been cheered, counseled and supported by 
the faithful companion of his life, than whom there 
are few more beautiful in character, more highly 
endowed bj' nature with those parts and qualities 
that have made woman the chiefest and best work 
of Creative hands. It goes without sa^'ing that our 
subject and his family are highly' respected by the 
community at large. Mr. Baker is an active and 
earnest advocate of such things as will benefit the 
people, especially the young, and will advance the 
interests of the district or county. In political 
matters he is a Republican, a stanch friend and 
cheerful supporter of the part}-. 

We take pleasure in presenting the portraits of 
Mr. and Mrs. Baker on an accompanying page. 




■ -^ 

lk£: ATHIAS H. COBURN. The State of 
Maine has been the stage upon which have 
been played some of the most memorable 
scenes and incidents of American history; 
and from the time when the forty-one men of Ply- 
mouth Rock signed their memorable compact of 
liberty; from the time of William Bradford, who 
received the charter of the Plymouth Colon}' from 
the "dread sovereiga lord, King James," until the 
present era, which has produced "the man of 
Maine," upon whom the eyes of the civilized world 
have rested, the citizens of the Lumber State have 
alwaj's maintained a place in the front rank of 
American independence, liberty and progress. 
Among the worthy representatives of this people is 
M. H. Cobiirn, one of Nebraska's intrepid pioneers, 
whose farm is situated upon section 25 of Hanover 
Township. 

Our subject was born at Parkman, Me., upon the 
10th of Novemlier, 1833, and is a son of Edward 
and Elizabeth (Hanscom) Cohurn, also natives of 
the same State. His father was b}' occupation a 
farmer, and continued to reside in the East until 
1855, when he migrated from the old homestead to 
LaSalle County, 111., and settled upon a farm which 
he purchased in that State. There Mr. Coburii, 
Sr., died in the year 1866, aged sixty-six 3'ears. 
His widow survived him until 1886, and departed 
this life in Gage County, Neb. They were the par- 



t 



•►HH^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



409 



cuts of four chilflrcn. whom it was their pleasure to 
see grow to years of niaturily, and tliree enter tlie 
raniis t>f tiie honored and respected of the cominu- 
nit3'. Matliias is our subject: Abigail is the wife of 
Cyrus Hanscom, and Sylvanius V. is liappii}' mar- 
ried to Miss Sylvinia Philbrooli. 

Our subject, from the lime of leaving the classes 
of the common school, where he had obtained his 
education, remained at home, being the only son, 
and assisted his father in tlie operation of his farm, 
thus naturally drifting into the working f)f the 
same, and made it his chosen occupation in life. 
When his parents removed to Illinois, he of course 
accompanied them, and continued to reside with 
them until became to this State. In thej'ear 1808 
he purchased land in this county, and settled upon 
it in the year 1871. He is now the owner of a 
property of 240 acres in extent, including some of 
the finest undulating pastoral land in the countj\ 

In February of 1867 Mr. Coburn entered the 
state of matrimony, and was united with Miss 
Lydia A. Denton. This lady is the daughter of 
James and Geraima (Vanboltenburg) Dentou, 
natives of New York and Connecticut. The}' were 
the parents of eleven children, of whom then- 
daughter Lydia was the eighth. She was born in 
New York on the 12th of March, 1842, and contin- 
ued to make her home with her jiarents until her 
Hjarriage. She h.as become the mother of two chil- 
dren, who have received the names of Edward M. 
and Frederick H., respectively. They have also 
adopted a daugliter, Emma E. 

Mr. Coburn tikes considerable interest in matters 
political, and is a stanch friend and supporter of the 
Uepublican party, and is at all times read}' and 
anxious to do all in his power to extend its influ- 
ence and aid in its advancement. He is regarded 
as one of the most worthy, honorable and valued 
citizens, and respected accordingly. 



^ OHN SPARKS. The name of the subject of 
this sketch, who died a victim to cold and 
exposure on the 12th of January, 1888, is 
belli in kindly remembrance by a large pro- 
portion of the people of this coiiiUy. The story of 



his decease is one of unusual sadness. On the 
morning of the da}' above mentioned he started out 
bright and early to Beatrice after a load of coal. 
Obtaining this he tarried for a time for the transac- 
tion of other business, and upon completing this 
started for his home in Lincoln Township, eight 
miles distant. Soon afterward the storm came on, 
but he pressed forward, and was within forty rods of 
his house when his horses were unable to proceed 
further, and releasing the animals from the wagon, 
he turned them loose, evidentl}' with the sup|)Osition 
that he himself would be able to reach his own 
fireside in safety. Like thousands of others over- 
taken b}' a Western storm, his senses seemed to 
have become bewildered, and instead of going to- 
ward his home, he went directly awa}' from it. The 
gathering darkness soon hid him from view, and he 
fell exhausted on the ground and expired. There 
he was found the following morning. His team in 
the meantime had reached home after night came 
on and were discovered in the yard in the morning. 
It is difficult to conceive why he should have left 
his horses, as had he mounted one of them it 
would have probably taken him home in safety. 
His melancholy demise was the occasion of gei.eral 
mourning in the community, as he had been a most 
worthy and exemplary citizen, temperate in his 
habits, and one who enjoyed the confidence of all 
who knew him. 

Mr. Sparks was born in North Carolina, and was 
about fifty-five years old at the time of his death. 
He emigrated from the South to Indiana with his 
parents early in life, locating in Monroe County, 
where he was reared to manhood. There also he 
was first married, anil later removed to Woodford 
County, 111., where he established a flouring-mill, put- 
ting up the structure himself and buying gr.ain for 
a number of years. He was successful as a financier 
and accumulated a good pro|)ert}', but was over- 
taken 1)}' reverses. After losing the sum of ^6,000 
he sold out and returned to Indiana. Then suc- 
ceeded his marriage, in Greene County, in Febru- 
ai-y, 1871, to Miss Martha E. Roberson, who was 
a native of his own State, and born Sept. 20, 1849. 

Mrs. Sparks when a young girl of fifteen 3'ears 
removed with her parents from North Carolina to 
Indiana, where she grew to womanhood. Her par- 



•■► ^ ■ l M» 



■^•- 



410 



GAGE COUNTY. 



ents. Jnmes and Maria (Arnold) Roberson, were 
natives of the same (State as their riaughter, and 
both died in Indiana, the father in Greene C'oiinty 
about 1857, when middle-aged. The mother after- 
ward removed to Terre Haute, where her death 
took place in 1887, at the age of sixty years. They 
also were natives of North Carolina, and spent the 
greater part of their lives amid the quiet pursuits 
of farm life. 

To our subject and his wife there were born six 
children, namely: James E., Laura F., George W., 
I<la M., Alice and Andi'ew C. Of his first marriage 
there were born to Mr. Sparks four ciiildren: 
William N.; Sarah, the wife of Richard Foyes, a 
merchant at Diller, this county ; Mary E., Mrs. 
Benjamin AVillhoit, of Ciiicago, III.; and John J., 
who is unmarried and operates the homestead. The 
family is one of uncommon intelligence, being 
recognized as belonging to the useful element of 
the community. Mr. Sparks kept himself well 
posted upon current events, and uniformly voted 
the straight Democratic ticket. Mrs. Sparks is a 
lady of more than ordinary intelligence, and fulfills 
in a most worthy manner her duties to her children, 
slinuilating them to good deeds and looking care- 
fully after their mental and moral welfare. 



<Sn^ OBERT F. HENDERSON. The history of 
l|L^ Nebraska reveals a vvcll-nigh unprecedented 
cll\Vi rapidity of development, of resource, settle- 
\^ ment of country, growth of hamlets, towns 
and citizens, and general progress in every direc- 
tion. AmoBg the men who have devoted them- 
selves self-sacrificinglj', earnestly and constantly to 
the attainment of this result, should ever be men- 
tioned the name of Mr. Henderson, who is with a 
large measure of success operating 1 GO acres of land 
on section 21, Nemaha Township. A view of the 
place is shown on another page of this work. 

The parents of our subject were Alexander and 
Mary (Lantz) Henderson. 'J'hey were both natives 
of the QuakerState. The family upon the paternal 
side was of Irish extraction, and upon the maternal 
of German origin. They were married in Ohio, set- 
tled in Portage County, and for many years saw 



much prospcritj- as a result of their labor in the 
pursuit of husb.indry. Later they removed to Illi- 
nois with their family of five children, and settled 
in Putnam County, but shortly' after sold out and 
went to Bureau Countj', where, in 1880, Mr. Hen- 
derson died, aged seventy-six years. His wife, who 
is now seventy-four years of age, resides in Beatrice 
with her daughter. She is the mother of eight chil- 
dren, who received the names, AVilliam, James, 
Denisa, John C. Robert F., Walter L., Lewis R. 
and Leila A. 

The natal day of our subject was the 30th of Octo- 
ber, 1844, and the place of his birth, Streetsboro, 
Portage Co., Ohio. The first twelve years of his 
life were spent in this place, and the foundation was 
there laid, but about 1858 his parents removed to 
Illinois, he, of course, accompanying them. His 
education was completed in Putnam Count}', that 
State, and he continued upon the home farm in that 
county until he attained his majority. He re- 
mained in that count}' until 1875, and in October 
of that year came to this State, and for a time made 
his home at Firth, where he had purchased 160 
acres of land some years previous. The only thing 
that distinguished it from wild prairie was that 
forty acres were broken, but there were no groves, 
not even a tree or shrub, nor any building upon the 
property. This has all been changed gradual!}-, 
but as rapidly as the work could be pushed for- 
ward. Now he has a pleasant, cheerful, comfort- 
able home, by no means lacking either in decoration 
or furnishing in those features that make home the 
brightest and most attractive place on earth. The 
farm too is highly cultivated, and fully supplied 
with the various buildings, machines, implements 
and conveniences required for the proper working 
thereof. 

In the month of November of the saraeyear that 
he removed to Nebraska, our subject was united in 
marriage with Miss Artimissia M. Steele, a lady of 
education, refinement, and a high order of womanly 
character. She is the daughter of John M. and 
Martha J. (Wardlaw) Steele. Her father was born 
in Ross County, Ohio; her mother near Bowling 
Green, Ky. Her parents settled after marriage in 
Ross County, where J. M. Steele was a merchant at 
South Salem. In 1853 the family removed to Put- 

•► 



/ 



I 



•4^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



411 



nam County, III., and in 1874 came to Nebraska, 
and settled eleven miles north of Beatrice, where 
they still resiile. Mr. Steele has attained the ad- 
vanced age of sixty-five, his wife that of sixty j'ears. 
Their family includes seven children, who have 
been named as follows: Artimissia M., Alice, Anna, 
Harry, Minnie, Wardlaw and Lucretia M. 

Mrs. Henderson was born in Ross County, Ohio, 
Au». 9, 1850, and was three years of age tvhen her 
parents removed to Illinois. There she grew up to 
womanhood, and received in thedaj^sof j'outh that 
instruction obtainable in the common school. Dur- 
ing the war, wliile her father was doing dutj- at the 
front, in Company E of the 4th Illinois Cavalry, 
they resided at Granville, III. Her father's raili- 
tarj' experience was confined cliiefl3- to the Central 
Tennessee campaign. At the time of the removal 
to Nebraska Mr. Henderson was twent^'-four years 
of age. There have been given to our subject and 
wife five children, who have been named as fol- 
lows: Alice, Bessie, Frank, Lois and Robert. 

Our subject was the first Moderator of the dis- 
trict, and has since served for five 3'ears. He is at 
present School Treasurer, and also Township Treas- 
urer. In his political relations he is connected with 
the Republican partj', and is honored and respected 
for his manly, straighi forward and honorable con- 
duct. In every relation he has sustained and effort 
made, he has unswervingly followed the dictates of 
his conscientious principles, and at all times looked 
to the interests of the county- and State, as well as 
those of more private limit. 

jl7_^ ARVEY O. MASON. The farming commu- 
"^^^^ nity of Lincoln Township recognizes among 
its members no better man than the subject 
of this sketch. He possesses tliose social 
qualities which have made him popular among his 
neighbors, and those elements of character devel- 
oped in the home circle which render hini careful 
and conscientious in the discharge of his duties 
toward his family'- and friends as well as those of 
public life. In his labors as a tiller of the soil he 
h.as been more than ordinarily successful, takiu"- 
the best advantage of modern methods and ma- 



chiner3', and bringing about the most admirable 
results. In addition to general agriculture, he 
gives his attention largolj' to stock-raising. His 
farm, which is ple.asantl}' located on section 1, 
forms one of the most desirable estates of the 
county, being embellished with good buildings, and 
the land in a highly fertile condition. Although 
being its possessor only since 1887, he has effected 
very material improvements in its condition. Ly- 
ing about three miles from the city of Beatrice, it 
is consequently' valuable, and will continue to grow 
more so as time p.-isses on. 

Mr. Mason came to this vicinity from Jefferson 
County, Neb., where he w.as at one time the owner 
of five farms, the land of which he mostly re- 
deemed from its original condition through his own 
perseverance and industry. He has been a resident 
of Nebraska since 1867, first locating near the cit_v 
of Omaha, where he engaged in farming two and a 
half 3'ears. After disposing of his property there 
at a good round sum, he returned to his native 
.State of New York, whence he once more crossed 
the Mississippi and located in Jefferson County, 
this State, where he lived until coming to this 
count3'. 

Our subject w.as born in Farmington Township, 
Ontario Co., N. Y., March 25, I 841. and is the son 
of Robinson and Mar3- (Brandt) Mason, who were 
both of New England ancestry, but born, reared 
and married in Ontario C'ount3', N. Y. Tiiere also 
they settled until after the birtii of all their chil- 
dren, and in 1851, disposing of their propert3' in 
the Empire State and bidding adieu to their old 
friends and associations, the3' sought the wilds of 
Columbia County, Wis., where the3' took up their 
residence, although the father as a lumberman did 
business largely in Portage and Chippewa Coun- 
ties. Later in life the parents with the greater 
part of their famil3' returned to their native Stflte, 
and the father secured a fine farm in one of the 
choicest sections of Monroe Count3'. He had now 
accumulated a fine property, and became inter- 
ested in the oil regions of Pithole. Pa., obtaining 
from this product ample returns for his investment 
of capital. 

The father of our subject, finall3' becoming seized 
with the Western fever, started toward the Rocky 



I 



^^ 



-•► 



412 



GAGE COUNTY. 



Mountains, and afterward became intercsteri in the 
gold mines of Sweet "Water Valle3' in Wyoming 
Territory. He was tbere engaged successfully for 
some time in quartz mining and in the oi)eration 
of a stam])ing-mill. Finally he returned to the 
Empire State, and once more settling on the farm 
in Monroe County, superintended its operations un- 
til he was stricken down with paralysis, in March, 
1874. He lingered, however, nearly eleven years 
afterward, and eventually passed away at the home- 
stead. Oct. 10, 1885, wiien seventy-four years old. 
His mind lemained Ijright and active until his 
death. 

'Ihe moliier of our sul)ject is still living with her 
two cliildren at the old home in Monroe County, 
N. Y., and although seventy-four years old is still 
bright and active in mind and bod^'. Slie is a lady 
of more than ordinaiy intelligence, and has the 
general oversight of her fine propertj'. In the 
midst of comfort and plenty Mrs. Mason is spending 
her declining years, beloved by her family and a 
large circle of friei.ds. In all the relations of life 
she has distinguished herself by that temperance 
of judgment and kindness of heart which will be 
remembered long after she has departed hence. 

Harvey O. Mason was the third child in a fam- 
ily of five sons and one daughter, all of whom are 
living. He was a little lad nine years of age when 
tlie family removed from New York to Wisconsin, 
and remembers many of the incidents of settle- 
ment in a new county. He was there reared and 
educated and attained his majority. He accom- 
panied his parents upon their return to his native 
State, which he left the second lime about 18G7, 
while still a single man. He met his fate in Jefifer- 
son County, this State, in the person of Miss Jen- 
nie Shindoll, to whom he was married at Ply- 
mouth, Feb. 3, 1876. 

Mrs. Mason was born in Kalamazoo County, 
Mich., Nov. 30, 1856, but when five years old her 
parents removed to Racine County, Wis., where 
her father, Jacob Shindoll, purchased a tract of 
land and engaged successfully in farm pursuits. 
Mr. S. after the outbreak of the Civil War enlisted 
in a Wisconsin regiment, served in the army three 
j^ears, making a good record, and returned home 
in safety. He is still living, his home now being 



in Jefferson County, this State, where he still car- 
ries on farming. The mother of Mrs. Mason was 
in her girlhoorl Miss Mary Nilson. The parents 
were natives of Germany. Their famil3' consisted 
of seven children. 

To our subject and his cs imable wife there have 
been born Ave children, namely: Llewellj'n K., Bj-- 
ron L., Frank G., George R. and Harvey S. 'J"he 
eldest is nine years of age, and the youngest one. 
They form a bright and intelligent group, and still 
continue under the home roof, being the subjects 
of careful parental training and receiving the edu- 
cation in keeping with their station and prospects 
in life. Mr. and Mrs. Mason are members in good 
standing of the Congregational Church at Beatrice, 
and Mr. M., politically, is a stanch Republican. He 
has distinguished himself as a liberal and public- 
spirited citizen, and to all enterprises tending to 
the progress and welfare of the community he 
lends his cordial and substantial aid. He is widely 
and favorably known throughout this section as 
one of its most useful and worthy men. 



ILLIAM W. SILVERNAIL. Years hence 
•/I the early history of Southern Nebraska 
I -will be valued more highlj' perhaps than 
at the present, just as rewards are frequently of- 
fered for old coins and other articles of a by^-gone 
age, and the men who to-day' are liuilding a record 
for the perusal of posterity, instead of being for- 
gotten will be recalled by the thoughtful individual, 
and due credit given for the manner in which they 
have labored to redeem a country from the wilder- 
ness and make it an abode of comfort and luxury 
for the generations coming after them. 

These thoughts involuntarily arise in reflecting 
upon the career of such a man .as the subject of 
this sketch. An offshoot of the Empire State, he 
is of excellent parentage, his father having been 
John Silveruail, of Columbia County, N. Y., and 
his mother in her girlhood Miss Magdalena Gard- 
ner, of Rensseliier County, that State. After mar- 
riage they settled in the former, where the father 
carried on farming for eight years, and then re- 
moved to Lewis County. Subsequently he changed 
v^ 





r 



GAGE COUNTY. 



TV 



his residence to Berkshire Count3% Mass., where his 
deatii took place at the age of fiftj'-three years, in 
1S59. The mother only survived her husband two 
years, passing away in the spring of 1861, when 
fifty-six j'ears old. Thej' were the pai-ents of nine 
children — Margaret. James, Elizabetli, Mary, Will- 
iam W., of our sketch, Leonard, Amelia, Sarah 
and Annie. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Columbia 
County, N. Y., in December, 1834, and was a child 
one j-ear old when his parents removed to Lewis 
County. He completed his studies in the common 
schools of Berkshire County, Mass., and at the age 
of twenty-one resolved to seek his fortune among 
the pioneers of the West. Leaving New England, 
he set out first for Wisconsin, landing in Kenosha 
County in the early part of November, and began 
■working on the farm of Mr. S. P. Shaw. Here his 
labors were sweetened b}' the companionship of 
Miss Rebecca, one of the charming daughters of the 
house, and the intlustrj" ami intelligence of the 
young suitor commending him to the goo<l opinion 
of her relatives, their marriage was celebrated some 
time later, Nov. 20, 1856. 

Mrs. Rebecca Silvernail is the daughter of 
Stephen and Hannah (Hicks) Shaw, a very old and 
highly respected family of this county, who are in- 
separably connected with its histor}% and the lead- 
ing members of which are amply represented in 
this volume elsewhere. Not only have they placed 
their sign manual upon the broad and fertile prai- 
ries of the West, but generations ago, in the time 
of the Pilgrim Fathers, established upon the wild 
New England coast, and there inaugurated the 
spirit of freedom to obtain which the}' had left 
their native land and dared the danger both of 
earth and ocean. Those sturdy spirits after bat- 
tling with the elements, with war, with savages and 
the other ills with which Colonists contended, have 
gone to their reward, but a posterity has arisen 
which do them honor, and which, if the exigencies 
of the times demanded, would be no less brave than 
they. 

During the absence of her husband, who had gone 
to fight the battles of his country', the paternal 
great-grandmother of Mrs. Silvernail escaped capt- 
ure and death at the hands of the Indians by flee- 



ing with her son Benjamin to the mountains. After 
the war they settled in Saratoga County, N. Y., 
where the}' were rejoi led by the husband and 
father, and there spent the remainder of their days. 
That boy Benjamin was the grandfather of Mrs. 
S. He married, reared a family, and spent part of 
his life in Dutchess County. Steiihen P. was the 
father of ten children — William, Egbert, Jlargaret, 
Emily, John B., Aluiira. Hannah, Rebecca, James 
I. and Stephen \^. 

Mrs. Silvernail was born in Dutchess County, N. 
Y., Sept. 26, 1836, where she lived until a little 
girl eight years of age, then accompanied her par- 
ents to Litchfield County, Conn. She attended 
school in both States, and was fourteen j'ears old 
when the family emigrated to Wisconsin, in 1850. 
She completed her education in Kenosha County, 
the latter State, and is of the opinion that even at 
that earlj' period in the histor\' of the Badger State 
the school advantages rivaled those of the East. 
She was twentj' years of age at the time of her 
marriage. 

In the spring of 1857 Mr. and Mrs. Silvernail 
concluded to join the tide of emigration settling 
west of the Mississippi, and in companj' with others, 
whose effects were loaded onto a train of six wag- 
ons, set out for Southern Nebraska. .Starting out 
on the 6th of Maj', they arrived in Nebraska Citj' 
on the 23d of June, and crossed the Missouri River. 
On the 4th of July following they were on the 
Blue River, Neb. The lands of the Nemaha Val- 
lej', however, presented the fairest tract of countrj' 
which they had yet found, and they accordingly re- 
turned to the vicinity of their present location, 
which they had passed on their way further west. 
Mr. Silvernail pre-empted 160 acres of land, and 
the family took up their abode in a log house. 
They remained there five years, then sold out. In 
1862 they returned castas far as Grundy County, 
111., where Mr. S. engaged in farming until 1866, 
then came back to Nebraska, and here h.as since 
been contented to rem.ain. 

The property of our subject includes 160 acres 
of thoroughly cultivated land, upon which he has 
effected first-cl.ass improvements, good buildings, 
and the other appliances of the modern country es- 
tate. One of the most pleasing. features of the prem- 



t 



f 



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414 



GAGE COUNTY. 



ises 's llie large number of trees planteil by tlie 
hand of the proprietor, cottonwoofl. niapk'. white 
ash. elm, walnut and box eliler. There is also a 
fine apple orchard of 150 trees, besides quantities 
of the smaller fruits — cherries, crabs, plums, grapes, 
strawberries, gooseberries, etc. Under their flour- 
ishing roof-tree there have Iteen born six bright 
children, namely: Herbert, Leonard, Bertha, Sadie, 
and William C. (the latter twins), and an infant 
deceased, unnamed. The eldest son, Herbert, mar- 
ried Miss Minnie Disher, and is farming in Adams 
Township; they have one child. Leonard married 
Miss Lillie Nevins, and is following tlie trade of 
carpenter in Lincoln Center, Kan. ; Bertha is the wife 
of John Galloway, of Adams Township, this count}': 
the other children are at home witli their parents. 

Mr. Silvernail for a period of thirty years was 
identified with the Republican part}', but his strong 
temperance sentiments led him in 1886 to wheel 
into the ranks of the Prohibitionists. He was the 
first Justice of the Peace elected on Nemaha Creek, 
and for nine years has otliciated as Director in his 
school district, which is accredited with the pos- 
session of the best school in the township. He has 
been sent as delegate to various Republican County 
Conventions, his sound judgment and "practical 
good sense making him a valuable aid to the in- 
terests of the part}' in this section. 

Both our subject and his excellent wife have 
given uniform encouragement to the projects cal- 
culated to result to the licst interests of their com- 
munity, and Mrs. S. has for many years been a 
v.ahied member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
Mr. S. was a charter memlier of the I. O. G. T., and 
during its existence of fifteen years in Adams has 
occupied its important offices, and olticiated as a 
delegate to the Grand Lodge at Lincoln. 

ANIEL K. NETZLY. Hanover Town- 
ship has few more sterling specimens of 
industrious, hard-working, intelligent, hon- 
orable and progressive manhood, than is 
the subject of the present sketch, whose home is 
situated on section C of the above township, and 
wlio operates 560 acres of agricultural and pastoral 

M* 




land, divided as follows: 1 60 acres of his own jirop- 
erty on the above section, 1 60 on section 7. in the 
same township, and 240 on section I of Holt Town- 
ship. A view of the place is shown in this con- 
nection. 

The subject of our sketcli was born in Lancaster 
Township, Lancaster Co., Pa., on the 7th of Octo- 
ber, 1846. His father went to DuPage County, III., 
in 1850, where he engaged in agricultural ]>ursuits, 
and owned 157 acres of land; this was his home 
until 1868, in which year he died, being about fifty- 
five years of age; his wife survived him until the year 
1883, when she also crossed the River of Death, af- 
ter having attained the age of sixty-seven years. 
Fourteen children were born to hei-, eight of them 
being boys, and our suliject was the ninth child. 

It will be noticed that our sul)ject was four years 
of age when he went to Illinois with his parents, and 
by the time he had reached his tenth year he was 
already becoming accustomed to the lighter duties 
of the farm ; about that time, however, he began to 
follow the plow, and from that on took his place in 
all farm work so far as his strength would allow. 
Agriculture became his life occupation, and is that 
of which he knows the most, for theie are very few 
things about practical farming with which he is not 
fully conversant, or any work lie is incompetent to 
execute. 

Mr. Netzly continued to make his home with 
his parents until 188G, in September of which year 
he vvas united in marriage with Eliza Harlronft, 
who was born in Lancaster County, Pa.; she was 
about one year old when her i)arents removed to 
Illinois, the date of her nativity being May, 1847. 
There have been five children born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Netzly, who are developing such characters as 
promise a bright future. Their names are as fol- 
lows: Levi H., Burton G., Carrie A., Aggie Lucy 
and Nora Chailotte. 

Upon starting for himself in Illinois, our subject 
rented a farm and was very prosperous. He came 
to Nebraska in the spring of 1883, and settled upon 
his farm on section 6, which he had purchased two 
years previously. He has greatly improved this 
property, and has devoted much time and attention 
to its cultivation. In stock-raising, to which our 
subject has latterly devoted himself more especially, 



=t*-«- 



h 



GAGE COUNTY. 



417 



U 



his previous success hns not forsaken him. He is 
the owner of forij'-eight head of oriaried cattle, 
eleven horses, and sixty -five splendid hogs. 

Mr. Netzly has not been prominent in political 
circles, but h.as. nevertheless, at all times been deeply 
interested in matters pertaining to tlie political econ- 
omy of tlie State and Nation, and invariabl3' is pre- 
pared to discharge every duty tiiat is his as a 
citizen. He is an aftilinte of tlie Republican party, 
and has held the ottice of School Treasurer. Both 
our subject and wife are old and consistent mem- 
bers of the German Baptist Church, in wliicii they 
aie liiglil}' esteemed. In the community at large 
Mr. Netzl}' is quite favorahlj' known, and liighly 
esteemed as a worth}'. honoral)]e, progressive and 
valued citizen. 



^ jfeE.SLEY FELLER.S represents farm [Mop. 
\/7j// ei'ty in Grant Township to the extent of 
^sfl IGO acres of choice land on section 22. 
To this he came in September, 1881, commencing 
operations thereon, although not settling here with 
his family until the year following. He is an Ohio 
man \>y birth, his early home having been in Find- 
lay, Hancock County, where in Eagle Township he 
was born Oct. 30, 1847. He was the eldest son and 
second child of his parents, Andrew and Sally 
(Bergman) Fellers, who were also natives of the 
Buckeye State, being reared and married in Han- 
cock Count}'. They traced their ancestors to re- 
spectable old Dutch families of Pennsylvania, and 
possessed in a marked degree the reliable and sub- 
stantial traits of their ancestors. The father of our 
subject, a practical and well-to-do farmer, is still 
living, and now a resident of Wood County, Ohio. 
The mother died at the old homestead in Hancock 
County, in March, 18.58. Andrew Fellers mar- 
ried for his second wife Miss Elizabeth A. Yates, 
who is .also living. 

The suhject of this sketch remained a member 
of the parental household until reaching his ma- 
jority, and in 1876 went to McDonough County, 
111., where he reinained for about one month. There 
also he was married near Colchester, in .lanuary, 
1876, to Miss Susan Isabel Cherry, who was born 



in that county, April 20, 1 8.')6. Her parents, Abram 
B. and Margaret (Brownly) Cherry, were n.atives 
of Ohio. The mother died at Colchester when a 
j-oung woman. The father is now living with his 
second wife, on a farm in Saline County, Neb. 
Mrs. Fellers after the death of her mother was taken 
into the home of her aunt, in .Saline County, this 
State, where she lived until a short time before her 
marriage. 

Mr. and Mrs. Fellers after their marriage settled 
in DeWitt Township, Saline County, but lived there 
onl}' a short time, coming thence to Grant Town- 
ship. They are now the parents of four children — 
William A., Andrew B., Elbert W. and Edith B. 
Our subject and his wife are members in good 
standing of the Methodist P^|)iscopal Church, at 
DeWitt, taking an active interest in its [n-osperit}', 
and contributing liberally to its support. Mr. Fel- 
lers has alwaj's been w.irmly interested in the suc- 
cess of the temperance movement, and votes in 
favor of prohibition. He is a man of excellent 
habits, healthy and genial, and a general favorite 
among his neighbors. Our subject has been a resi- 
dent of Nebraska for the p.ast thirteen j-ears. 

A view of Mr. Fellers' farm and its surroundings 
is presented on an accompanying p.age. 

.n. . .? .7t'ffl'-.'?i 



/p^EORGE A. CLOPINE. Among the e.irly 
III (=- settlers and valued citizens of Highland 
^^^jj Township, few, if anj', surpass the gentle- 
man whoso biograph}' is herein sketched, who is 
a most worthy representative of the Germau- 
American citizen, than which there are none more 
desirable as a class. Our subject w.as born upon 
the 14th of August, 1841, in the beautiful town of 
Baden-Baden. He is the son of .Jacob and Caro- 
line Clopine, natives of the same Empire. They 
are the parents of five children, and of these our 
subject is the eldest son. 

Mr. Clopine received the rudiments of his edu- 
cation in his native country, supiilementing it by 
study in the common schools of this country, so 
that he is possessed of a fair education in the dual 
languages. When nine years of age it was his mis- 
fortune to lose his mother I)V death, a loss at such 



nis- 



-4^ 



f 



418 



GAGE COUNTY, 



an age irreparable. Not long after this l)ereave- 
ment his father emigrated to this country, locating 
in Scioto County, Ohio. In Januarj-, 1854, being 
then about thirteen years of age, our subject took 
passage in a sailing-vessel, and after an ocean voy- 
age of thirty-five dajs he landed in New York 
City, imme(liatel3' went West, and joined his father 
in the above county, and there made his home un- 
til he reached his twent3'-f]rst year, being engaged 
during that time in farming and mining. 

In August of 1861 our subject enlisted in Com- 
pany C, 53d Ohio Infantrj-, which became part of 
the 15th Army Corps, which was attached to the 
Army of the Tennessee. In this our subject served 
throughout tlie Atlanta campaign, fought in the 
battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Vicksburg, etc., helped 
to swell the numbers of the heroes who took 
part in the famous march of Sherman, was one of 
the campaigners in the Carolinas, and was within 
five days' march of Richmond when it surrendered. 
His militarj' experience was finished by the grand 
review at Washington, after which he was honor- 
ably' discharged at Little Rock, Aik. His constitu- 
tion being quite undermined lij' the various 
vifcissitudcs and exposures incidental to this period, 
and being incapacitated for labor through chronic 
rheumatism contracted from the above causes, he 
receives a liberal pension from the Government. 

Our subject returned to Ohio from Washington, 
and in October of the same year, viz: 18G5, he 
was united in marriage with INJiss Elizabeth Fry. 
This ladj' is a native of Scioto County, and was 
born on the 19th of January, 1846, to Bernhard 
and Angcliue Fry, both of them natives of Han- 
over. Germany. They emigrated to America in 
the year 1840, and settled first in Scioto County, 
and subsequently in Pike County of the same State. 
In this latter Mrs. Clopine was brought up, and in 
its schools received her education. Of this union 
there have been born five children, viz: John W., 
who was born on the 16th of May, 1867; Samuel 
D., on the 21st of June, 1871 ;Mar}' A., on the 4th 
of December, 1873; George W., April 19, 1875; 
and Logan, Sept. 27, 1886. 

Immediatel}' after his marriage our subject re- 
moved to Southeastern Missouri, and there made 
his home until the spring of 1872, during that time 



being engaged in farming. At the end of that 
period he came to Gage County, and bomesleaded 
160 acres of land, being the northeastern quarter- 
section of section 14 of Higiiland Township. No 
one who has not had the actual experience can ever 
grasp the meaning of the word pioneer life; no one 
can appreciate its difficulties, hardships, trials, in- 
conveniences and disappointments. Nevertheless, 
our sul)ject has endured and labored and overcome, 
and to-day he is the owner of as fine a farm, in as 
high a state of efflciencj' and as thoroughly culti- 
vated, as perhaps any in the county. All of this is 
due to his own intelligent, indomitable, assiduous 
effort, continuously inspired and enthused by the 
affectionate devotion of his faithful companion in 
life. 

Our subject and his estimal)le wife are both 
members of the Church of God, Mr. Clopine hav- 
ing served in the office of Deacon for several years, 
and also in that of Assistant Sunday-school Super- 
intendent. For three j'ears he held the appointment 
of Moderator of the School Board in his dis- 
trict. In his political sentiments and sympathies 
our subject is one with the Republican party, at 
the same time he is not an active politician. In 
each and every one of the above circles and rela- 
tionships, religious, social and political, our sub- 
ject is highl3' esteemed, as is also his wife, and they 
enjoy the cordial good feeling and best wishes of 
all, and there are none who can more appreciate 
the extension of the same. 

ISAAC LAMB. One of the best situated and 
most productive farms in Blakely Township is 
that of Mr. Lamb, who in 1 870 entered on 
section 22 the land which now forms his farm, and 
is 120 acres in extent. Since the time he settled 
upon it, when it was in nowise different to the prai- 
rie around it, he has, bj' diligent, persevering, in- 
telligent effort, transformed it into a very garden 
of productiveness, utilizing everj' part and making 
it subservient to his labor. In addition to this 
property he is the owner of fort}' acres on section 20. 
Previous to his settlement as above, our subject 
rcside(J in Iowa, which had been his home from the 



t 



i 



-<- 



GAGE COUNTY. 



419 



3-ear 1 851, and from that time until 1865 he resided 
in Marion County', and then until his final exodus 
from the Stnte in Warren Count}'. His chosen call- 
ing was that of a carpenter and builder, which was, 
however, supplemented by farming to some extent. 
He is a native of Ohio, and w.as born in Richland 
County of that State, upon the (ith of Julj-, ISol. 
The father of our subject, Lawrence Lamb, was a 
Virginian by nativit}', and as he grew to manhood 
adoi)ted as his chosen occupation agricultural pur- 
suits. He was educated and brought up in the 
Buckeye State, and shorti}- after attaining man's 
estate became the husljand of Martha Btirch, like- 
wise a native of Virginia, but from childhood an 
inhabitant of Ohio. Their family included six sons 
and four daughters, our subject being the youngest 
but one, but of these there are now only four liv- 
ing. Mr. Lamb, Sr., died at his home in Richland 
County when fifty years of age, when our subject 
was but six years of age. His wife survived him 
nianj' years, and died in Morrow County, at the .ige 
of eighty years. 

Our subject was reared in his native State, and 
remained there working upon the faim until he 
started for the AVest, locating in Iowa. It was 
while a resident of Marion Count}' that he became 
acquainted with Miss Isabella McElroy, and was 
attracted to her by that subtle magnetism, real, 
powerful, indefinable and unseen, that is the adhe- 
sive force of the home and .State, and was united 
with her in wedlock on the 7th of December, 1854. 
This lady is the daughter of John and Mary A. 
(Watt) McKlroy. Her father was born in Penn- 
sylvania, of Irish parentage; her mother, in "Erin's 
Isle." They were married and settled in Pennsyl- 
vania, but after a few years migrated to Ohio, and 
in 1850 removed to Marion County, then just be- 
ing opened up. Later in life they went to Warren 
Count}', Iowa, and there reside at present. Her 
father has reached the very advanced age of ninety- 
two years, her mother that of eighty-three. All 
their lives they have been devoted and consistent 
members of the United Presbyterian Church. 

Mrs. Lamb made her home with her parents un- 
til the time of her marriage; she was born in Trum- 
bull County, Ohio, on the 28th of March, 1832. 
Her education was commenced in the usual institu- 

■<• 



tion when she was about eight years of age, and 
continued until she completed the course of in- 
struction. At home her mother trained her fully 
in all matters of household duties, cares and re- 
sponsibilities, and the lesult thereof has been ob- 
tained in the increased happiness and freedom from 
friction in her own home since marriage. There 
have been five cliildren born to our subject, whose 
names are recorded as follows: Martha A., Mary J., 
John L., Emma S. and William J. Mary died when 
about two years of age; Martha is now Mrs. Ed- 
ward Bartlett (see skeU^h of Mr. Bartlett); John is 
a resident of Jefferson County, this State, where he 
has a fine farm of 120 acres; he is the husband of 
Ella Thompson. The two younger members of the 
family are still at home, William operating the farm 
and his sister taking charge of the household. 

This interesting family are greatly resi)e('ted in 
the community on account of their success in life 
and their high standard of character, loyalty, and 
sympathy with every enterprise and project that 
promises to benefit and advance the interest of the 
community. Mr. Lamb is very deeply interested 
in all political questions, and is an affiliate of the 
Republican party. 



-»-^Ss>-< 



r; OSEPII WINDLE. Among the pioneers of 
Nemaha Township there are few who have 
been more deeply interested and earnestly 
anxious for its advancement than he who is 
the subject of this sketch, now a prosperous farmer 
upon section 8. He is the son of Abraham and 
Mary Ann Windle, natives of Virginia, where their 
family chronology is clearly traceable for seven or 
eight generations. The grandfather upon the ma- 
ternal side (Bubeck) was in the War of 1812, and 
served as a private throughout the campaign. 

The parents of our subject were married in their 
native State, where the father had a good farm and 
was quite prosperous. In 1839, hovvever, he sold 
his property and took a tract of timber land in 
Ohio, and erected the primitive log cabin, clear- 
ing his farm tree by tree and acre by acre. Here 
they made their home until the year 1870, when 
he died, aged seventy-seven years. His widow still 




420 



GAGE COUNTY. 



4 



resides in Putnam County, Ohio, and is sixty-nine 
j'cars of age. Mr. Windle, Sr., was twice married, 
and by tlie first union became the parent of five 
children, and by his second, with Miss Bubeck, 
iiis family was increased by ten others, whose 
names are recorded as follows: By first wife, Will- 
iam, Immanuel, Cornelius, James H. and Isaac. B}' 
second: J.acob and Abraham (twins); Samuel died 
in infancy; Joseph, Eliza, David, John, Mary A., 
Rachel C. and Amanda A. 

Our subject was born on the 7th of Januar}-, 18.37, 
in Shenandoah County, Va. He was two years of 
age when his familj' removed to Ohio, and it was 
in the latter State that he received the foundation 
of his education, which was commenced vvhen he 
was twelve j-ears of age. When about twenty 
years of age he went with his brother Jacob to Illi- 
nois and worked for about two years in McLean 
County, and then returned home to Ohio. 

In the j'ear 1859 our subject became the husband 
of Miss Sarah I'^lizabeth Murflld, the daughter of 
George W. and Hannah (Baker) Murfild, who were 
natives of Maryland and New York respectivelj'. 
Grandfather Murflld was one of the heroes of 1812, 
and was wounded to complete disablement w'hile in 
that service. Mr. and Mrs. Murflld settled in Frank- 
lin Count}', and were married there in 1839 ; he died 
at the age of flfty years, on the 28th of February, 
1881, at his son's in Indiana. His widow still lives in 
Delaware County, and has reached the advanced 
age of sixty -eight. She was the parent of twelve 
children, wliose names are recorded as follows: Sa- 
rah E., William, Mary A., Daniel, Corella, Ellen, 
Tilda, George, Phebe, Johnny (deceased), Imman- 
uel and Martha. 

The wife of our subject was born in Franklin 
County, Ohio, July 13, 1840, at the homestead, 
which was situated on the banks of the Scioto 
River. She ra.ade her home until the time of her 
marriage, however, with her grandparents, who su- 
perintended the process of her education and gave 
her the best that was obtainable in the common 
school of that time, and were delighted by the men- 
tal power manifested during this process, and the 
revelation of the many beautiful traits, character- 
istics, qualities and graces that first attracted our 
subject to her, and have ever since secured to her 



the first and highest place in his life. Mr. and Mrs. 
Windle settled in Ohio, and previous to our sub- 
ject's enlistment became the parents of three chil- 
dren. Their family, however, in all numbered 
twelve children, whose names are as appended: 
Ellen J., Charley (deceased), Joseph E.. Joshua 
JI., Amanda A. (deceased), George W., Clara O.. 
Martha A. (deceased), Alvina, Flora and John F. 
(both deceased), and James H. 

Of the children of our subject, Ellen J. was mar- 
ried to Frank Shelt, and is resilient in Fillmore 
County, Neb., where he has a well-cultivated farm; 
they arc the p.arents of three children, who have 
been named Bertha B., Bessie P. and Mabel O. 
Joseph E. became the husband of Miss Addie 
Houk; he also is one of Fillmore County's rising 
farmers. The}' are the parents of one child, who 
has received the name Ethel Belle. The remain- 
der of the children are at home and engaged in 
school or farm duties. 

The military experience of our subject began in 
18G4, when he enlisted in Company K, of the 136th 
Ohio Infantry, and was mustered into service at 
Camp Chase and departed for Washington City. 
His t'jrm of service was for 100 days. The first 
two weeks of service were spent in Ft. Ellsworth, 
from there his regiment was sent to Ft. Wood, 
thence sent to Ft. Farnsworth, where the major part 
of his term of service was spent. Thence he was 
brought back to Camp Chase, mustered out and 
honorably discharged, returned home and resumed 
his farm work. 

In 1872 our subject removed from. Ohio, and 
arrived at Bennet, Neb., in April of that year, 
although he had visited and prospected the pre- 
vious fall, and was so delighted with the outlook 
that upon his return he sold his property in Ohio, 
as above intimated, and began a new life in a new 
countrj'. He purchased from Mr Clough a home- 
stead of 160 acres in extent for the sum of $250, 
and from that time, despite some adverse circum- 
stances and difficulties incidental to life under 
the most favorable conditions, he has been more 
than usually successful. His home is very pleas- 
antly situated and is abundantly supplied with 
shade trees, while not far distant from it is an 
exceptionally fine grove, comprising ash, walnut, 

«^ 






•►Hl^^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 




421 



box-elder and cotton wood trees. Tlie garden and 
fields of the farm are bounde<) by well-trimmed 
hedges, ailding much to the pioturesqueness of the 
situation. The whole of the farm is well improve<l, 
and has been brought to a very high state of agri- 
cultural perfection. 

Mr. Windle has from the first been energetic in 
projects for the advancement of the coramunit}'. 
!>hortl3' after arrival he succeeded in effecting the 
organization of a school district, and was also en- 
ergetic in the organization of the township, of which 
he was the first Justice of the Peace. Our subject and 
wife are very consistent and active members of the 
Meserveville Methodist Church. Thej' have always 
been deeply in earnest in religious matters, and active 
workers in the cause. The first service held and ser- 
mon preached in Nemaha Township were at the home 
of our subject, a primitive sod house, but withal 
comfortable and bright. The preacher was the 
Rev. Hull, of Adams. His text was " Despise not 
the time of small things," from which be preached 
an appropriate and telling sermon to an audience 
, that more than filled the house, many of whom had 
come a distance of about ten miles. These things 
speak with no uncertain souud the inclination, desire, 
character .and tendencies of our subject and wife, 
and render further remark unnecessarj'. In regard 
to political and Governmental questions our subject 
is in sympathy with the Republican party and usually 
supports that cause, but never at the sacrifice of 
wh.at he believes to be the right. 

yARREN E. CHITTENDEN. The farming 
community of Highland Township contains 
few more popular or responsible men than 
the subject of this sketch. A farmer and stock- 
raiser of ami)le means, he is comfortably located 
on section 19, where he has ICO acres of land with 
good buildings, and all the other appliances neces- 
sarj' to the comfort and success of the modern 
agriculturist. 

A native of Lake County, 111., our subject was 
born July 12, 1853, and is the son of John and 
Sarah (Esty) Chittenden, the former a native of 
New York SUite and the latter of Massachusetts. 



After marriage the}' settled in Illinois, where thej- 
still live. Myron Chittenden, the paternal grand- 
father of our subject, traced his ancestr}' to Scot- 
land. The first representative of the famil}' crossed 
the Atlantic prior to the Revolutionary War, set- 
tling in New England. Mj-ron left his native hills 
when a young man, and subsequent!}' enlisted as a 
soldier iu the War of 1812. When theconflict was 
ended he settled in New York State, and there mar- 
ried and reared his family. He spent his last days 
in L.ake County. 111. 

John Chittenden in earlj' manhood was married 
to Miss .Sarah Esty, and Ihey became the parents 
of a large family of children, eight of whom are 
surviving, and of whom Warren E. is the eldest. 
The next brother, Charles, is farming in Pratt 
Count}', Kan. ; Sarah J. is the wife of Edward Hej'- 
decker, of Lake County, 111., where the next brother, 
Ralph, is also sojourning; Nellie, Mrs. William 
Cleveland, is a resident of Chicago, 111.; Alice, 
George and Mamie are in Lake County, III. The 
parents of our subject were numbered among the 
early pioneers of Lake Count}-, III., where they took 
up their abode about 1847, and where they have 
lived for a period of over forty years. They are 
about sixty years of age, and as the result of goodly 
lives an<l correct habits are still in possession of 
much of the activity of their youth. W. E. Chit- 
tenden when a young man learned the miller's trade 
from his father, and worked with the latter for a 
number of ye.ars. He also assisted his father on 
the farm, and subsequently made agriculture his 
chief calling. 

The subject of this history was given a good 
practical education, and early in life commenced to 
lay his plans for the future. Among the most im- 
portant of these was the establishment of a home of 
his own, and he was accordingly married, in Lake 
County, III., July 4, 187G, to Miss Emma Pitman, 
who was born there Feb. 14, 1858. The p.arentsof 
Mrs. Chittenden, Frank and Sarah (Squires) Pit- 
man, are natives of England and Canada respect- 
ively, whence they removed to Illinois about 1855, 
and are still residents of Lake County. There 
were bom to them eight children, seven of whom 
are living: Emma, Mrs. C, was the eldest; Anna 
is the wife of Joseph Karr, of Antioch, 111.; Charles 



■?^-:#-^ 




■•► 



422 



GAGE COUNTY. 



4 



is farming in Cortland, this State, and Frederick in 
tlie vicinity of Anliocli, 111.; Frank continues in liis 
native county in Illinois, wliere also are the two 
youngest, Nettie and Warren. 

The six children of Mr. and Mrs. Chittenden 
were born as follows: Charles W., July 22, 1878; 
Pearl A., May 7, 1880; Frank, Dec. 25, 1882; 
AVilliam G., Aug. 26, 1884; Edward J., Nov. 20, 
188G, and Frederick C, Oct. 2.5, 1887. Our sub- 
ject came with his family to this county in the 
spring of 1878, and purchased eighty acres of land 
from the Burlington & Missouri River Raih-oad 
Company at SG.25 per acre. Upon it stood poor 
buildings, and in the cultivation of the soil he com- 
menced i)ractically on first principles. He has 
made good headway, and besides bringing his first 
purchase to a good state of cultivation, added to it 
until he now has a quarter-section, all of which is 
in a productive condition. He was exceedingly 
fortunate in his choice of a wife and helpmate, Mrs. 
Chittenden having stood bravely by her husliand's 
side during his labors and struggles, sharing in his 
toils and privations. She amply deserves the rec- 
ognition which he generously tenders her, and 
which is too often withheld from those who most 
justly merit it. 

Mr. Chittenden uniformly votes the straight 
Republican ticket, and has served as School Director 
in his district. They enjoy the friendship of a wide 
circle of acquaintances, and the hospitalities of their 
l)leasant home are shared with the best people of 
their localitj'. 



ON. JOHN M. WARDLAW. Modern his- 
tory knows but one Republic; but one 
people capable of governing themselves, and 
that is America. France cannot compare; 
it is a Republic in name only ; its people are not 3'et 
arrived at that condition necessary to self-govern- 
ment. In the present biographical compendium is 
presented a brief history of one who has been 
selected by an intelligent community, and has been 
honored b}' their placing in his hands the authoritj' 
to represent them in their Government, and who 
lias added to that honor that of a faithful, intelli- 



gent and consistent service in the office, and strict 
fidelity to the trust reposed in iiim. 

Of the ancestors of our subject little is known, 
excepting that they were Scotch. The great-grand- 
father of our subject was the first of the family to 
come to America. He made his home in Virginia 
until his death. The father of our subject was a 
farmer and merchant, and migrated to Kentucky, 
and while there went to Ohio and was united in 
marriage with Miss Dicke}'. a daughter of William 
Dickey, a prominent anti-slavery advocate, a cousin 
of T. Lyle Dickey, of Illinois. 

The father of our subject was a slave-holder, but 
his wife had been educated to a diametrically 
opposite idea, and largely through her influence in 
the year 1843 they removed to Putnam County, 
111., in 1844 be giving each of his slaves free 
papers. In Kentucky he had dealt largely in live 
stock, and w.as very prosperous in every regard. 
Upon removal to Illinois he rapidly became one of 
the leading citizens of the community, and one of 
its most wealthy citizens. He was quite active in 
political affairs, and served as Sheriff of the county 
for two consecutive terms, having previously rep- 
resented in a most able manner his district in the 
State Legislature, besides holding minor offices. 

The mother of our subject departed this life in 
the year 1844, leaving seven children, whose names 
are found in the family record as follows: William 
D., of Frontier County, Neb., who died in March, 
1888, aged sixty-three years; Andrew F.. owner 
of tin extensive sheep farm in Washington Terri- 
tory; Martha J., the wife of J. M. Steele, of this 
township; James R., a prosperous f.irmer in Hills- 
dale, Iowa; our subject; Mary E., relict of R. W. 
Moore, and resident in AVhite Cit}-, Kan., and Arte- 
niissa D., now Mrs. Edwanl Smith, of Cortland, in 
this State. Mr. Wardlaw, Sr., was married a second 
time, the lady being Mrs. Martha McClung, nee 
Moore. He came to Nebraska in 1878, and died 
Aug. 18, 1882. 

Our subject was five years of age when the family 
removed to Illinois, and received his education in 
the Granville Academy of Putnam County, and 
quite early in life began to assist in the store of his 
father, and the postal duties. In 1861 he enlisted 
in the 20th Regimental Band, and served fourteen 



♦■ 




■^•- 



GAGE COUNTY. 



423 



I 

I 



monlbs as a musician, liis instrument being a ''B 
flat " cornet. He was present at the battles of Fts. 
Henry ami Donelson, Shilob, and tiie siege of Cor- 
inth, and was mustered out bj' the general order 
from Wasiiinglon, which mustered out all military 
bands. He thereupon returned to Putnam County 
and assisted his father in the duties of his farm. 
The brothers of our subject, four in number, who en- 
listed about the same time, went through tlie greater 
part of the war. 

On the IGth of October, 1865, our subject was 
united in marriage, at Rochester, N. Y., with Miss 
Antoinette Smith, a native of Is'ew York, and 
a daughter of B. H. and Philena (Mortin) Smith. 
After his marriage our subject took up his residence 
near Granville, Putnam County, with the exception 
of one 3'ear spent in Vermilion County, until 1871, 
when be came to Nebraska and purchased 1 60 acres 
of unimproved land, and has so far prospered as to 
be able to purchase an additional eighty acres, and 
has erected a fine, well-situated and commodious 
dwelling. His farm is operated upon the line of 
general farming, with most gratifying results. 

Mr. and Mrs. Wardlaw are the parents of seven 
children, who have received the names here ap- 
pended: Carrie, now the wife of George Weiser, of 
Cortland, Neb.; John J., James G., Philena D., 
William H., J. Vivian and Emma. The younger 
members of the familj' are still making their home 
with their parents. This interesting family are every- 
where respected and admired, which is probably 
due to the fact of their high sense of moral duty 
and opportunity, which is developing in the mem- 
bers of their family circle those characteristics 
whicli make men and women honored, beloved and 
trusted. 

Our subject is a member of the local bodj- of the 
G. A. R. and Knights of Pythias, in both circles 
being received with that respect which, as Ameri- 
cans, his fellow-citizens give to one they admire 
and esteem. In political matters he has always 
been deeply interested and earnestly active. He 
has served as Justice of the Peace for ten 5-ears, 
and has also represented his district in the Legisla- 
ture. Besides this he has been several times called 
upon to assist in the township elections, more es- 
pcciall}' at the election of Hon. A. S. Paddock to 

^•- 



the United States Senate. During his term of 
office our subject succeeded in securing an appro- 
priation of ^22,000 for a public building at Beatrice. 
Such deeds make their own mark, and are indelible 
in the hearts and minds of the people who are in- 
terested, for b}' it unknown thousands will be 
helped and interested for good. 



-»/w -vteje^/®-^ 




^g|-a/S<3i)*v-^»^~. 



THOMAS MAGUIRE is an enterprising young 
farmer, residing on section 15, Island Grove 
Township, where he has a fine farm of eiglity 
acres. He was born in Brookl^'n, N. Y., on the 
19th of November, 1854, and remained at home 
until he was twenty-four j-ears of age. His father, 
John Maguire, was born in Ireland, in tiie yeai' 
1819, and in June, 1845, he came to New York. 
He remained in that State for ten years, after which 
he went to DeKalb County, 111., and there engaged 
in farming, making his home in DeKalb and Boone ' 
Counties for ten years. In 1868 he came to this 
State, and took a homestead of 160 acres on sec- 
tion 26, Island Grove Township, this county. He 
has made manj^ improvements on his laud, and is 
now comfortably situated. 

The mother of our subject was Alice (Talon) 
Maguire, who was born in Ireland in 1830, and 
came to America in the year 1845. In 1846 she 
was united in marriage with the father of our sub- 
ject, by which union they have a family of seven 
children, all of whom are now living, and are 
named John, William. Thomas, James, Albert, 
Frances and Charles. The children are married, 
and two of them make their homes in this county. 
Our subject is the third child of the family, and 
came to this county with his parents, buj-ing his 
present farm in the j'ear 1 883. He now has it all 
in a finely improved condition, with a neat and at- 
tractive dwelling, and the necessarj^ farm buildings 
and fences. When he purchased his farm he paid 
$5 an acre, but his improvements have increased 
its value'to manj"^ times that amount. He makes 
a specialty of raising grain, and the breeding of 
live stock. 

In 1878 our subject was united in marriage with 
Miss Anna McVey, who is a daughter of Reuben 



^ 



■<^ 



424 



GAGE COUNTY. 



•Mh^: 



and Mary (Hansbury) McVcy, and was born on 
tlic "iOlli of January, 1 864, in Iowa. Her parents were 
natives of Ohio, who removed to Iowa, but are'now 
residing in Pawnee County, Ncl). By tlieir mar- 
riage our subject and his wife are now the parents 
of three bright and interesting cliildren, to whom 
they iiave given tlie names of Delbert, Lula and 
Nellie. Mrs. Maguire is an amiable and attractive 
lady, and by her cheerful and inspiring presence, 
and the careful management of her home, she 
proves herself a faithful and devoted helpmate to 
our sul)ject, and assists him by her kindly advice 
in the successful management of his farm labor. 
He is energetic and industrious, and iias made a 
fair start toward accumulating an ample fortune 
for the maintenance of his family. While Mr. Ma- 
guire affiliates vvith the Republican organization, 
he is sufficiently non-partisan to vote for the 
candidates whom he believes best qualified for 
office, no matter to which party they belong. 



ON. HENRY H. SILVER. The name of 
this gentleman is universally recognized 
throughout Highland Towushipand vicinity 
as that of one of its representative citizens, 
and one closel}' identified with its farming and busi- 
ness interests. He makes a specialty of stock-rais- 
ing, and operates successfully a fine farm, 400 acres 
in extent, pleasantly located on section 6, range 
6. A native of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, he was 
born July 29, 1838, and is the son of Amos and 
Matilda (Spencer) Silver, who were also natives of 
the Buckeye State. 

The branch of the Silver family to which our 
subject belongs originated in England, and his later 
ancestors were for generations residents there. 
John Silver, one of its later representatives and the 
first of the family in this country-, crossed the At- 
lantic prior to the Revolutionary War, and settled 
in Virginia, where he became prominent and in- 
fluential, and assisted in the framing of the State 
Constitution. Another relative of Henry II. later 
served as a soldier in the War of 1812. 

To the parents of our subject there were born 
seven children, three only of whom are living. 




namely: David, of Jennings County, Ind.: Ruth A., 
the wife of Russell Hunt, of Summit County, Ohio, 
and Henry H., our subject. The deceased, who all 
grew to maturity but one who died in infancy, 
were John, Martin and Wright. The mother de- 
parted this life thirty years ago at the homestead in 
Cuyahoga County, Ohio, in the year 1858. Amos 
Silver survived his partner many years, and died 
at a ripe old age, in December, 188G. He had 
been a resident of Cuj-alioga Count3' for over half a 
century, and during that time ha<l thoroughly es- 
tablished himself in the esteem and confidence of 
its people. 

Henry H. Silver was reared to manhood in his 
native county, which at the time of his birth was 
undergoing its transformation from a wililerness to 
a civilized community. His education was accord- 
inglj' somewhat limited, but being fond of reading 
he became thoroughly well informed upon the 
general topics of the day, and grew into a 30uth,of 
more than ordinary intelligence. At the age of 
seventeen he began an apprenticeship as a machinist, 
but this not being entirely in consonance with his 
tastes and inclinations, he returned home a year 
later, and emharked in business with his father, who, 
besides operating a farm, vvas also engaged in black- 
smithing, and attended school. 

Young Silver was thus employed until the out- 
break of the late war, and soon after the first call 
for troops enlisted, April 17, 18C1, in Company G, 
Gth Indiana Infantry. His regiment was assigned 
to the army of Gen. IMcClellan in West Virginia, 
and young Silver fought in the battles of Phillipi, 
and otherwise gained an insight into the perils of 
war. He vvas subsequentl3' put on detached duty, 
and had charge of the Government shops at Grafton 
in AVest Virginia under a Quartermaster. At the 
expiration of the three months for which he had 
enlisted, he was duly discharged and returneii home. 
His inclinations, however, drew him again within 
the boundaries of the army lines, and returning to 
the vicinity of Grafton, W. Va., he resumed charge 
of the Government shops there, where he remained 
nearly one year. Then he was employed first in 
Alabama, and then for a time in Kentucky and Ten- 
nessee. 

Our subject retired from the Government service 



-<i*- 



^-=*» 



GAGE COUNTY. 



425 



in 18G5, but conlimiGd in tiie vicinity of Ilunts- 
viile, Ala., wlieie lie lented .").')0 acres of land with tlie 
view of rai.sing cotton. Tins venture, however, 
jjroved a disastrous undertaking financially', and he 
was obliged to .abandon the enterprise. He then 
entered the employ of Joseph Conner at Hunts- 
ville, at repairing and selling firearms, and was thus 
employed for some time. lie finally resumed his 
old tr.ide in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, and in 18G9 
we find him crossing the plains to California. During 
the journey, however, his plan of oper.ation was 
changed, and after reaching Omaha he was induced 
to become agent for the Wheeler & Wilson Sewing 
Machine in that localitj'. He finally drifted to 
Nebraska Cit^', and was variously employed until 
the spring of 1871. 

Our subject now concluded to settle down, and 
accordingly homesteaded ICO acres of land on 
section 6 in Highland Township, this county. The 
land was in a wild, uncultivated st.ate, but he went 
to work with a will, and soon began inaugurating 
improvements which have transformed his property 
into one of the most desirable estates in this region. 
As soon us he could see his via.y to the maintenance 
of a family, he was married, .Jan. 28, 1874, to Miss 
Sarah Uplinger. This lady was born in Luzerne 
County, Pa., M.ay 25, 1850, and is the daughter of 
John and Elizabeth (Wood) Uplinger, of whom 
further mention is made in the sketch of Jacob 
Uplinger, found elsewhere in this work. To Mr. 
and Mrs. Silver there have been born eight chil- 
dren, si.K of whom are living, namely: John B., 
Clara L., Henry L., James A., Flora P. and .Mabel. 
The deceased, Arthur and Frank, died at the ages 
of twenty-two and nine months respectively. 

For the past four years Mr. Silver has served as 
Postmaster at Silver post-office, which he was in- 
strumental in establisliing, which is a great conven- 
ience to the people in that vicinity. In the year 
1879 he was elected I13' the voters of this county- as 
their representative in the Lower House of the Ne- 
braska Legislature, and in the discharge of his 
duties .acquitted himself so creditably that he was 
re-elected. In his political affiliations he is a Re- 
publican, and votes the straight ticket, and socially, 
belongs to the G. A. R. Post at Cortland. His real 
estate embraces 400 acres of valuable land and 



property interests elsewhere. Both he and his es- 
timable vvife occupy a leading position in society, 
and their pleasant home is the resort of hosts of 
friends, whom they have gathered around theui and 
to whom they ever extend a generous hospitality. 
Mr. Silver is one of those men whose word is as 
good as his bond, and whose credit is unlimited. 

A view of the fine farm of Mr. Silver, together 
with its environments will be found on another page. 



1*^-*^ 




ETER C. THOM is the son of Charles 
Thom, who was born in Bavaria, Germany, 
on the 24th of March, 1809. His education 
in the ordinary branches w.as thorough, and 
from school he went to the counting-iiouse, and 
continued employed therein until he came to the 
United States in 1837, and settled in Seneca County, 
Ohio. Upon taking his land in the above State he 
gave all his attention to farming, and became un- 
usually successful in the same. 

In the year 1837 Mr. Thom was united in mar- 
riage to Mary E. Weber, daughter of Michael and 
Catherina Wel)er, natives of Bavaria, who had come 
to this country two years previous. They made 
their home in Seneca Count3' from that time until 
their death. Their daughter Mary, who was born 
in Bavaria on the loth of September. 1816, had 
m.ade her home with her parents until their emi- 
gration, and continued to do so until her marriage 
as above. With her husband she afterward lived 
a quiet, busy, useful life, and brought up a family 
of thirteen children, of whom eleven are now 
living. 

Six members of the family of Mr. Charles Thom 
were sons, and have entered into useful and honor- 
able walks in life. The names of the children of 
this family are .as follows; Peter Charles (our 
subject), Catherine, wife of Martin Keinhart; Eliza- 
beth, who is liappil}- married to Adam Simonis; 
Jacob, who is successful as a farrier, .and, like his two 
brothers-in-law, is a farmer and resident of Sen- 
eca County, Ohio; Michael, of Wyandot County, 
Ohio; Charles H., a successful farmer; Mary, the 
wife of Charles Kirvan, both of Seneca Clounty ; 
John, a resident near Delphos, Ohio; Ann, now 



t 



•^1^^ 



4i'C 



GAGE COUNTY. 



JIi's. Jacob Rinebolt, of Seneca County; George, 
ongngerl in agriculture in Sumner County of the 
same State: and Rosa, tbe wife of Philip Schalk, of 
Seneca County-. All the sons except our suliject 
have been engaged frora childhood in brickmaking, 
learning the trade from their fatlier, who carried on 
that business with unusual success. 

It has already been noted, doubtless, that our 
subject is the eldest of this large familj'. He was 
born near Titlin, in Seneca County, upon the 4th 
of May, 1838, and continued to make his home with 
his parents until he was fifteen j'ears of age, up to 
which time he had been in attendance at the public 
school of the township. Then he went to Union 
County of that Slate, and learned the blacksmith 
trade in a shop situated near Darby Plain. Hav- 
ing learned this trade he continued to work at it 
steadily and successfully for a period of about fif- 
teen years. 

When he arrived at the age of twenty-one our 
subject was united in marriage with Delilah Dailey, 
a daughter of James and Elizabeth (F'eeler) Dailey. 
Mr. Dailey was born on the Atkin River, in North 
Carolina, in 1 808. When a child, his fatlier removed 
to Kentucky, and after a few years to Indiana. His 
wife was born in AVest Virginia in 1810. They were 
married in 1836, and settled in Washington County, 
Ind., about fourteen years, and then went to Claj'- 
ton County, where the^' made their home until their 
death, which came first to Mrs. Dailey, in 1854, 
and later, in the year 1879, to i\Ir. Dailey. Their 
family included five children, three of whom are 
still living. These are Delilah, the wife of our sub- 
ject; Mary, the wife of Thomas M. Martin, of 
Sherman Township, in this county; and Rhoda, who 
is happily married to Mr. Asa Anderson. Of this 
family Mrs. Thom was the eldest, and was born in 
Washington County, Intl., on the 24lh of August, 
1838, and continued at home witli her parents until 
her marriage. 

On the 16lh of August, 1862. our subject en- 
listed in Company H. 86th Indiana Infantry. Upon 
taking his place at the front he and his companions 
were ordered to Kentucky with Burnside, and con- 
tinued until Crab Orchard was reached. Here he 
was taken sick, sent to the barracks, and admitted 
to the hospital, where upon recovery he was ap- 



pointed Steward of Hospital No. 6, at Bowling 
Green, Ky., and remained there until it was clo->ed, 
when he was transferred to Nashville, and served 
in Hospital No. 5, in the same capacity. From the 
hospital he returned to the ranks a short time be- 
fore the battle of Missionary' Ridge, in which en- 
gagement he took part. In the spring of 1864 he 
was detailed to a pioneer brigade, and remained in 
the same until he was mustered out on the 6th of 
June, 1865. 

The military experience of our subject being 
finished, he opened a blacksmith-shop at Lexington, 
Ind., continuing until the j'car 1868. Upon the 
10th of August of that year he started West with 
his family, and arrived about the 1st of September 
in this county, making the whole journey b^' team. 
He shortly located a homestead claim of 160 acres, 
on section 20, Sherman Township, and the same 
fall had finished a dug-out, in which the family 
lived for about nine j-ears. He worked one week in 
Nebraska City at blacksmithing, and two months 
for the Otoe Indians in the same way; the remainder 
of his time he spent upon his farm. 

In 1869 our subject had good crops, and by 
patient continuance in labor has had continued suc- 
cess. It was not long before he had set out 15.000 
forest trees of various kinds, .and had planted a fine 
orchard, and year after year has seen only a con- 
tinuance of prosperity. Nevertheless, in the earlier 
part of his pioneer life he had to endure many hard 
and severe trials; at one time he was so reduced 
and straitened that the only provisions in the house 
were a single sack of corn meal and a little cofifee. 
Upon another all thej' could obtain was some bran 
bread and a few potatoes. During the winter of 
1 868-69 he trapped mink and sold the fur, thus 
providing for his family; but his success dates 
from that time, and now that it has come to him he 
full}' appreciates it. 

Mr. and Mrs. Thom are the parents of three chil- 
dren, all of whom reside at home and are in at- 
tendance up(m the classes of the University of 
Nebraska. Thej' have received the names here ap- 
pended, viz: Sarah A., Charles and James A. The 
young people are bright, intelligent and vivacious, 
taking full advantage of the excepli<mallj' fine 
educational sj'stem and institution of the State, and 



t 



»► 1 1^^ 



-•►Hl-^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



427 



their future is full of radlnnt hope and brilliant 
prospects. Our subject and wife are justly pruud 
of their fainil3\ and will, it is hoped, be spared to 
see them enter and progress in honorable and use- 
ful careers. There is that in the State, its organi- 
zations, institutions, and, as some enthusiasts would 
liave us believe, in the very atmosphere, that which 
inspires the desire, rouses the ambition and spurs 
the effort to obtain and sustain a home, and that 
with most gratifying results; that of our subject is 
but a sample of many that could be found if it were 
desired. 

In his political aspirations and sentiments our 
subject is in harmony with the Republican party, 
and has for many years been energetic and constant 
in his advocacy of its principles. He is not an 
office-seeker, but in his hands have been reposed 
the official trusts of Township Treasurer, Supervisor 
of the township, and memlier of the School Board. 
As an old soldier he is quite a friend of the G. A. 
R. and a member of that order, having affiliated 
with the Scott Post, of Blue Springs. It is hardly 
necessary to add an3thing concerning the character 
of such a man, his whole life is a testimony, his 
earlj' struggle and subsequent success a eulog}'. that 
both command and receive the admiration and es- 
teem of the community at large. 



•i- 



^^•^ 



yilLLIAM MANGUS is a worthy representa- 
tive of the enterprising, intelligent and 
prosperous farmers of Sherman Townshii). 
His father, Michael Mangus, was born in Central 
Virginia in 1808, and has all his life followed agri- 
culture as his chosen avocation, and still lives in 
his native State. The maiden name of his wife, the 
mother of our subject, w^as Sarah Showalter, who 
was born about 1810. in the same place as her hus- 
band. Their childhood and youth had been spent 
largely together, and in 1831 their lives were united 
in the intimate relation of husband and wife. From 
that time until her death Mrs. Mangus was a 
thorough companion and ideal helpmate. Their 
family included five sons and three daughters, of 
whom but four are now living. 

Our subject was the eldest of the family, and 



was born on the 20th of October, 1832, in Bote- 
tourt Count}-, Va. He continued to live at home 
until he was twenty-two years of age. By that 
time he had become quite an expert farmer, besides 
having laid the foundation of a practical education. 
On Nov. 6, 1859, he became the husband of Cath- 
erine Garst, daughter of George and Catherine 
(Marka) Garst, natives of Pennsylvania. Her father 
was born in the year 1797, and died in 1885, in 
Roanoke County, Va.; his wife died in 1839. She 
presented her husband with a family which com- 
prised thirteen children, eleven of whom are now 
living. Of these the wife of our subject was the 
eighth child, and was ushered into life on the 9th 
of December, 1840. 

After marriage our subject commenced farming 
in Roanoke Coi(nty, and continued in the same 
until he enlisted, in 1862, in Company E, 42d Vir- 
ginia Infantr}', with Gen. Stonewall Jackson, and 
served under him until his death. Our subject 
fought in the battles of Chancellorsville, McDowell 
Mountain, Middletown and Petersburg. At the 
battle of the Wilderness he was severely- wounded, 
and lay in the hospital for two months, then went 
back to duty with his regiment. He was taken 
prisoner in the valley of the Shenandoah, and lan- 
guished in confinement for three months, until he 
was exchanged at Vicksburg. but having contracted 
the typhoid fever, was sick for two months longer, 
and was unable to rejoin his regiment until the 
following year. Then he remained in active serv- 
ice until two weeks before the fall of Petersburg, 
when he returned to his family, his time of service 
having expired. He now set about his farm work 
with renewed activity', though during his absence 
his family had done their best to keep everj'thing 
moving as well as they were able. 

In 1866 our subject removed to Macoupin County, 
III., and for four years followed agricultural pur- 
suits in that place. At the end of that period he 
removed to Christian County, in the same State, 
and there made .his home until the year 1881, then 
came to this county and purchased eighty acres of 
land in Sherman Township, valued at that time at 
$10 per acre, it being but partly improved. It was 
nut long, however, l)efore it responded to his 
efforts and yielded year by year abundantly of its 



n 



•>-ll^^ 



■•► 



428 



GAGE COUNTY. 



increase. Of course there were times when j-easons 
and circumstances hoyond human control prevented 
unqualified success, hut these occasions were largel}' 
in the minority, and looking at the period as a 
whole, the result has been of most gratifying suc- 
cessful prosperit3'. 

Mr. and Mrs. Mangus became the parents of 
twelve children, ten of whom are living. These 
have been named as follows: Sarah E., who is the 
wife of Enos Rishel, of Sherman Township; Rebecca 
Jane, who is happily married to .1. W. Martin, of 
the same townshij); George W., like his brothers- 
in-law, engaged in farming; Jeremiah Thomas. Elias 
Benjamin, Joseph, Mary E., Kate, Charles E. and 
William, all of whom are still at home. It is a 
pleasure to our suliject and his wife to be enabled 
to give their children the opportunit}' of a good 
education, so that as they step out to take their 
places in the world they will be somewhat prepared 
for its experiences. 

Although at all times anxious to bear his full 
share of all the responsibilities that come to him as 
a citizen, Mr. Mangus is not a politician nor an 
office-seeker, but his excellent character and manly 
bearing, with his deep interest in educational mat- 
ters, couHuended him to the judgment of the elect- 
ors, and he is now serving as a member of the 
School Board, and has also been upon the Board of 
Election. He is an afliliate of the Democratic party, 
and one of its firm friends and supporters. 



o^»> 



-^^r 



<f«f-» 



aHARLES W. McCULLOUGH was born in 
, Clarke County, Ohio, on the 1 0th of Au- 
'' gust, 1848, where he grew to manhood, and 
was educated in the common schools. He was 
there married to Miss Lj-dia Jones, a daughter of 
Stephen and Elizabeth Jones, who died in the 
above-named county. Mrs. McCullough was born 
in Greene Countj'', Ohio, on the 14th of June, 
1836, and remained with her [larents until the time 
of her marriage, having received her education in 
the common schools and under the supervision of 
a thoughtful and careful mother, who taught her 
the womanly virtues and accomplishments which 



have made her so estimable a ladj^ Our subject 
moved to this county in 187.3, and after a two- 
years residence here he returned to Ohio, where 
he made his abode until 1883. but having again a 
desire to look upon the fertile West, he again 
came to this count}' and bought his present farm, 
consisting of 160 acres in the northeastern part of 
section 3, Sicily Township. 

When our subject took possession of his land 
there had been no improvements made on it, so 
that he was obliged to begin at the very beginning, 
breaking the prairie land and getting it in a condi- 
tion to produce sufficient food for their mainten- 
ance, and in time bringing it all under cultivation 
and to a condition of lucrative fertilit}'. He has 
erected a good house and other buildings, has a 
windmill pump which fuinishes an abundant sup- 
ply of water, and in various other w.ajs has made 
iin])rovcnKnts and increased the value as well as 
improved the appearance of his farm. He raises a 
great deal of live stock, chiefly cattle and hogs, to 
feed which he uses all the corn produced b}' his 
fields, and last year he bought about 3,000 bushels 
extra. His thriving condition is due solely to his 
unceasing industry and excellent management, for 
he has been obliged to make his own way in life, 
and is indebted to no man for his success, there- 
fore he may well feel gratified because of his 
achievements. 

Our subject and his wife are the parents of two 
children, named Bessie and Guy, the former of 
whom was born on the 3d of January, 1872, and 
the latter on the loth of November, 1875. George 
McCullough, a brother of our subject, was en- 
gaged for nearly four years in the service of his 
country during the late war, and in company with 
his comrades of Company F, Ist Ohio Artillery, he 
participated in a number of heavy engagements, 
but fortunately was Lever wounded. The father 
of our subject died in Ohio, on the lath of Au- 
gust, 1882, but his mother still makes her home on 
the old homestead. Mrs. McCullough's father died 
on the 20th of Januarj', 1879, and her mother on 
the 6th of December, 1875. Our subject is a mem- 
ber in good standing of the I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 
172, of Yellow Springs, Ohio, and politically, he 
advocates the policy of the Republican party. He 

4^ 



i 



t 



'4- 



GAGE COUNTY. 



-•► 



42'J 



an 1 his wife hive not united themselves witli any 
religious denomination, but attend the Christian 
Cliurch renfulirly, and are hi;^hl3' respected and es- 
teemed members of the community. 



S^JREDERICK SCHENBECK was born in the 
iN® "0''tlic'''i P^^'^ of Germany, where he grew 
^ to manhood's estate and received his edu- 
cation. There he was married, on the 10th of 
July, 1865, to Miss Jolianne Kauffmin. and in the 
spring of 1870 he brought his family to America. 
They made the vo3'age on the sailing-vessel "'Les- 
cadea,"and for seven weeks they were intrusted to 
the care of the ship's crew, landing in New York 
on the 29th of May. On the 1st of June they ar- 
rived at Rochester, N. Y., where they lived for 
eight ye.ars, and then came to Beatrice, Neb., on 
the lath of March, 1878. For five years our sub- 
ject worked bj' the month, but in 1883 he began 
farming for himself on a piece of laml near Bea- 
trice. He continued farming in that place until 
the fall of 1 887, when he traded his propertj' in 
the cit\' for the farm which he now owns on sec- 
tion 18, .Sicil}' Township. Besides eighty acres of 
well-improved land which he owns on section 18, 
he also has eighty acres on section 17. 

The parents of our subject, John and Louisa 
Sehenbeck, came to America from Germany in the 
3-ear 1872, and are now living in this count}-. 
Thej' had a family of eight children, of whom only 
three survive. When our subject came to America 
he had no money left after paying for the passage 
of his family on board the vessel, and it was neces- 
sary for him to work steadil}' and manage his in- 
come in the most careful and frugal manner in 
order to make it meet the requirements of a grow- 
ing family. This he was enabled to do, and not 
only this, lint much more, for I)}' careful manage- 
ment and industry he has succeeded in placing him- 
self in a comfortable position on a fine farm, of 
which he is the owner. 

A family of eight children have been gathered 
about the home of our subject and his wife, all of 
whom have been spared to them to lighten their 
burcler.s and console b}' their conipanionship the 



later d.iys of those who cared for them in infancy. 
The names of the children are as follows: Herman, 
John, William, Anna, Edward, Frank, P;iul and 
Matilda. Mr. and Mrs. Sehenbeck are esteemed 
members of the I.utheran Church, of which their 
parents were also members. Our subject is so 
much interested in the carrying on of his farm 
work, and gives such close attention to his busi- 
ness, that he does not take a very .active part in 
politics, but he usually votes for the nominees of 
the Republican party. 

Only those men who have begun as our subject 
began — at the lowest round of the ladder, and 
mounted, step liy step, toward the top, with some 
struggles and difficulties perhaps, and some encour- 
agements — can fully appreciate the sense of com- 
fort and rest which pervades the lives of those 
who have gathered about them in later life a com- 
petency, as a reward for their earlj- industrj' and 
strict integrit}-. 



-^^-^■- 



^^5:55]EORGE W. McKAY. The business industry 
ill f—^ of a city may be said to be incomplete un- 
'^^5 le.ss it includes a re|)resentative from each 
of the many occupations in which men engage. The 
minister of the Gospel must be present to point out 
the path of righteousness; the ph3'sician must be 
present to insure the perfect physical life; brick- 
laj-ers, carpenters and artisans of every trade are 
necessary for the establishing of convenient homes 
and adorning them with the beauties of art; there 
is a place for every occupation, and not onlj- a 
place for it if it chances to be represented, but an 
inheritance bj' right which it is urged to receive. 
Our subject is engaged in the livery business, with- 
out whicii vocation manj' other occupations would 
lack their present enterprise and flourishing con- 
dition. Business of all kinds is f.acilitated bj- rapid 
transit from place to place, and there is no ple.asanter 
method of covering short distances than by mak- 
ing use of that tracUible and docile animal, the 
horse. 

So well does the Arab love his trained and swift 
steed that rather ih.an part with it he would first 
part with his children, so essential does it seem to 



1 



-^•- 



430 



-•» 



GAGE COUNTY. 



¥ 



liis liai)j)iiiess; and when on tlie rlesert, both 
liorso and rider are swa3cd bj' ore and the same 
impulse. Of all domestic animals the horse is to 
the greatest extent capable of the highest training, 
its understanding fonietimes seeming almost human, 
and its sj'mpatliy willi man, its best friend, ena- 
l)ling it to follow his guidance in tiie most minute 
particulars. For the care and management of 
these useful animals our subject is admirably situ- 
ated, having about 83.400 invested in his business, 
iucluding convenient stables and vehicles. He is 
doing a thriving business. an<l his stables furnish 
excellent driving steeds, and handsome and luxu- 
rious road vehicles. 

Mr. McKay was born on the 18th of April, 1860, 
in Atchison Couut}', Mo., and is a son of Wallace 
McKay, of this county. He was reared on a farm, 
and received his education in the common schools 
of his native county, coming with his i)arents to 
Wymore in 1883. In 1884 lie went to Sheridan 
County, Kan., retui-ning to Barnston in 1886, and 
in March of the following year he engaged in his 
present business. On the 6th of May, 1888, he was 
united in marriage to Miss Lydia Stonehocker, a 
daughter of William Stonehocker, of this place. 



bEVI SHAFFER. The present sketch is de- 
signed to offer in brief compendium an out- 
line of the life of the able Superintendent of 
Gage County Poor Farm. This gentleman is a 
native of Somerset County, Pa., and was boin on 
the 16th of March, 1834. His parents, Andi'ew and 
Sarah (Coin) Shaffer, are also natives of Pennsj'l- 
vania, but are of German parentage. The father 
of our subject was by trade a blacksmith, but later 
in life took up land, became a farmer, and still re- 
sides in Cambria County, Pa., superintending his 
farm. • His wife, who is also in the enjo3'ment of 
good health, considering her age, has presented her 
husband with five children, who have been named 
as follows: Samuel, George and William (twins), 
Hannah, who is the wife of Edward Wright, and 
our subject. 

Our subject is the oldest of the family, and re- 
ceived his education while in attendance upon the 
■^ 



district school of his native county, but as the home 
of the family was situated in llie backwoods, he be- 
came better acquainted with the forge and anvil 
than the school, and could '-strike" a shoe for his 
father better than he could read and cipher for his 
teacher. At the ago of eighteen our subject en- 
tered a factory where all manner of woodwork, 
such as fork and shovel handles, was manufactured, 
and served with one firm for a period of fourteen 
years, and received excellent wages for that time. 
When the first rolling-mill at Johnstown, Pa., was 
set up, our subject helped to saw the timber and 
lumber of which it was built. 

In 1866 our subject migrated to Black Hawk 
County, Iowa, and took land and commenced to fol- 
low farming as a regular occupation. In 1876 he 
removed to Montgomery County; four j'ears later 
there was formed in that county a colonj' of Ger- 
man Baptists or Dunkards, which became known as 
Maple Grove. Later the colonists removed to Nor- 
ton County. Kan., and our subject united his fort- 
une and prosi)ects with theirs, and remained there 
three years, but his family being sick the greater 
l>art of the time, he came to Nebraska, and located 
first in Pawnee Count}', and later, in 1884, in Gage 
Countj', and rented land in Paddock Township, 
making his home there for three years. In March, 
1887, be was appointed to the position he occupies 
at present, and took charge of the Poor Farm the 
following month. 

The Poor Farm of Gage County, as may be sur- 
mised, is well situated; it is 100 acres in extent, 
contains some of the best land for agricultural and 
pastoral purposes, and is devoted chiefly to stock- 
raising and farming. There are upon an average 
two men engaged upon it. There are fifteen head of 
cattle, and also three horses, besides a large number 
of hogs raised yearly. 

Our subject was married, in 18.56, to Catherine J. 
Carell, who is a native of Bedford, Pa., and the 
daughter of George and Catherine Carell, natives 
of Pennsylvania, of Irish and German ancestry, re- 
spectively, and residing in Johnstown, Pa. ; they are 
the parents of ten children; eight are now living, 
and residents of Pennsylvania. The father is sev- 
enty-eight 3ears of age, and the mother seventy- 
nine. Mrs. Shaffer has presented her husband with 





GAGE COUNTY. 



431 



4» 



ten eliildren, nine of whom are living. Their names 
are recorded as follows: Elizabeth, now the wife of 
Paul Strayer; Catharine M., now Mrs. William 
Miller; Francis A.; George; Ella, who is happily 
married to Walter Kelso; Amanda, the wife of 
George Beer; Adeline, Marietta and Charlie. Al- 
though our subject has been appointed to his pres- 
ent position, and is a member of the Republican 
part3', he is by no means what is understood by the 
term politician. His interest in such matters con- 
fines itself more especially to the more local matters, 
he is greatl}' interested in his work, and has the 
satisfaction of knowing that his efforts are appre- 
ciated by those who placed him there. His religious 
interests are in the Dunkard Church, of which he is 
an Elder and active minister. The unobtrusive but 
manly character and bearing of our subject, coupled 
with his abilities as a farmer, have won for him the 
general respect of the community at large. Mrs. 
Shaffer is also a member of the same church as her 
husband. 



'Jl—^ ERMAN KRACKE, of Clatouia Township, 
j) is the proprietor of a valuable farm on sec- 
tion 31, where he has the finest residence in 
this part of the count}'. A man of intelli- 
gence and good business capacity, he holds a lead- 
ing position in his community, where his thrift and 
enterprise have ever received a most cheerful ac- 
knowledgment. Like scores of the men about 
him, he is of German birtii and parentage, belong- 
ing to the nationality which has labored so admir- 
ably in the development of the Great West. 

Our subject was born in what is now the Prussian 
Province of Hanover, Germany, Aug. 28, 1851, 
and is the third son of Frederick and Sophia (Oil- 
man) Kracke, who still continue upon their native 
soil. He was placed in school at an eavlj' age, where 
he continued until a lad of fourteen 3'ears. and when 
quite young assisted in the lighter duties of his 
father's farm. Nearly his whole life has been spent 
in the pursuit of agriculture. When a youth of 
twenty j'ears, being ambitious to achieve something 
beyond what there seemed a probabilit}' of his 
accomplishing in his native land, he resolved upon 



emigrating to America. Accordingly in the spring 
of 187J he took p.issagc on an ocean steamer bountl 
from Bremen to New York Citj-, and after a voy- 
age of twelve daj-s landed in the latter metropolis. 
Thence he proceeded at once to Defiance County, 
Ohio, where he was employed on a farm six months. 
Leaving the Buckeye State he crossed the Missis- 
sippi into Dubuque Count}-, Iowa, where he was 
employed on a farm two 3'ears. F'rom Dubuque he 
went into Jackson Countj', of which he was a resi- 
dent a number of years. In .Jackson County he was 
married, F'eb. 27, 1879, to Miss Lizzie Felderman, 
a native of the Hawke^-e State, and the daughter of 
John and Rebecca Felderman, natives of Germany, 
and still residents of Dubuque County, Iowa. 

Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Kracke 
came to this county, and settled among the pioneers 
of Clatonia Township. Mr. K. first secured 160 
acres of land, and was prospered in his labors as a 
tiller of the soil. Later he added to his real estate, 
and is now the owner of 210 acres, which yields 
abundantly the products of Southern Nebraska. 
His career from the first has been onward and 
upward, although he has had his difficulties to con- 
tend with, and from which few men are exempt. 
He gave his first best efforts to the cultivation of 
his land, and then began making the improvements 
which are now viewed with admiration by the trav- 
eler passing through this region. The handsome 
and substantial buildings, the neatly kept fences, 
the live stock and the farm machinery, are all most 
creditable to the industry and enterprise of the 
proprietor. 

Mr. Kracke, politically, sj'mpathizes with and 
supports the principles of the Republican part}*. 
He has served as School Director in his district, and 
is a member in good standing of the Lutheran 
Church. To him and his estimable wife there have 
been born five children, one of whom, John F., was 
born Aug. 17. 1881, and died on the 23d of that 
month. The survivors are: George, born March 
1, 1880; Amelia, July 6, 1882; Rose, Dec. 13, 
1884, and August, Oct. 8, 1886. 

Mrs. Kracke was born in Dubuque County, Iowa, 
May 4, 1856. Her parents were among the earliest 
settlers of that section, and are still living, being 
well advanced in years. They are most excellent 



-L 



-•► 



432 



GAGE COUNTY. 



and worthy i)eople, consistent members of the 
Lutheran Church. Their family inchirled eight 
children, six of whom are living, namely: John, 
Frederic. Mary, Lizzie, Rosa and Rebecca. 



|r^,OBf:RT G. GILMORE, Postmaster of Bar- 
'ijisr^ key, and one of the earliest settlers of Gage 
/A\\\\ County, owns and occupies one of the 
^^ best farms in this section of country, to 
which he came in 1875. A native of Pennsylva- 
nia, he was born in Venango County, July 28, 1839, 
and is the son of William and Jane (Tede) Gil- 
more, who were also natives of the Keystone State, 
and the father of Irish ancestry. The mother, who 
traced her forefathers back to Germany, is still liv- 
ing in Venango County. The paternal grandfather 
of our subject emigrated from Ireland when young 
in years, and settled in Venango County, Pa., where 
he married and reared his family, and where with 
his excellent wife he spent the remainder of his 
days. 

' To the parents of onr subject there were born 
eight children, five sons and three daughters, of 
whom the following survive: Robert G., of this 
sketch; Ira B., of Butler County. Pa.; Quinton B., 
of Mercer County, Pa.; Sarah J., the wife of J. R. 
Adams, of Venango County, Pa.; Agnes I., Mrs. P. 
McCracken, of Venango County, Pa.; William W. ; 
and Anne, the wife of W. Whitman, who still abide 
in their native county in the Keystone State. Will- 
iam Gilmore departed this life at his home in Penn- 
sylvania in February. 1861. The mother, although 
now over seventy years old, is still hale and hearty, 
enjoying the fruits of a well-spent life and the es- 
teem of hosts of friends; she lives in L^tica, Pa., 
near her former home. 

Robert G. Gilmore was reared to man's estate in 
his native county, and at an early age was taught 
those iiabits of industry which have been the secret 
of his success later in life. He received the advan- 
tages of a common-school education, and being fond 
of his books improve<l his opportunities for read- 
ing and study, becoming well informed upon the 
general topics of the da}'. His life passed thus 
unevculfuilv until after the outbreak of the late 



Civil War, and in August. 1861, he enlisted as 
.a soldier in the Union Arm}', becoming a mem- 
ber of Company D, 83d Pennsylvania Infantry. 
His regiment was assigned to the Army of the Po- 
tomac, and Robert Gilmore participated in many 
of the important battles which followed, namely : 
the seige of Yoiktown, the fight of Hanover Court 
House, and the seven-days fight before Richmond, 
the second engagement at Bull Run. and the bat- 
tles of Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville. 
Gettysburg and Rap[iahannock Station. Later he 
was at the battle of the AVilderness, and in the bat- 
tle of Spottsylvania, in which he received serious 
wounds, and still carries a rifle ball in his left thigh. 
At Spottsylvania he was captured by the Con- 
federates and conveyed to Libby Prison, where he 
remained three and one-half months, enduring the 
horrors and sufferings incident to the confinement 
in that terrible pen, and which is a matter of his- 
tor}-. In due time he was paroled and exchanged, 
and three years from the time of his enlistment re- 
ceived his honorable discharge, Sept. 20, 1864. 

Mr. Gilmore upon retiring from the service re- 
turned to his native count}' in Penns^'lvania, where 
he engaged in farming until the spiing of 1875. In 
the meantime he had been married, that important 
event transpiring on the 24th of September, 1867, 
the maiden of his choice being Miss Lucy M. 
Clough. born July 21, 1841, and daughter of Hor- 
ace and Ann (Brown) Clough. Her parents were 
natives of New York and Pennsylvania respect- 
ively. Then with his family, which comprised 
his wife and two children, William B., born June 
4, 1870, and Flora, Nov. 18, 1872, he determined 
to seek a home in the West. Accordingly, cross- 
ing the Mississi[)pi he came to this county, and 
homesteaded eighty acres of land on section 28 in 
Highland Township, where he settled and has since 
remained. His land at the time of the purchase 
w.as in comparatively an uncultivated state, and the 
improvements which the passing traveler beholds 
to-day are the result of his own industry' and per- 
severance. H» lived economically, and from time 
to time added one improvement after another, and 
has now one of the most desirable homesteads in 
this section. His farm comprises 160 acres, which 
he has brought to an exceedingly fertile condition. 



-•► 




<^ 



asMttffffffftg:^ 



nii!iiiiiiiiiini:[i!i!iiwiTpTTnili!)|i)jflfn;ijNPi!|iig^ 



TTtmrnTT 




Residence or James W. Shelley, Sec, 30. Rockford Townshi p. 




aaw^s^fesg 



RE51DENCE OF Jame5 Packer, Sec. 2. Elm Township. 




}aat^iK»'^hi,^S£L'^:=u< 






Residence OF 5. 5. Graves. 5ec. 27. Glenwood Township 



I 



-^•- 






GAGE COUNTY. 



43.0 



nnrl he hns plantrd fruit and sh.nde trees, erected 
tlie liuildiiigs iipcessary ft)r his eomfortand convfii- 
ieiiee, and surrounded himself and his familj- with 
all of the comforts and many of tlie luxuries of life. 
Since locating in Nebraska there have been added 
to his famil}- two more children to jjladden their 
home: Leonard B., born June 18, 1875. and Hor- 
ace C, .Jan. 5. 1880; the_y are all at home. Mr. 
Gilmore's career as a man and citizen has been such 
as to commend him to the esteem and eonfidenee 
of the people of this section, and he has been no 
unimportiint factor in the encouragement of those 
projects which have tended for the best good of 
his communitj-. He received the appointment of 
Postmaster in the sjjring of 1884, under the ad- 
ministration of President Arthur, and has conducted 
the affairs of the oflice in a manner creditable to 
himself and satisfactory to all concerned. 

The first Presidential vote of our subject was 
cast for Abraham Lincoln in 18G0, and he has uni- 
formly been a supporter of Republican principles. 
He is serving his third term as School Director in 
his district, and is in favor of everything to im- 
prove the county and elevate society. 

We present a view of Mr. Gilmore's farm resi- 
dence on another page of this Album. 

iEORGP: T. MITCHELL is widely and favor- 
ably known as one of the successful farmers 
of Barneston Township. His property is 
situated on section 33, and is 160 acres in extent; 
it is utilized for the purpose of general farming, 
supplemented by the raising of stock. Thisgentle- 
m.-iu is a native of Michigan, and was born on the 
30th of June, 1856. He is the son of Elislia and 
Eliz.ibeth Mitchell, natives respectively of New 
York and England. The former is deceased. 

The parents of our subject removed in 1862 to 
Guthrie County, Iowa, and continued there to en- 
gage ill farm and dairj' work. In that place our 
subject spent the d.ays of boj'hood and youth, and 
in its schools leceivcd his education, which, al- 
though not so extensive .asmighthave i)een desired, 
covered the mofe common branches, and in these 
was thorough. From the time of leaving school 



■♦- 




our subject was employed in farming until 1880, 
when he came to this county, and settled upon his 
present farm. 

In Se|)teniber, 1881, our subject was joined in 
wedlock to Martha With, who was born in Illinois, 
Oct. 8, 18G0, to John AV. and Sarah With, resi- 
dents of Paddock Township, this county, and na- 
tives of Maryland. The felicity of this union h.as 
been more assured and completed by the birth of 
four children, to whom have been given the names 
here subjoined: Bertie, George. Ora and Clara E. 

Our subject has for many years been a member 
of the United Brethren Church, in which commun- 
ion he. with his family, is held in high regard as a 
worlhj' and consistent adherent. 



DWARD LEONARD is a successful general 
farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 
14, Lincoln Townsiiip. where lie has a well- 
improved farm of IGO acres. He purchased it and 
made his home on it in 1884. since which time he 
has changed it from rough, uncultivated prairie 
land to the fertile and attractive fields of a well- 
regulated farm, and has it well stocked with a good 
grade of cattle, horses and hogs. He was born in 
France on the lOth of July, 1861. and when he was 
about four years old his parents came to the United 
States and made their home in Illinois. The father, 
Francis Leonard, w.is born in France, and there 
spent all his life previous to his coming to America; 
there he was educated and taught the agricultural 
arts, and there he married his wife, Margaret Sp.ade, 
who is, like her husband, of pure French ancestiy. 
AVhen they left their native country they had a 
family of seven children, and with them they settled 
in Effingham County, 111., where one child w.asborn 
to them. Thcj"^ remained in that place until 1871, 
when the}' came to this countv, and the father se- 
cured a tract of unbroken prairie land in Blakely 
Township, on which the}' live<l until quite recently. 
The parents are now retired from active business 
life, and make their home in the city of Beatrice. 

In company with his parents our subject came to 
this county in 1871. where he continued the pur- 
suit of his education, and grew up to young man- 

^ 



r 



-I 



430 



GAGE COUNTY. 






hood. On the 19th of January, 1887, he was united 
in marriage, in Beatrice, to Miss Kate McHugh, who 
'"as Iiorn in Warren County, Ohio, on the 21st of 
December, 1868. She is the daughter of Daniel and 
Anna (Guckian) McHugh, who were natives of Ire- 
land, liut had early come to the United States, and 
were married in Ohio. They came to Nehraska 
in 1881, since which time thej^ made their home 
near Filley, where the mother is yet living, aged 
about forty-four j'ears, the father having died on 
the 22d of December, 1884, at the age of fort}'-six 
years. Mr. and Mrs. Leonard are devout members 
of the Catholic Churcii, and are esteemed as liighly 
intelligent and respected citizens of Lincoln Town- 
ship. Tiie former affiliates with the Republican 
party in politics, and is spoken of among his fel- 
lowmen as an honest and honorable business man, 
possessing the confidence of tliose witii wliom he is 
brouglit in contact in a business and social way. 

-^ .^^ ^ 




FREDERICK W. KASSING. A goodly pro- 
portion of the pioneer settlers of Gage 
County have been tiiose who trace their ori- 
gin to a foreign land, principall3' the Empire of 
Germany. Of that great nation the ancestors of 
our subject were a portion, and he also was born in 
what is now the Prussian Province of Hanover, 
on the 20th of Jlay, 1838. His parents, Joseph 
and Elizabeth (Evermann) Kassing, spent their en- 
tire lives on their native soil. Frederick W. re- 
mained a member of the parental household until 
a youth of eighteen years, and then, not satisfied 
with the outlook for the future, made arrangements 
with his brother, Joseph K., to emigrate to America. 
In the summer of 185G, bidding adieu to the 
friends and associations of their childhood, they 
embarked on a sailing-vessel at Bremen, and after 
a tedious ocean voyage of about seven weeks and 
three days, landed in the city of Baltimore, Md. 
Thence they soon proceeded to Scioto County, 
Ohio, where our subject followed cabinet-making 
several years, a trade he had learned when but a 
boy in his native town. Upon the outbreak of the 
Cival War he enlisted, in August, 1861, in Com- 
pany F, 33d Ohio Infantrj', and participated in 



♦HJH^: 



many of the important battles which followed. At 
Perr3'vilie he was wounded in the jaw. and con- 
fined in the Marine Hospital from the 8th of Octo- 
ber until the 12th of April, 1863. He then accepted 
his honorable discharge, and is now tlie recipient of 
a pension of $\2 per month from the Govern- 
ment. 

Upon leaving the army Mr. Kassing sought his 
old haunts in Scioto County, Ohio, and occu- 
pied himself at wagon-making in both Scioto and 
Lawrence Counties a number of years. In the 
meantime he was married, Sept. 14, 1864, to Miss 
Mary Freye, a native of the Buckeye State, and 
who by her union with our subject has become tiie 
mother of nine children. Of these the record is as 
follows: Emma E. is the wife of Charles Kurtzer, 
of Lancaster County, this State ; the others, Will- 
iam, John, Sarah, Louisa, Frank, David, Alice and 
George, are at home with their parents. 

Mr. Kassing in the spring of 1868 left the Buck- 
eye State, and coming to this count}', homesteaded 
eighty acres of land in Clatonia Township, and ou 
account of his military services secured still further 
real estate upon a land warrant. He is now the 
owner of 240 acres, which he lias brought to a good 
state of cultivation, and upon which he has erected 
substantial frame buildings. The present dwelling 
hardly meets his requirements, and in the near fu- 
ture he expects to put up a residence whicli will be 
more in keeping with his means and station. He 
has planted a fine assortment of shade trees adja- 
cent to the residence, comprising walnut, ash and 
Cottonwood, which are already of sufficient size to 
ward off the heat of summer and the storms of 
winter. The career of Mr. Kassing has been one 
of great industry and perseverance, and in the pos- 
session of a fine estate he is enjoying ample re- 
ward for his toil and sacrifices. 

Mr. Kassing upon becoming a naturalized citi- 
zen identified himself with the Republican party, to 
which he has since given his cordial support. He 
has been quite prominent in local affairs, serving 
nearly four years as Postmaster at Baden, which is 
now Clatonia post-office, and being the first incum- 
bent of this office. He has also served as School 
Director, and takes a genuine interest in the estab- 
lishment and support of educational institutions. 

•^ 



1 



-^•- 




GAGE COUNTY. 



437 



Botli he and his excellent wife are raembers in 
jjood standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
in wliicli our subject has served as Steward and 
been one of its ciiief pillars. 

Mrs. Kassing was born in Scioto County. Ohio, 
Nov. 3, 1844, and is the daughter of .loliu and 
Elizabeth Frej'e. Her parents were natives of 
Germany, and emigrated to America earlj- in life, 
before their marri.age, settling in Seiuto Count}', 
Ohio. There the mother died about 18oG. The 
father subsequently removed to Lawrence Count}', 
in the same State, and departed hence about 18()8. 
Their family included nine children, onl}' three of 
whom .are living: Adam H.. of Kentuck}'; Eliza- 
beth, the wife of Daniel Miller, of Ohio, and Mrs. 
Kassing, the wife of our subject. 

JOHN B. MUMFORD. Among the farmers 
and stock-raisers of Logan Township, who 
occupy a prominent place in their chosen 
occupation, must certainlj' be mentioned the 
gentleman whose name is at the head of this com- 
pendium. Our subject was born in Worcester 
County, Md., on the 2d of September, 1830. 
Until he attained his majority he continued to make 
his home with his parents, but nt the age of twentj'- 
one years he removed to Adams County, Ohio, 
with his mother. He is a brother of Jacob Mum- 
ford, a prominent farmer of this count}', a sketch 
of whose life will be found upon another page of 
this volume, to which we would refer the reader de- 
sirous of obtaining further particulars regarding 
this interesting famil}-. 

Our subject removed in the year 1854 from his 
farm in Adams County, Ohio, to Argyle, Wis., and 
theiice to Willow Springs, in the same .State. There 
he remained until 1865, each j'ear witnessing an 
increasing prosperitj' and progress. In the latter 
year he left the State of Wisconsin and removed to 
this county, settling upon his present farm, which 
he purchased from his brother. This property was 
160 acres in extent. Since th.at time he has pur- 
chiised an additional 240 acres, making the 400 
acres which is the extent of the farm now op- 
l)eratcd b}' him. This is all thoroughly well im- 



proved. His fields and jjastures are well fenced, 
and that part under cultivation presents an ap- 
pearance of intelligent, thrifty success that argues 
well for the coming harvest. For his stock there 
is water in abundance from Bear Creek, which is a 
stream supplied by a large number of springs, and 
in the dryest season is still a sure source of supply. 
Then he has provided a full set of substantially 
built, well-arr.anged farm buildings, and has erected 
a very pleasant, commodious dwelling, which is 
supplied with numberless conveniences that can 
onl}' be fully appreciated by the thorough house- 
keeper. He has furthermore set out in the vicinity 
of his home a large number of fruit trees of various 
kinds and of choice grades, and provided several 
groves of One shade and forest trees, which add 
very much to the beauty of the situation. 

While resident in Adams Count}-, Ohio, our sub- 
ject was united in marriage with Mary A. Itoush, 
on the 28th of August, 1853. This lady, who is 
the daughter of Permeaus and Catherine (Smith) 
Roush, of Virginia, was born in Ad.ams County, on 
the 2d of June. 1837. Their union has been blessed 
and its felicities increased by the birth of nme cliiU 
dren, whose names are here given: Willie (de- 
ceased), Sarah, Charles B., George (deceased), Eu- 
gene, Ida N., Frank, Clara and Luther. Their 
son Charles, who is a farmer in Logan Township, 
is the husband of Martha Dearborn, who has pre- 
sented him with three children — Charley D., Les- 
lie M. and Mabel E. Sarah is happily married to 
W. A. Foreman, of whom a sketch appears upon 
another page of this volume; they are the parents 
of three children, to whom have been given the 
following names: Ernest, Walter and Arthur. 

The stock upon Mr. Mumford's farm differs only 
in parts and points from that usually found upon a 
first-class and well-regulated stock farm. Perhaps 
the most worthy of mention of the large number of 
very beautiful creatures in his stables and pastures is 
a trotter," Minnie E.," who shows about 2:40 gait; 
she is a bright bay color and stands sixteen hands 
high. By all connoisseurs she is considered one 
of the best built trotters of the State, as shapely 
in form and of as elegant grace of action as can be 
found in quite a large district of country. She was 
sired liy the celebrated "Bret Harte." 



f 



-4«- 



438 



gagp: county. 



At present our subject is not in active raeinber- 
sliip with any society or fratcrnitj', although he 
was at one time and for many years a member of 
the Society of Grangers. In political matters he 
acknowledges allegiance to the Democratic party, of 
which he has for man}' years been an acknowledged 
supporter, and for which, in the late campaign, he 
did all that lay in his power, considering his age. 
AVhatever influence he possessed in the county, and 
it is not a little, was given in the interest of the men 
who are the choice of the Democrats of the United 
States, as expressed in their convention. Both Mr. 
and Mrs. Mumford have been since early life mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are 
acknowledged among its truest friends, strongest 
supporters and most consistent adherents. It were 
indeed hard to find in Logan Township a family 
held in higher regard th:in that of our subject. 

OHN MORDIIORST. Upon Niagara ave- 
nue in the city of Wymore there stands an 
unexceptiouallj' fine brick business block, 
) which bears the name of the subject of this 
sketch, who is one of the prominent citizens and 
eai'lj' settlers, having located here before the plat- 
ting of the city. This gentleman was born in Hol- 
stein, German}', upon the 12th of Januarj-, 1825, 
and received his education in the public schools 
of his native place, which was afterward supple- 
mented by a course in a private acadeni}'. At the 
age of seventeen he was apprenticed to a butcher 
for four 3-ears, which was followed by a like period, 
beginning in the year 1848, in which he was at- 
tached to the army, and served in the 4th Corps. 
He saw considerable service in the war in which 
Holstein sought to free itself from Deimiark. As 
is well known it failed, but has since become part 
of the German Empire. Our subject was several 
times wounded, and still bears some eight or ten 
scars from the more serious of his wounds. 

In 18.52 our subject left the army and resumed 
his trade, and continued to follow the same for 
about five j'ears, when he came to the United 
States, and proceeded direct to Davenport, Iowa, 
and settled there in the year 1857. lie made his 



home in that city for .about one year, which event- 
ually proved to be one of the most im|)ortant in 
his life, from the fact that he there met and sub- 
sequently married Miss Louisa Lentz, Dec. l(i, 
1859, a lady who has since that time aided him 
largely in achieving the brilliant success which his 
history shows to be his. Almost immediately after 
his marriage he went to Muscatine, in the same 
State, and engaged in his regular business, and in 
that place all their children were born. Their 
family included four sons and two daughters, 
whose names are subjoined : Detlef, John, Jr., 
Frank S., Anna, Charles and Etta. Of these all 
but John and Frank are living. 

After remaining in Muscatine for seventeen years, 
our subject purchased a farm of 240 acres in Potta- 
wattamie Count}', Iowa, and improved it, taking ex- 
ceptional pains with the buildings, erecting fences, 
setting out an orchard and other trees, and in short 
made it almost a model farm, and made his home 
there for a period of seven years. In the year 1 879 
cur subject sold his Iowa property, and came to 
Blue Springs, Wymore being then an unknown 
quantity. He entered in business here, having a 
heav}' contract with the Burlington & Missouri River 
Railway to furnish meat to the workmen in their 
employ, in extending the line from Culvertson to 
Denver, as he had previously done when the track 
was laid from Table Rock to Antikote. Both con- 
tracts were a great financial success. Upon re- 
turning from the absence necessitated by the above 
our subject opened a market here, and also one in 
Blue .Springs, and in these also saw a continuance 
of prosperity, and built the block above referred to. 

The property referred to in our opening para- 
graph is only one of several buildings in which Mr. 
Mordhorst is interested, for he is also the owner of 
an exceptionally fine residence, and quite a number 
of both improved and unimproved pieces of prop- 
erty, also a large .and beautiful pasture not far from 
the city. In addition to the business in live and 
dead meat, which is by far the lai'gest in the citj', 
our subject h.as established ice houses, which are at 
once the first erected and the largest in the eitj'. 
His butcher establishment our subject now rents to 
his eldest son, but retains his ice trade, which is 
everv 3'car growing in importance. He began in 

^ 



I 



M^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



439 



^ 



187!) wiih one small house, but has been compelled 
to add to it from year to year, until now his houses 
have a ("qjaeit)' of 2.000 tons. 

John Mordhorst. Sr., the father of our subject, 
was born in Holstein in 1795, and in tlie days when 
education did not occupy its present jiosition, but 
after he had received what was obtainable in that 
regard, he learned tlie trade of stone cutting, and 
made it his life occupation, succeeding in establish- 
ing quite an extensive buhincss, frequently filling 
verj- large contracts. He was married about the 
j'ear 1818, and became the father of seven children, 
six of whom were sons. He lived until about the 
year 1872, and was survived by his wife only six 
months. 

Mr. Mordhorst, our subject, bus at all times been 
energetic, enthusiastic and public-spirited in every- 
thing which inoniiscd to be of advantage to the town, 
and has done, perhaps, more than might be called 
his share in that regard, and is accorded the heart- 
iest esteem and siucerest regard of his fellow-citizens. 
He has served as Sheriflf of Rock Springs, but is by 
no means an office-seeker. Ever since coming to 
the country he has sought to becouie fully con- 
versant with the institutions peculiar to this form 
of government, and has been conscientious and 
consistent in his adiiereuce to the Republican party. 
Socially, he is connected with the 1. 0. O. F., and 
enjoys the sincere respect of his fellow members. 



^^ EORGE WILLIAMSON. In no other coun- 
III gj=, try than America can there be found such 
^^Jl a union of nationalities, not simply in the 
matter of living in neighborly congenialitj', but in 
the more intimate relations incident to intermar- 
riage between representatives of divers countries, 
an illustration of which is found in the parentage 
of our subject, who is the owner of an excellent 
farm, situated on section 28 of Glenwood Town- 
ship, and also the efficient, careful and painstaking 
Clerk of the township. His father, John William- 
son, was born about the year 1823, in Ireland; his 
mother, Margaret Uhl, was a native of Pennsyl- 
vania. 

Mr. John Williamson received his early educa- 



tion in the parish schools of his native country, and 
afterward turned his attention to brickiiiaking as a 
means of livelihood. He emigrated to the United 
States in the year 1840, landing at Philadelphia, 
shortly after making his way to Pittsburgh, and 
followed his chosen calling. In the late unpleas- 
antness he enlisted in Company A, 75th Pennsyl- 
vania Infautrj'. After considerable service he was 
taken |)risoner at the battle of .Missionary Ridge, and 
incarcerated in Libby Prison, where he succumbed 
to the horrors of the situation, and died in Novem- 
ber, 18G3. After this almost crushing aflliction 
his wife undertook the task of rearing their chil- 
dren, and from that on lived for them. She had 
the joy of seeing them started well in life, and went 
to her last rest on the 31st of January, 1887, at 
Carroll, Carroll Co., Iowa. 

Of the above family our subject was the third 
child born. He first opened bis eyes to the light 
on the 1st of July, 1852, at Pittsburgh, Pa., and 
was still in his infancy when his parents removed 
to Frostburg, Md., and one year later the}- removed 
to Dixon, 111., where he grew to manhood, and with 
the exception of one year spent in Iowa, lived until 
the spring of 1879, when he came to Gage County. 
He settled in Glenwood Township, which he has 
made his place of residence ever since. He has a 
very fine farm, including some eighty acres vvell in 
hand and brought to a high state of cultivation. 

While resident in the cit}' of Dixon our subject 
became the acknowledged friend of Miss Miltie K. 
Miller, which relation was exchanged upon the 8th 
of December, 1872, for the more close compan- 
ionship of the wedded state. Miss Miller is the 
daughter of Ephraim and Mary (Boone) Miller, who 
are residents of Shrewsbury, Pa. Their famil3- in- 
cluded seven children, Mrs. Williamson being the 
second. She was born in Peru, 111., on the 13th 
of January, 1854. Mr. and Mrs Williamson are 
happy in being the parents of a daughter, Nellie 
M., who is now thirteen years of age. 

Our subject was elected to the office of Clerk of 
Glenwood Township by a large majority at the 
election of 1886, and was re-elected the following 
year. His first office in the township was that of 
Constable, to which he was elected in 1885, and so 
discharged the duties of the same as to lead to the 



• ¥j k ^> 



-4•- 

440 




GAGE COUNTY. 



subsequent office. Mrs. Williamson is a devout 
member of the English Lutheran Church, and is 
very highl}' respected therein. Her iuisband has 
alw.ays been greatly interested in Governmental 
and political questions, and votes uniformly with 
the Republican partj". He is a consistent friend of 
every project that will advance the elevation of 
societj' morally, or promote its temporal interests. 



■€^|«*|-" 



c 



HARLES MO.SCHEL, junior member of the 
firm of Lang & Moschel, is with his partner 
carrying on a thriving trade in groceries, 
and everything pertaining thereto, and is located on 
Fifth and Klla streets, in the city of Beatrice. He 
first opened bis e^'cs to the light on the other side 
of the Atlantic, in the village of AVebenheim, Ger- 
many, Jan. 28, 1847, and was the fouith in a fam- 
ily' of seven children, five sons and two daughters. 
These are all living and residents mostly of the 
United States. 

The parents of our subject. Christian and Mar- 
garet (Schanzen) Moschel, were of pure German 
ancestry, and the father spent his entire life upon 
his native soil. He followed cabinet-making, and 
died in middle life, about 1854. The mother sub- 
sequently with five children emigrated to America, 
and after a brief sojourn in New York City the 
family proceeded to the vicinity of Peoria, 111., set- 
tling on a tract of land several miles from the city. 
Charles at that time was a lad of about seventeen 
years, and continued with his mother until twent3'- 
six years old. The family finally removed to the 
vicinity of Chenoa, 111., and the bo3S still continued 
the agricultural pursuits upon which they had en- 
tered when coming to America. The mother died 
in September, 1886. 

Mr. Moschel, in 1872, crossed the Mississippi to 
this State, and locating in Beatrice, associated him- 
self first as a partner with Messrs. .J. Kline & Co., 
and engaged in general merchandising for a [)criod of 
fourteen years. He then became a partner of Mr. 
Lang in the grocery business, in 1887. He was 
married, Aug. 22, 187G, to Miss Maria Braun, who 
W.1S born in November, 18r)2, in Germany, and is 
th.e daughter of Domnis Braun, who, with his wife. 



was a native of Germany, and came to this county 
in 1878. Mr. B. resides in Beatrice. 

To Air. and Mrs. Moschel there have been born 
three children — Maria L.. Curl F. and Anna E. 
They occupy a pleasant home in the southwestern 
part of the city, and are highly esteemed among a 
wide cii'cle of friends and acquaintances. Mr. M., 
socially, belongs to the K. of P., No. 30, at Bea- 
trice, and politically, gives his supi)ort to the Demo- 
cratic party. He has steadily declined becoming 
an office-seeker, but is alwa3-s willing to work for 
his friends. 

The mother of our subject late in life came to 
this county', and died at the home of her son, 
Louis Moschel, in Beatrice, in September, 188(3. 
Having been born in 1813, she was consequently 
seventy-three years old at the time of her decease. 
One sister and two brothers of our subject are resi- 
dents of Livingston County. 111.; another sister 
married Mr. J. Klein, and resides in Beatrice. Mr. 
Moschel was at one time a member of the firm of J. 
Klein & Co., with whom he continued in business 
for fourteen years. Upon the dissolution of part- 
nership the stock was divided, Messrs. Moschel and 
Lang taking the groceries and Mr. Klein the dry- 
goods. Among the wide-awake and enterprising 
business men of Beatrice Mr. Moschel occupies no 
secondary position. 



,^^i ONS NELSON. Of the little colony in 
G.age County of those who are natives of 
Sweden, who have made this their adopted 
State and country, few are more worthy of 
mention in a work of this character than the sub- 
ject of this sketch, who, with his sons, is among the 
most industrious and loj'al, and we might add suc- 
cessful, members of the community. He was born 
in Sweden, April 28, 1822. As he became old 
enough he was drafted into the multitudinous 
details of farm work, and continued upon his 
father's farm until he became of age, and then 
farmed on his own account until he came to Amer- 
ica in the spring of 1870, with his wife and four 
children, and settled in Sangamon County, 111. 
There he engaged in agriculture for about two 



►^h^^.^ 



^^^1-^ 



■<- 




GAGE COUNTY. 



441 



years, hikI then removed to Nemaha Covinty, in 
this State, anrl continued tfi operate a farm with 
increasing success for about six years. He then 
removed to Glenwood Township, this county, wiiicli 
has been his home ever since 

'Ihe present farm of Mr. Nelson includes 120 
acres of excellent and well lying land, which he 
works upon the line of general farming, at the same 
time raising a small amount of stock. He has made 
good improvements, his farm being in an excellent 
stale of cultivation. His barn and other buidings, 
although not elegant and fiinciful, are good, solid 
and convenient, erected with a view rather to use 
than ornamentation. His dwelling is pleasant and 
well built, and was put up with the same purpose 
in mind as in the case of the buildings above men- 
tioned. Its appearance is rendered more pleasing 
by the abundance of fruit and forest trees in its 
vicinit}-. 

While yet in his native country, as noted above, 
our subject was married, the event being celebrated 
in February, 1848, when he was united with Malena 
Walderaars, who was born in tlie same country, 
on tlie 1st of February, 1830. Their family in- 
cluded four children, whose names are recorded as 
herein given — Lind, Peter, Nels and Thomas. Mr. 
and Mrs. Nelson are both nieml^ers of the Lutheran 
Church, in which communion they were brought 
up, and to which thej' have ever been faithful. 

Our subject is not what is understood by the 
term a politician, but he is at the same time duly 
interested in matteis pertaining thereto, and is 
usually found voting with the Republican party, 
which finds in him a stanch friend and supporter. 



4 



J" I AMES D. MYERS is President of the First 
Commercial Bank, of Odell. He was born 
in Waverlj', Tioga Co., N. Y., on the 1 4th 
' of Maj', 1824, and remained on his father's 
farm until he was twenty-one years old. after 
which he spent four years in a store as clerk, and 
was engaged in the mercantile business for two years 
at Wavcrlj'. Ii\ the spring of 1 8.52 he went to 
California, via the Isthmus of Panama, and w.as 
absent from his native city for about three years. 



Duiing the summer of 18.52 he w.as engaged in the 
gold mines, and from the mines he went to the val- 
le}' of the .San Jose, where he engaged in farming in 
company with a friend. After raising two crops 
our subject sold his interest and returned to Wa- 
verly, his trip to California having been a financial 
success. 

On returning from the Pacific Coast our subject 
was married, and at once came AVest, traveling all 
through the summer of 185n seeking a home, and 
finallj' he decided to stop at Independence, Iowa, 
where he continued to live for eleven years. He 
took a prominent part in the building of that town, 
erecting several business blocks and dwelling-houses. 
He owned a farm close to the city, and for a time 
eng.aged in feeding and shipping cattle and stock, 
also having an interest in the mercantile business in 
town. In 1866 he sold his farm and moved to 
Geneva, III., where he bought a flouring-mill and 
took charge of it for three years, at the same time 
having connection with a grain and commission 
house in Chicago. 

Our subject sold his mill and moved to Chicago, 
where he bought property and continued in the 
commission business until 1870, when he again sold 
and went to Chetopa, Labette Co., Kan., with a stock 
of goods. He located a branch house at Coffe_v- 
ville, and for two years he took the management of 
these two stores, in the meantime being engaged 
in buying and selling cattle, shipping them to 
Annawan, Henry Co., 111., near which vill.age he 
owned a stock farm. After selling out his stores 
in Kansas our subject bought a farm near Dixon, 
111., and fed cattle on both farms. He sold the 
Dixon farm in 1875, and again engaged in the 
commission business in Chicago, in which city his 
family had continued to reside. 

In the year 1880 Mr. Myers again forsook the 
commission business, selling his claim, and came to 
Nebraska in the interest of the Lincoln Land 
Company'. He bought 360 acres of land in what 
are now known .as Greenwooil and Paddock 
Townships, on which the village of Odcll now 
stands, our subject being instrumental in platting 
the city. He has since engaged in tiu> mercantile 
business and again disposed of it. In May, 1883, 
he established tiie First Commercial Bank, whicli 



■•► 



f 



M^ 



412 



GAGE COUNTY. 



was an iiuli vicinal bank until March, 1888, when 
uniler the laws of the State it was organized as a 
State Bank. He has since continued President, with 
Franklin Walker as Vice President, and Monroe 
Robertson, Cashier. They carry on a general bank- 
ing business, and our subject is also engaged in 
handling live stock. He is the owner of excellent 
farming land and valuable town property. 

On the 14th of March, 1855, Mr. Myers was mar- 
rie<l, in Corning, N. Y., to Miss Elizabeth A. Cress, 
who was born in Sraithsboro, Tioga Count}', on the 
Isl of August, 1827. They have become the par- 
ents of three children : James, Ida and Maggie, 
the last-named of whom died when she was eighteen 
months old, and tlie first and second named being 
at home with their parents. Our subject is a mem- 
ber of the Masonic fraternity, and is a Republican 
in politics. He has shown an unusual amount 
of public spirit and business activity, and in the 
various cities in which he has been connected with 
business he has lent his aid to the establishment of 
reliable firms. Few men who have led such active, 
busy lives as he have been so universally success- 
ful in their enterprises. 



" ^ BENEZER MOSES is one of the earliest pio- 

Eneers of Sicily Township, having come here 
from Delaware Count}', Ohio, in November. 
1869. He located the farm which he still owns 
and on which he now lives. When he came here 
the prairies were not inhabited by white people, the 
red men still holding undisputed sway over the lands 
on which the Great Father had placed them. The 
neighbors were few and far between, there being 
but seven families of white people, who had their 
houses built near the creek which runs through the 
farm of our subject. The Indians then abounded, 
and they still indulged without molestation in their 
favorite pastime of hunting, deer and antelope be- 
ing here in large numbers. 

Our subject was married in Delaware County, 
Ohio, Feb. 27, 1868, to Mrs. Mahala Cramer, who 
had previous!}' been the wife of William Cramer, 
her maiden name, Mahala Hoover. She was the 



mother of two sons by her first marriage, John M. 
and Jacol) L., who were reared by their mother ami 
our subject. Soon after Jacob became twenty-one 
years old both of the boys went to Hayes County, 
Neb., where they still live, each of them having 
taken up a claim of land. Jacob was married, on 
the 27th of August, 1884, to Miss Dora Nickols, of 
this neighborhood, and with them .lohn now makes 
his home, their farms adjoining. 

Mr. and Mrs. Moses have been given a family of 
six children, of whom Mary, Cyrus E., Laura I. and 
Emry, are still living, while Clara and Eben are 
deceased. The wife of our subject departed this 
life on the 23d of February, 1887, at the age of 
forty-eight years. During her life she had been an 
active member of the Methodist Church, an estima- 
ble and consistent Christian woman. She pos- 
sessed many amiable qualities, was a kind friend 
and neighbor, and had faithfully shared with her 
husband the toils and hardships incident to the life 
of an early settler in a new and undeveloped coun- 
try. 

Our subject has a very fine farm consisting of 120 
acres on section 7, which he has brought to its pres- 
ent state of cultivation, and on which he has erected 
good farm buildings. He has had quite an experi- 
ence in pioneer life, has seen the prairies cleared of 
their former inhabitants, and in the place of their 
tents and wigwams there have sprung up countless 
towns and cities in a thriving and flourishing con- 
dition, with churches, school-houses, business blocks 
and handsome residences, all an indication of the 
rapid progress of civilization in this section of the 
country. 

When our country was convulsed with the late 
civil strife, our subject was among the brave men 
who assisted in her rescue, enlisting in Company B 
of the Ohio National Guards, on the 28th of May, 
1863, with which company he remained for six 
months. Then he enlisted in Company D. 187th 
Ohio Infantry, in which he served one year, and 
was discharged on the 2'Jth of February, 1860. 
With this company he participated in the battle of 
the Wilderness at Richmond, Va., where they were 
fighting constantly for seven days. He was also in 
several smaller engagements, but fortunately he re- 
ceived no wounds. He is a member of Rawlins 







i^ 





/^Z^(U^ 




► ■ ' ^ » 



GAGE COUNTY. 



445 



Post No. 35, G. A. R., of Beatrice, and affiliates 
with the Republican party. To his loyal efforts in 
her defense, and his unabating zeal in developing 
her resources, is the country much indebted. 






JfACOB KLEIN. There are few more capa- 
I ble, popular or successful business men than 
Ij the subject of this sketch, the proprietor of 
I' the well-known drj- -goods and clothing em- 
porium in Beatrice. He is a native of Germany, 
and was born near the city of Bingen, which stands 
upon the banks of the Rhine, and has been celebrated 
in song and story. His birth occurred on the 31st 
of March. 1846. He accompanied his parents, 
Jacob and Margaret (Weiser) Klein, when they 
came to the United States in 1855. The family 
landed in New York Citj', thence went to Peoria, 111., 
from there across the Illinois River to Tazewell 
County, where the father leased a farm, and there 
the}' made their home for over ten 3'ears, after 
which they removed to Livingston Count}', in the 
same State. There in 1874 Mrs. Klein departed 
this life, and was followed on the same m^'sterious 
journej', in 1879, bj' her husband. Their family 
included five children, of whom our subject was the 
3'oungest. 

Jacob attended school in his native country 
from the age of six to ten 3'ears. The educational pro- 
cess was continued in the district schools of Illinois 
for two years; after that he gave his whole time to 
the work of the farm, remaining with his parents 
until he was about twenty-three years of age; then 
he started for himself, at first upon the old home; 
stead in Livingston County. In 1873 he came to 
Beatrice, where he has since resided. Immediately 
upon his arrival he entered into a business partner- 
ship with Charles Moschel and Emil Lang, under 
the firm name of J. Klein & Co. This partnership 
continued until January, 1887, during which time, 
in answer to the dem.<ind of their business, they had 
added to their former stock an extensive line of 
general dry -goods and clothing. Earl3' in 1887 
the three partners divided up the stock, our sub- 
ject taking the dry-goods and clothing as his de- 



partment, which has abundantly proved its power 
to yield a handsome and remunerative profit. 

The business of Mr. Klein is carried on in what 
is known as the Klein Block, a large, handsome, 
well-built and substantial building. It is two sto- 
ries with a ground measurement of 25x110 feet; it 
is supplied also with a good basement, which is 
utilized for the purpose of receiving and storing 
gooils, packages, cases, etc. Since starting for him- 
self Mr. Klein has added to his stock quite a gen- 
erous line of furnishing goods; also a hat depart- 
ment, and another for boots and shoes. He is, 
perhaps, one of the best established tradesmen in 
the city, and a worthy representative of the mer- 
cantile interests, not only of Beatrice but of Eastern 
Neljraska. 

Mr. Klein was married in the year 1871, the 
maiden of his choice being Catharine Moschel, of 
Livingston County, 111., but a native of Germany, 
who came to America in 18G5. A sketch of her 
parents is given in the histor3' of her brother, 
Charles Moschel. Four children have been given 
to them as the fruit of this union, whose namesare: 
Jacob A.. Frederick K.. Ida M. and John C. The 
wife of our subject is the daughter of Christian and 
Margaret (Schauzen) Moschel, who were born in 
German}'. 

In addition to his store and his business interests, 
our subject is largely engaged in other matters. 
He is a large stockholder, and also a director of 
the Beatrice Canning Company, and is one of the 
original twenty who founded the Gage County 
Agricultural Society. He is also connected with 
the Beatrice Paper Company, of which he is Vice 
President, and a member of the School Board. In 
addition to the above he is .agent for the various 
ocean steamship companies, and is in power to 
contract for shipments and sell passenger tickets in 
the usual way. He is also a Notary Public, ami 
has quite a large business in the line of collections 
and foreign exchanges. Upon the list of stock- 
holders of the Gage County National Bank, the name 
of our subject is ver}' frequently met with, in fact 
there are very few, if any, of the various societies, 
companies and associations that have been pro- 
jected for tlic benefit and advancement of Bea- 
trice, with which he has not been identified, and in 



• •► ^ B ^> 



446 



4^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



4 



every instance an active, sharply intelligent and 
effective worker, and has devoted himself heartily 
to the upbuilding of the city of his adoption. 

All that has been accomplished in the life of Mr. 
Klein, its development and business success, has 
been practically the result of his own unaided effort, 
his ambition and business tact, the enterprise and 
the irrepressible activity, and he is now simply 
reaping the harvest these have sown in other days. 
His political opinions are with the Democratic 
])artj-, and the influence he wields is alwaj^s in its 
favor. 

Among the representative citizens of whom por- 
traits are presented in this volume, the well-known 
features of Mr. Klein will be welcomed by a host 
of friends and the public in general. 



^s^EORGE M. STEECE. Among the citizens 
(II j__, of Logan Township, there are few who sur- 
^^j| pass in any attribute of worth}* manhood and 
good citizenship the gentleman whoso biography is 
herein sketched, who, although a representative 
farmer of the township, is also a member of the 
bar, and was at one time connected with the edi- 
torial staff of one of Iowa's well-known papers. The 
father of our subject. Archibald Stv^ece, was born 
in Adams County, Ohio, in 1824. His chosen occu- 
pation in life was that of a stove molder. In 1877 
he went to Benton Count}', Iowa, and is at present 
living with his son, our subject. The mother of 
our subject, whose maiden name was P>llen Sterne, 
was born in Rockingham County, Va., of which 
l)lace also her father, William Sterne, though of 
German descent, was a native. 

Tlie grandfather of our subject was born in 
Maryland, and afterward removed to Lawrence 
County. There he founded and operated the Mt. 
Vernon Furnace, and made his fortune thereby. 
He died on the Missouri River in 1851, while visit- 
ing there with a vievv of prospecting for coal lands. 
His father, the great-grandfather of our subject, 
came from Holland, and was one of the very earli- 
est settlers. 

The only child bom to Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan 



Steece was their son George, the subject of this 
sketch. He was ushered into life in St. Lawrence 
County, Ohio, on the 2d of July, 1852. He resided 
with his parents until he attained his majority; 
after passing successfully through all the classes of the 
common school he was gi'aduated from the Ironton 
High .School (Ohio), and was a classmate of the re- 
nowned Dr. C. F. Creighton, of Lincoln. In 1871 
he entered the law department at the Ann Arbor 
University, Mich., and completed, the course, being 
graduated with honors in 1873, but has never prac- 
ticed his profession. In Iowa he taught school for 
several years, and was acknowledged one of the 
most successful teachers. For four years he was 
connected with the Benton County Het-ald, a widely 
circulating journal, and ably conducted. For three 
years or more our subject worked as its associate 
editor, and in this department his power was soon 
recognized. In 1881 he removed to Logan Town- 
ship, and purchased the place which is still occupied 
by him, which comprises some 160 acres of well- 
cultivated, arable land, which has been brought to 
a very high state of agricultural efficiency from its 
original condition of untamed prairie. It is abun- 
dantly furnished with all the improvements that one 
would expect to find upon any property owned by 
a gentleman of the ability, taste and education of 
our subject. Whether attention be directed to 
house, barn or farm buildings, to orchard, fields or 
groves, the result is the same, and from each in- 
spection the verdict would be one of compliment 
and gratification. One feature of intrinsic value to 
the property is the Cedar Creek, which, passing 
through it. provides at all seasons an abundant 
supply of water. 

In Benton County, Iowa, upon the 20th of 
January of the year 1879, our subject and Miss 
Eva Gamlile were united in that closest of all 
earthly ties, and dearest of all earthly relationships. 
This lady was born in Wabash County, Ind., on the 
3d of September, 1860. Her father, George Gamble, 
at present residing in Pipe Stone County, Minn., is 
a native of the same county. 'Ihe maiden name of 
his wife, the mother of our subject, was Mary 
Squires, also born in Wabash County. She died 
March 12, 1878. Their family included four 
children — William. Irene, Homer and Eva. To 



-#^ 



,t 



GAGE COUNTY. 



447 ik 



4 



l\Ii-. anf) Mrs. Steece liave been given four chiMren — 
Lottie, Jessie, Louis L. and Gu^' R. 

Mr. Steece h;is ahvays sustained an interest most 
intense in everything connected with education, and 
has filled the ollice of School Director for four 
years. Both he and Mrs. Steece are devout mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Ciuirch, and hold 
their membership at Summit. There are few 
families more popular or more highly esteemed 
than this, or more deservedly so. In his political 
opinions our subject is one with the Republican 
party, and his political princi|)les are symphonious 
with theirs. 

J' OHN LYONS, Sr. Familiar among the ear. 
liest pioneers of tliis countj' is the name of 
the gentleman which heads this sketch, and 
who looked upon the face of the country in 
this section during its first settlement. Of substan- 
tial stock, the offspring of a sturdy race, his has 
been a life pregnant with nianj- vicissitudes, and in" 
which he has looked upon existence in all its phases. 
Not the least important among his experiences have 
been those among a pioneer people in the beginning 
of the development of the Great West, and in the 
labors which have resulted in the prosperity and 
wealth of this .section of Nebraska, he has borne no 
unimportant part. 

John Lj-ons was born Dee. 14, 1827, in Salis- 
burj', Litchfield Co., Conn. His father, also John 
Lyons, was a native of England, and his motlier, 
Charlotte (Bardsley) Lyons, was born in Brookl3'n, 
N. Y. The ancestry of the father were among the 
earliest settlers of the no'.v proud "City of Churches," 
and identified with its subsequent prosperity, which 
the}- helped to bring about. Their residence there 
dated from about 1810, and the Lyons family was 
widel}' and favorably known in that region for sev- 
eral generations. 

The father of our subject left his native land 
early in life, and the parents were married in Brook- 
lyn, N. Y., whence about 1818 they removed to 
Litchfield Countj-. Conn. The father was a brick- 
mason and plasterer, but died in 1833, at the early 
age of thirty-three years. The mother was mar- 
ried a second lime, but of this latter union there 



were born no children. Of the first there were 
eight, namely : Amelia. David, Phebe, Mary and 
Julia, who died in infancy; Charlotte, Jolin and 
Mary A. Of these but three are living, the two 
besides our subject being residents of Connecticut. 
The mother continued lier residence in the latter 
State for some time, and later took up her abode with 
her daughter in Berkshire County, M.ass., where she 
spent her last daj's, and where her death took place 
Feb. 1 1, 1884, after she had roaclicd the advanced 
age of ninety years. 

The subject of tliis history began in earnest the 
battle of life at the early age of seven years, at the 
death of his father being bound out to one Albert 
Selleek. of his native county, with whom he was to 
remain until reaching his majority. At the expira- 
tion of this time he was to receive a yoke of oxen, 
a suit of clothes and ten sheep. He labored with 
little rest and no advantages for education for a 
period of eleven years, in the meantime receiving 
harsh treatment from a merciless taskmaster. One 
of the examples of the cruelty of the latter was 
beating the boy with twelve apple sprouts until his 
back was a raw sore. 

As he approached manhood young Lyons con- 
cluded to stand this mode of life no longer, and 
accordingly ran awaj-. This procedure was con- 
sidered a grievous offense. Mr. Selleek advertised 
him as a renegade who was neither to be harbored 
nor trusted. The boy. however, in spite of his "rec- 
ommendations" found friends, and repaired to 
Dutchess County, N. Y., where he worked at farm- 
ing until about 1846, and then went to Massachu- 
setts. After becoming of age he returned to his 
native county, and the j'ear following w.as united in 
marriage with one of its most estimable young 
ladies, Miss Almira Shaw, the wedding taking place 
.at the home of the bride, Dec. 31. 1849. The 
young people began the journey of life together in 
Massachusetts, where Mr. Lyons engaged in farm- 
ing, and lived there until 1852. 

Mrs. Almira (Shaw) Lyons is the daughter of 
Stephen P. and Hannah (Hicks) Shaw, who de- 
scended from some of the finest families of the 
Empire State, and who were of solid old English 
stock. She w.as born in Dutchess County. N. Y.. 
at the country home of her parents in LuGrange 



-^^ 




■ ► i r ^- 



" ^ 11 <• 



448 



GAGE COUNTY. 



Township, where she lived until a girl of twelve, 
reared among the quiet scenes of a Quaker settle- 
ment. Then she removed with her parents to 
Litchfield County, Conn., where she remained until 
her marriage. 

The forefathers of Mrs. Lyons sailed from En- 
gland in the ship '-Fortune," which was the second 
to follow the '"Wayflower." in 1G21. Among them 
was Robert Hicks, of whom she is a lineal descend- 
ant, and who was a clothes dresser from Loudon. 
The nest ship, "Ann," brought his wife and chil- 
dren. They were reunited in the latter part of 
June. 1G22. Hannah (Hicks) Shaw was of the sev- 
enth generation of the Hicks family in America. 
Nothing need here be said of the character and 
standing of the family in New England, for their 
history is familiar to everj'one at all posted in 
regard to the earlj' histor}^ of America. Thej^ were 
of the solid element of New England, who helped 
to lay the foundations of its future greatness, and 
who assisted to instill into its people the spirit of 
patriotism which eventually made them free. 

Mrs. Lyons was but a maiden of seventeen at the 
time of her marriage, and on the 8th of November, 
1850, became the mother of the only son of herself 
and her husband, whom they named John, and 
who is now one of the best known and most repu- 
table citizens of this county, and is represented 
elsewhere in this woik. In the spring of 1H52 they 
determined to try their fortunes in one of the rising 
cities of the West. Accordingly disposing of his 
interests in Connecticut, Mr. Lyons and his excel- 
lent wife gathered together their personal effects, 
and bidding adieu to the friends and associations 
of their childhood and youth, proceeded by way of 
tiie lakes to Kenosha, Wis., and renting a farm in 
that State, followed agriculture for five years. Mr. 
Lyons then believing that he could do better in the 
newly opened Territory of Southern Nebraska, re- 
peated the experiment of removal, taking up his 
residence among his friends in Adams Township 
on the 22d of November, 1857, and settling upon 
land comprising the farm now occupied by George 
Gale. Mr. and Mrs. Ljons lived squatter fashion 
in a log cabin for one year, and had in common 
with the people of that region their full share of 
hardship and privation. The Shaw family, who 



had preceded them, were the onlj' settlers for miles 
around, while Indians roamed over the countrj', 
with eyes alwa3-s open to thievery and mischief. 

Mr. Lyons endured this sort of life until the 
spring of 1859. In May of that year he changed 
his location to the present site of Nebraska City. 
In Maj-. 18G5, the Homestead Law having come 
into effect, he returned to the Nemaha Valley, 
and homesteaded 160 acres of land, forty on 
section 29. forty on section 28, and the bal- 
ance on section 21. With a portion of this he 
afterward parted, and is now the owner of 120 
acres. Upon this he has a comfortable dwelling, 
and the outbuildings necessary to his convenience, 
besides the various other appliances gathered to- 
gether from year to year, and which go toward the 
formation of the complete home. He has a fine 
apple orchard, the trees in good bearing condition, 
and an ample supply of the smaller fruits, currants, 
gooseberries, grapes and strawberries. 

At one time Mr. Lyons was acquainted with 
nearlj' all the white people in the three counties of 
Clay, Gage and Lancaster. He was prominent in 
its public affairs, voted for the adoption of the State 
Constitution in 1860 and 1866, and officiated as 
Justice of the Peace for a term of three 3'ears. He 
cast his first Presidential vote for Zachary Taylor, 
and continued uniformly with the Republican 
party until the election of 1856, when he voted for 
James Buchanan. Since that time he has supported 
Republican principles. He united with the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church in 1866, being one of its 
charter members in Laona. No man has entertained 
a deeper interest in the prosperity of Southern 
Nebraska, and none enjoy in a greater degree the 
respect of its people. 



fTSAAC SEITZ, Jr. The traveler in passing 
1^ through the western part of Glenwood Town- 
/1\ ship cannot fail to notice the fine and well-con- 
ducted farm embracing 248 acres of fertile land on 
section 1 9. This has been the property of the sub- 
ject of this sketch since the fall of 1 885, when he 
came to this locality from Lee County, 111. He 
was born ia Dayton, Ohio, Nov. 18, 1843, and was 
«► 



t 



GAGE COUNTY. 



449 



i^ 



taken by his parents when a child two years of age 
to Lee County, 111., where he was reared to man- 
hood and remained until coining to this count}'. 

Mr. Seitz was reared as a farmer's bo}-, and to 
this occupation has given the labors of his man- 
hood. Possessed with the proper conception of 
rural life, he has not only made of it a pleasure in 
the highest sense, but also a source of profit. His 
land has been brought to a productive condition, 
and thereon erected not onl}' the buildings essential 
to the comfort and convenience of the cultured and 
intelligent household, but those necessary' to the 
prosecution of agriculture after the most approved 
methods. The residence, neat and substantial, is 
flanked bj- fruit and shade trees, the fences are kept 
in good shape, and the sleek and well-fed live stock 
add to the interest of the premises. A well-ap- 
pointed farm enhances the value of property around 
it, and thus its owner becomes a public benefactor. 
In this respect Mr. Seitz is one of the most useful 
members of his community. 

Mr. Seitz commenced the struggle of life on his 
own account at an earl}' age, and when twenty-six 
years old was married. Dec. 2, 1869, in AVhiteside 
County, 111., to Miss Susan Landis, who was born 
in Pennsylvania and reared in Illinois. They com- 
menced the journey of life together near Dixon, 
in Lee County, III., and in due time became 
the parents of eight children, one of whom, an 
infant daughter, OIlie, died at the age of eight 
months. Those surviving are: Cora A., Ervin O., 
Isaac H., AVilliam A., Agnes M.. Ora L. and Leslie 
J. Tiie}' are all at home, being carefully trained 
to habits of industry and honesty, and given the 
education which will fit them for worthy members 
of an intelligent community. 

The father of our subject, Isaac Seitz, Sr., was 
l)orn in Lancaster Count}-. Pa., and upon reaching 
manhood was married to Miss Elizabeth Flora, who 
wa-s a native of Somerset C'junty, that State. They 
soon afterward settled near Dayton, Ohio, but sub- 
.sequently changed their residence to Lee Count}', 
111., where both parents si)ent the remainder of their 
lives. Their family consisted of six children, five 
sons and one daughter, of whom Isaac, Jr., was the 
youngest. The twin l)rother of our subject, Abra- 
ham, lives in Iowa, and his sister near Amboy, III. 

-<• 



The parents of Mrs. Seitz were Henry S. and 
Fanny (Stauffer) Landis, natives of Pennsylvania, 
where they were reared and married, and whence 
they removed to the vicinity of Sterling, Whiteside 
Co., III., where they still reside, and where the father 
is engaged in farming. Their family of thirteen 
children consisted of six girls and seven boys, 
of whom Mrs. Seitz was the fourth child. She was 
born March 17, 18.50, and lived with her parents 
until .assuming control of a home of her own as the 
wife of our subject. She has aided him in the es- 
tablishment of one of the most desirable homes in 
the townshii>. Mr. Seitz is numbered among the 
most enterprising men of the county, and avails 
himself of the progressive ideas (jf the day in re- 
gard to the prosecution of his calling in the most 
praiseworthy and prodtable manner. In politics he 
is a Democrat. 



-^ 



r'-^'^ir^ 



IRAM HAUVER is a native of Canada, and 
\ was born on the 27tli of November, 1822, 
\^ in Stanbridge Township, situated about 
■f^j fifty-five miles from the city of Montreal. 
He is a son of John and Hannah (Solomon) Hauver, 
who were natives of Canada. Our subject grew 
to manhood in his native country, a loyal subject to 
his Queen, and there learned the trade of a niill- 
wright, which he followed for about seven years, at 
the end of which time he turned his attention to 
farming. 

During his residence in Canada our subject made 
a visit to some of the States, spending one year in 
Hot Springs, Ark., and vicinity. In the year 1879 
he bought a tract of land in this township of the 
Government, and in January of the year 1880 he 
came from his native country and settled in this 
county on section 5, Glenwood Township. He owns 
160 acres of farming land, on which he is making 
improvements. It happened that during a severe 
windstorm in April. 1 885, his house w.-is blown 
down while the inmates were at home, but fortu- 
nately none of the family was killed, though our 
subject and his wife sustained some severe injuries 
from the falling timbers. 

Mr. Hauver w:us married, Dec. 28, 1849, in Can- 



h 



L. 



-•► 



450 



GAGE COUNTY. 



ada, to Miss Elizabeth Douglas, who was born in 
Yermonl on llie 1st of March. 1823. She is a 
(laughter of Robert and Jane (Hunter) Douglas. 
The father was a native of Scollanil, and the mother 
of England. Our subject and his wife have reared 
a family of five children, who have grown to man- 
hood and womanhood. Their names are: Jennie E., 
William H., Douglas K., Martha E. and L. Edith. 
Jennie is the wife of Weston W. Wyman, of Low- 
ell, Mass. ; William II. married Miss Matilda Lange, 
and resides in this township; he assists bis father in 
tarniing the home place. Douglas married Miss 
Lucy Olhet; Martha is the wife of Paul Rochelle, 
she and her brother Douglas also being residents of 
Glenwood Township; Edith is engaged in teaching 
school and resides with her parents. IJy their careful 
home training and a regard for the excellent princi- 
ples instilled into their minds by their thoughtful 
parents, this family of children has been well 
equipped for useful and honorable positions in 
social and business life. 

Our subject has acted in the capacity of Road 
Supervisor for two years, and has been Treasurer 
of the school funds for four years. He and his 
wife are prominent members of the Episcopal 
Church. He affiliates with the Democratic party and 
keeps himself well informed on all topics of the 
day. 

'SJONATHAN S. GRABLE. The real-estate 
I interests of Beatrice and vicinity find one 
of their most capable representatives in the 
subject of this sketch, who located in this 
county in October of 1877. A native of Licking 
County, Ohio, he was born near the town of Etna, 
March 10, 1850, and spent his early years amid the 
peaceful surroundings of country life. 

Jonathan Grable, Sr., the father of our subject, 
was a native of Northern Virginia, but left the Old 
Dominion at an early period of his life to settle in 
the Buckeye State. He was there married to Miss 
Nancy Essex, who vras the daughter of Isaac Es- 
sex, also a native of Virginia. Mrs. Nanc}' Grable 
was born in Licking County, Ohio, and b}^ her 
union with the father of our subject became the 
mother of nine children, of whom Jonathan S., 
■^« 



of this sketch, was next to the youngest born. Of 
these four are now living. The mother passed from 
earth at her home in Etna, Ohio, in 1871. The 
father died in 1865. 

Young Grable acquired his early education in 
the district school, but when of suitable years and 
acquirements became a student at the Wesleyan 
College in Delaware, Ohio, where he remained under 
an excellent course of instruction for a period of two 
years. Then, his father having died, he returned 
to the farm, where he remained until the death of 
his mother, which occurred when he was about 
twenty-one years of age. He was not long after- 
ward married, Oct. 10, 1871, to Miss Laura Mauger, 
the wedding taking place at Columbus. Ohio. iMrs. 
Grable was born in May, 1854, in Licking County, 
Ohio, and is the daughter of P'rederick and Hester 
Mauger, who were natives of Pennsylvania. Her 
father is deceased, and her mother is living in Bea- 
trice. 

After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Grable continued on 
the home farm until 1877, when Mr. Grable resolved 
to cast his lot among the people of Southern Ne- 
braska. Coming to this county he located first on a 
farm in Logan Township, and which was situated 
about four miles east of the city of Beatrice. Here he 
effected considerable improvement, bringing to a 
fair state of cultivation 320 acres of fertile land, 
and continuing a practical agriculturist until 1880, 
when he changed his location and occupation, leav- 
ing the farm to eng.age in the harness business in 
the city, becoming the successor of Charles Everet, 
and carrying on this business three years. In 1884 
he became interested in real-estate and abstr.act 
business, associating himself with J. L. Tait, with 
whom he operated until the fall of 1887, when the 
latter disposed of his interest in the business to 
Mr. S. K. Davis. A short time since Mr. Grable 
bought out Mr. Davis' interest. He occupies con- 
venient offices and has all the facilities for the set- 
tlement of property matters, including a full set of 
abstract books, thus being able to adjust in a prompt 
and correct manner the various questions continu- 
ally arising in the transfer of lands and lots. 

Mr. Grable deals largely in city property, of 
which lie has secured some valuable ground and 
a good residence. His family includes six children, 



I 






GAGE COUNTY. 



■151 



foui- bojs and two girls: Harle}' C, Carlton F., 
Bertie M., Bianclie, Ernest .S. and Laura T. Mr. 
Grable has held the ofBce of City Treasurer in Bea- 
triee, and is regarded as one of its most prompt 
and reliable business men. He is a Director and 
stockholder in tlie Beatrice Street Railway' in both 
the northern and southern portions of the city, and 
is identified in a similar manner with the Masonic 
Temple Buildingand the Beatrice Paper Mill Com- 
pany. He is also one of the organizers of the Bea- 
trice Inter-State Chautauqua Association, and one 
of its five owners. He is public spirited and lib- 
eral, and to the enterprises calculated for the prog- 
ress and welfare of the city gives uniform and 
generous support. 



WjILLIAM D. NICHOLLS, a worthy repre- 
sentative of the real-estate interests of the 
citj' of Beatrice and vicinity, is a native 
of the Dominion of Canada, having been born in 
the Province of Ontario, near the county seat of 
Peterborough, on the 1.5th of June, 1841. He was 
next to the youngest of the four children compris- 
ing the family of William C. and Ann (Davie) 
Nicholls, who were of English ancestry and natives 
of Bristol, England. 

Walter B. Nicholls, the paternal grandfather of 
our subject and a native of London, England, was a 
chandler, and spent his last j'ears in Peterborough, 
Canada. His son AVilliam C. followed farming, 
and is still living in Canada, having now arrived 
at the advanced age of eighty-one years. The 
mother died in 185'J. William D., of our sketch, 
spent his earlj' years upon the farm, and acquired 
his earliest lessons in the common school. He as- 
sisted his father in the development of a tract of 
land, and later, with his brother John B., cleared 200 
acies from heav}' limber in his native Provnice. 
He continued a resident of the Dominion until 
twentj'-six j-ears of age, then coming over into the 
.States, proceeded westward across the Mississippi, 
and changing his occupation, became a traveling 
salesman for the firm of Van Brunt <t Sons, dealers 
in farm implements. In the pursuance of this 
4* 



business he compassed a large portion of the State 
of Iowa, and withdrew from it on the 1st of Janu- 
ar}', 1875. 

Mr. Nicholls, while a resident of Atlantic. Iowa, 
was united in marriage, Dec. 18, 1874, to Miss 
Ada L. Pellctt, who was born in Susquehanna 
Count}-, Pa., July 21, 1851. She made her home 
with her brothers, and was the first lady teacher in 
Atlantic, Iowa. Her parents. Jason and Delia Pel- 
lett, took up their residence near Atlantic, Iowa, 
about 1888, where the father follows farming and 
both parents now reside. Mr. and Mrs. Nicholls 
in January, 1875, moved to Beatrice, and Mr. N. 
became general agent and traveling salesman in 
the interests of the McCormick Reaper Companj', 
of Chicago. He was thus occupied three years, 
and until the 1st of January, 1878, when he es- 
tablished in business on his own account in the 
sale of farm implements, in which he built up a 
good trade, and continued until Jan. 1, 1884. Then 
selling out, he first treated himself to a visit to his 
old home in Canada, and upon his return to Bea- 
trice became interested in real estate, to which he 
has since devoted his time and attention. He has 
been largely interested in farming lands, having 
transactions throughout Nebraska, Kansas, Colo- 
rado and Dakota. His office is over Begole & Van 
Arsdale's dry-goods store. No. 505 Court street. 
Mr. Nicholls owns a fine three-story brick, which 
occupies No. 211 Court street, and in the trans- 
action of his business is supplied with the ab- 
stracts and all the other appliances necessary for 
the adjustment of titles and other questions con- 
stantly arising. 

To our subject and his w-ife there have been 
born seven children, viz: Walter J., William A., 
Mary L., Clara M., Lee E., Marjorie E. and Mona. 
The eldest is thirteen years of age, and the young- 
est two. They occupy a snug home on the corner 
of Ames and Seventh streets, and a good position 
among the cultivated people of the city. Mr. 
Nicholls is a member of the Board of Trade, is 
prompt and reliable in his business transactions, 
and, beginning in life without means and other re- 
sources than his own industry and perseverance, 
is an admirable illustration of the self-made man. 
Besides his city properly, which compiises seveuty- 
'■ ■» 



i 



h 



452 



GAGE COUNTY. 



Hr 



tliree town k>t.s aiirl the business bouse already 
si)oken of. lie has about $8,000 worth of business 
anrl residence property in the city. In politics 
Jlr. Nieholls is a member of the third party, or 
Prohibitionist. 

(^^HOMAS MAYBOKN. The subject of this 
slcetch, one of the most highly respected 
citizens of Glenw^ood Township, an ex-sol- 
dier of the Union army, and a farmer in good cir- 
cumstances, is pleasantly located on section 31, 
where he has a fine homestead and is surrounded 
with all the comforts of life. A native of Dover, 
England, he was born Nov. 19, 1843, and emi- 
grated to America with his parents when but a 
child. Thej' first settled in Oneida Count}', N. Y., 
but a year and a half later changed their location 
to Stark County, 111., wheie Thomas acquired his 
earl)' education in the common schools and devel- 
oped into manhood. 

Young Mayborn was still in Illinois upon the 
outbreak of the late war, and on the '2oth of Sep- 
tember, 1861, while on a visit to New York State, 
enlisted in Company A, 14th New York- iTifantry. 
In the battle of ISIalvern Hill, Va., he was wounded 
in the right thigh by a minie ball, on account of 
which he was incapacitated from further service, 
and was compelled to accept his honorable dis- 
charge. In the meantime, while lying helpless, he 
was captured by the rebels, but fortunately re- 
leased on parole twenty-seven days later. He left 
the service in December, 1862, and returned to 
Stark County. 111., remaining there unable to do 
any labor for more than a 3'ear. AVith the excep- 
tion of a year spent in the army, he was a resident 
of that part of the Prairie State until crossing the 
Mississippi into Page County, Iowa, where he was 
a sojourner until coming to Nebraska in the spring 
of 1881. 

The homestead of our subject embraces 160 
acres of land, upon which he has effected good im- 
provements, carefully cultivating the soil, setting 
out fruit and shade trees, and surrounding his fam- 
ily with the comforts and conveniences of modern 
life. He gives his attention largely- to stock-rais- 



ing, although the cereals form no unimportant part 
of the products of his labor. 

The parents of our subject were Thomas and 
Caroline (Harding) Mayborn, also of English birth 
and parentage. The father was a farmer by occu- 
pation ; his death took place in Stark County, HI. 
The mother is yet living, and a resident of Wash- 
ington County. Kan. The household circle in- 
cluded six children, five sons and one daughter, of 
whom our subject was the eldest. He was married 
in Stark County, III., April 9, 186.5, to Miss Re- 
becca, daughter of James and Ann (Carter) .ler- 
reras, who were natives of England, and emigrated 
to the United States about 1832. Mrs. M.ay born 
was born April 5, 1845, in Oneida County, N. Y., 
and was the fourth in a family of eight children, 
four sons and four daughters. Of these four are 
living, and residents of Nebraska. Kansas and Iowa. 
The mother died in Oneida Countj', N. Y., about 
1850. The father is still living, and a resident of 
Washington County, Kan. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Maj'born there have been born 
four children — Thomas W.. James A., George H. 
and Charles H. The eldest is twenty-one years 
of age, and the j-oungest six. In politics Mr. 
Ma3'born is a member of the Republican part}', and 
has served in his township as School Treasurer and 
Road Supervisor. 



(W_^ENRY J. RANDALL, of the firm of R.andall 
1^ & Sons, carrying on a prosperous business 
in paper-hanging and house and sign paint- 
ing, has been established in the city of Bea- 
trice since the spring of 1880, and is now numbered 
among its well-to-do business men. He was born 
in Wiltshire, England, Feb. 14, 1840. and was the 
second child of Frederick and Ann (Rogers) Ran- 
dall, whose family included five sons and two 
daughters. Of these five are living, and resitling 
mostly in the United States. 

The parents of our subject, in 1851, when Henry 
J. was a lad of eleven years, emigrated to America 
with their little family and settled on a farm in 
Sullivan County, N. Y. There the father died 
twelve years later, in 1863. The mother is still living, 

»► 



L 



GAGE COUNTY. 



455 



and makes her home with a daugliter in the Empire 
Slate. Oiir siiliject si)ent his boyhood under the 
parental roof, acquiring a eomnion-sehool education. 
At tlie age of seventeen he began his apprentice- 
ship ns a painter, wliich he followed in New York 
State for a perioil of four years, and became tlior- 
oughly acquainted with all branches of the business. 
He finally embarked in business for himself at Mid- 
dleton, Orange Co., N. Y., and was greatly pros- 
pered. Finall}-, however, desirous of a change of 
location, he came to Nebraska, locating in the city 
of Beatrice, where he has since remained. The 
headquarters of the firm are at No. 617 Court 
street, where they have a convenient location and 
all the appliances necessary for good work. 

Mr. Randall, at the age of twenty-three, was mar- 
ried in Sullivan County, N. 'i ., Oct. 1, 1863, to 
Miss Polly, daughter of Bradley and Eliza (Burr) 
Sherwood, who were at that time residents of Sul- 
livan County. The mother of Mrs. Randall was a 
direct descendant of Aaron Burr, whose career is a 
matter of histor\-. Mr. Randall's wife was born 
April 4, 1843, in Sullivan. N. Y. The parental 
household included eight children, and all are living. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Randall there have l)een born 
five children, three sons and two daughters, namely : 
George F., Frederick W., William F., Isabel and 
Carrie. Our subject, politically, affiliates with the 
Republican party. Socially, he belongs to the Mod- 
ern Woodman. A portion of his capital is invested 
in fifty acres of valuable lan<l just outside the city 
limits, where he resides. 



-^^B- 



i' 



• DWARD C. LEIGH. The subject of this 

E biography, a leading business man of Blakely 
Township, is also one of its most successful 
farmers and stock-growers, and makes a specialty of 
high-grade Durham cattle. At the head of his herd 
are " Drapo " and " Geneva George." registered 
animals, bred in Illinois by Col. Fulkerson. and 
which have already attained quite a reputation in 
the West. The former brings down the scales at 
2,000 pounds, and is the largest of his kinrl in this 
county. 

Mr. Leigh has been a stock-dealer for a period of 



nine years, raising and feeding and shipping to the 
Eastern markets. lie has a large tract of land, 840 
acres, provided with suitable buildings and the 
other appliances necessary for the successful carry- 
ing on of this branch of agriculture. He keeps 
about 200 head of cattle all the year round, and 
usually about fifty to seventy-five head of calves, 
which are mostly full-bred. He supplies the cattle- 
men of this region with sonic of their best breeding 
stock. 

Our subject has lieen a resident of this county 
since the fall of 1879, when he located on a part of 
the land comprising his present farm. He has 
given his attention mainly since that time to stock- 
raising. His land lies on sections 29 and 30, and his 
home is on the former. Formerly he had been a 
resident of Jersey County, 111., where he was born 
June 15, 1849, in the town of Jersey ville. His par- 
ents were natives respectively of England and 
Pennsjivania; the mother was born near Phila- 
delphia. His father w.as a farmer by occupation, 
and the parents continued residents of the Keystone 
State until 1844. Then, resolving upon a change 
of location, they emigrated with their little family' 
to Jersej^ County, III., where Thomas Leigh engaged 
in farming, and where with his excellent wife he 
still lives, both having arrived at an advanced age. 

Thomas Leigh, the father of our subject, was 
born in Lancaster, England, and emigrated with 
his parents to the United States when a little lad six 
years of age. They located in Bucks Countj-, Pa., 
where the paternal grandparents of our subject spent 
the remainder of their da3's and died when ripe in 
years. Thomas Leigh is now eighty years old, and h.is 
made for himself a record as an honest man and a good 
citizen. He was reared in a Quaker community and 
still holds to the religious belief of that peace-loving 
sect. The mother of our subject was in her girl- 
hood Miss Martha Van Horn, and, Ijke her husband, 
is a Quiiker in religious belief. She is seventy-eight 
3'ears old, and li.as fulfilled her duties as wife and 
mother in the most praiseworlhj- manner, meriting 
the esteem and confidence of all who know her. 

The subject of this sketch is the youngest of three 
sons and one daughter. One son, Augustus, died 
in Jerseyville when about twenty-one years old. 
The other son and the daughter are residents of 

^ 



r 



-4^ 



45G 



GAGE COUNTY. 



Jersey vLlIe. Eflward C. remainerl with his parents 
in Jersey ville, III., until eighteen years of age, then 
going eastwarrl to Trenton, N. J., completed his 
education later at the business college there. UiJOn 
leaving school he returned to Illinois, and on the 
22d of Februar}', 1871, was united in marriage with 
Miss Nettie J. Snell, the wedding taking place at 
the home of the bride in Jerseyville. Mrs. Leigh, 
like her husband, was also Ijorn in Jersey County, 
111., Feb. 12, 1851. Her parents, Asa and Priscilla 
(Landon) Snell, were natives of Vermont, where 
they were reared and married, and whence they 
emigrated afterward to Illinois. They settled in 
Jersey County about 1840, among the pioneers of 
that region. The father tilled the soil successfully 
the remainder of his life, built up a good home 
from the wilderness, and departed hence in January, 
1876. Tlie mother survives, and makes her home 
with her children at the old farm iu Jersey County. 
Although quite aged, she is still active and indus- 
trious, and attends quite regularly the services of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which she has 
been a member for several years. The Snell family 
included fourteen children, six sons and eight 
daughters, eleven of whom are living. Mrs. Leigh 
received careful home training and a good educa- 
tion in the common schools of Jerseyville, where 
she remained until her marriage. Of her union 
with our subject there have been born six children, 
namely : Laura, Nettie, Augustus, Cora, Martha and 
Lucretia. 

Mr. and Mrs. Leigh after their marri.nge lived in 
Jerseyville for a period of eight years, where Mr. L. 
was most of the time connected with the bankino'- 
house of Cross & Swollow, occupying a responsible 
position as confidential clerk, and enjoying iu a more 
than ordinary degree the coniidence and esteem of 
the firm. This experience proved invaluable to 
him, giving him a fine insight into the proper 
methods of transacting business, and in addition to 
his natural capacities, has been the secret of his suc- 
cess. His excellent wife is a member of the Con- 
gregational Church, at Blakely. Mr. L. has always 
been interested in Sunday-school work, and has 
proved himself very efficient in the establishment 
and maintenance of the schools wherever he has 
been. He takes an active part, officiating as teacher 

-^•^ 



and contributing in a substantial manner to its en- 
couragement and support. Politicall}', he votes the 
straight Republican ticket, and socially-, belongs to 
the 1. O. O. F. and K. of P. 



••w-«*iiea'®^ 



i/^^j2ra>-"./w. 



IE 



LI SCHOCK, a retired farmer, and at present 
engaged in the manufacture of sorghum, 
has been a resident of Blue Springs since 
the spr.ing of 1887. His fine two-stor^' residence 
on Saunders street invariably attracts the attention 
of the passer-by, and is indicative of the enterprise 
and ample means of the proprietor, while its sur- 
roundings are suggestive of the comforts and re- 
finements of the complete modern home. Mr. 
Schock has here three acres of land, which in time 
he proposes to divide into town lots which will net 
him a snug sum of money. 

The subject of this sketch is the offspring of a 
good family', being the son of George Schock, who 
was born in Union County, Pa., in 1799. He ac- 
quired a good common-school education, and after- 
ward learned the carpenter trade, which he followed 
a number of years in Ohio, locating in Seneca 
County near the j'oung town of Bellevue, and 
giving at that early day as high as $40 an acre. 
He owned and operated this until the spring of 
1870, adding to the labors of general farming that 
of stock-raising, in which he met with fine success. 
In the year mentioned he sold his land at §100 per 
acre, which fact speaks vvell for the manner in which 
he had improved the land and cultivated the soil. 
The homestead was recognized as one of the most 
desirable in that part of the Buckeye State. 

From Ohio the father of our subject migrated to 
St. Joseph County, Mich., settling on ICO acres of 
land three miles northeast of Three Rivers, and 
which he still owns. This also he brought to a fine 
state of cultivation, and* has one of the most val- 
uable homesteads in that region. Tlie elder Schock, 
as the result of a temperate life and correct hiibits, 
is still iu the enjoyment of health and strength, 
and every two years visits his children in this 
State. The mother in her girlhood was Miss Lucy 
U. AVare, aud was born in Union County, Pa., in 
1804. She removed with her parents to Ohio at 



1 



.h 






GAGE COUNTY. 



457 



i' 



the nge of ten ^-ears, aiul eontinucd a member of 
tlie lioiiseliold cii'cle until her marriage. Slie is 
still livinir, and with iier husband has passed be- 
j'ond tlie age usually allotted mankind, beini^ eighty- 
four years of age, while Mr. SchocJ^ is eighty-nine. 
They are devoted members of the German Reformed 
Church, and Mr. Sohoek in his younger j'ears was 
particularly active in Sundiiy -school work, ofliciat- 
ing as Superintendent from the time he was a young 
man until the weight of years rendered this im- 
practicable. 

John Schock, the paternal grandfather of our 
subject, was also a native of Union County, Pa., 
and was born about 1778. He acquired a good 
common-suhoo! education, and emplo3ed himself 
in farm pursuits, rem.'iining in his native State until 
after his majoritj'. He then, in 181.5, migrated to 
Seneca County, Ohio, where he secured a tract of 
wild land, which in due time he transfoimed into 
one of the finest farms of that region. lie was the 
father of eight children, all of whom lived to ma- 
ture years. After the death of his wife he made 
his home with his son George, in Ohio, where he 
spent the remainder of his days, dying about 1881. 
Grandfather Schock was a Lutheran in religion, and 
a man of good business capacity. 

Eli .Schock, our subject, was born in Seneca 
County, Ohio, May 14, ISoO, and was a resident of 
his n.ative State until a 3^outh of sixteen years. He 
received a common-school education, and upon 
leaving home made his way to St. Joseph County, 
Mich., with his parents, and completed his studies 
in the school at Three Rivers. After attaining bis 
majority he worked for his f.ather one year, then 
making his way to this State, purchased 160 acres 
of land' in Sicil}' Township, from which he im- 
proved a good farm, erected suitable buildings and 
met with fine success, adding to general agriculture 
the business of stock-raising. He was thus em- 
ployed for a period of ten years, then selling out, 
changed his residence to Blue Springs, and estab- 
lished himself in the business where he may now 
be found. He is still a young man comparatively, 
with a prospect of many years yet before him, and 
enjoys the confidence and esteem of hosts of friends. 

The marriage of our subject with Miss .Susan 
Steiimietz, of St. Joseph, Mich., was celebrated at 

M* 



the home of the bride, Aug. IG, 1877. The young 
people commenced the journey of life together in 
Gage County, Neb., and an; now the parents of 
four children, viz: IClson L., Ora Sabilla. Jesse Jas- 
per and Olivia Oretta. They foi'm a bright and 
interesting group, of whom the parents may well 
be proud, and are being given those advantages 
suited to their position in life. 

Mrs. Schock was born in Northampton County, 
Pa., March 25, ISliO, and is the daughter of (J ideon 
Steinmetz, a native of Pennsylvania, and a farmer 
by occupation. The family left the Keystone State 
when their daughter Susan was young in years, emi- 
grating to St. Joseph County, Mich., and at once 
taking possession of a tract of land, where the father 
tilled the soil until the spring uf 1878. The par- 
ents are still living, in Rice County, Kan. Their 
family consisted of thirteen children, four sons and 
three daughters still living, residents of Kansas, Col- 
orado and Nebraska. Susan, Mrs. .Schock, in com- 
mon with her brothers and sisters was given a good, 
practical education .and received careful home train- 
ing. Both she arid her husband arc menil)ers in 
good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and active in Sunday-school work. 



: ; Co ■:= 



»♦ — _*\f^ 




ERD GERDES. Barncston Township h.as 
more honorable, thoroughly practical 
^^^1) and successful farmers or stock-raisers than 
the subject of this biographical sketch. He is a 
native of Germ.any, and vv.as born on the 10th of 
November, 1852, in Hanover, to Gerd and Trantje 
Gerdes, both natives of the same country, and the 
former of whom is deceased. The family emigrated 
to the United .States in the year 18G9, and after 
some prospecting settled iuAtchison Count}', Mo. 

Our subject received a good education in his 
native country, and since coming to America has 
learned suflicient to form quite a good English edu- 
cation. He came to this county in 1883, and set- 
tled where he now resides, upon section 32, where 
he owns 200 acres of land ; he also owns eighty 
acres in Marshall County, Kan., both being op- 
erated as general grain and stock farms. His prop- 
erty- is quite valuable, well watered and unusually 

^ 



f 






4o8 



,t 



GAGE COUNTY. 



fertile; his harvests as a rule are quite large, and his 
stock of the highest order. 

The parents of our subject were the recipients of 
seven children, of whom Gard. our subject, is the 
youngest. His father died in 1874, in Atchison 
County, Mo., having lived to the age of seventy- 
three years. His mother, who has reached the ad- 
vanced age of seventy-four, makes her home with 
our subject at Barneston. Mr. Gerdes was reared 
in the faith of the Lutheran Church in his native 
countr}-, and has continued in the same ever since, 
and is at present affiliated with tiie congregation in 
Barneston Township, and is among the most devout 
of the communion. 



-^t^' J»l^ 



<*?*^-*<^S^~ 



WILLIAM O. LANGWORTHY. About 
thirteen years ago the subject of this sketch 
decided to cast his lot with the people of 
Southern Nebraska, and accordingly pitched his 
tent upon a portion of the land which he now oc- 
cupies, and which is eligibly located on section 32, 
in Blakel3' Township. Here he has effected the 
improvements naturally resulting from continued 
industry upon the spot which a man calls home, and 
where his interests most closely center. 

Before coming to this State Mr. Langworthy 
was a resident of Woodford County, 111., where he 
had carried on farming for a period of sixteen 
years. He had removed from Peoria County to 
that section in 18Gl,and came to Nebraska in I87G. 
In Peoria, 111,., he had carried on carpentering, at 
which he had served a regular apprenticeship, and 
had operated considerably in the South, largely in 
Alabama. In Illinois he was a contractor, and as 
the result of his labors handled a large amount of 
money, and was very successful. 

Mr. Langworthy is a native of Devonshire, En- 
gland, where his birth took place July 1, 1812. He 
came to the United States in 1830, when a young 
man twenty-four years of age, and soon went South, 
traveling over a large portion of that region both 
for pleasure and recreation and in pursuit of his 
business. His father, Robert Langworthy, was born 
and spent his entire life in Devonshire, where he, 
too, carried on the trade of carpenter in connection 



with undertaking. The mother, Mrs. Sarah (Oldrej') 
Langworthy, was born and reared not far from the 
home of her husband, and there passed away some 
3'ears after the death of her liusband. They were 
people of the highest respectability and worth, and 
members in good standing of the Church of England. 
Their family consisted of ten children, six sons and 
four daughters, of whom William, our subject, is 
the sole survivor. 

In his native England Mr. Langworthy received 
a good education, and was reared in a manner be- 
fitting the son of worthy and intelligent parents. 
He learned the carpenter trade under the instruction 
of his father, and was well qualified upon coming to 
this country to make his own way in the world. 
Upon taking up his abode in Woodford County, 
111., he abandoned the bench for farming. He had 
met and married in New York City Miss Caroline 
Oldrey, who was also of English birth and parentage, 
and who first opened her eyes to the light among 
the Devonshire hills, on the lOtli of March, 1813. 
Mrs. Langworthy is the only daughter of her father, 
Samuel Oldrey, by his last marriage, her mother in 
her girlhood having been Miss Ann Furneaux. The 
Oldrey family was an old and highly respected one 
in Devonshire, and generally well-to-do, accumulat- 
ing a large amount of property. 

The parents of Mrs. Langworthy lived to a ripe 
old age, maintaining that consistent Christian char- 
acter in keeping with their almost lifelong connec- 
tion with the Church of England. Their family 
consisted of five children, three of whom are living 
in England. Miss Caroline received the advantages 
of the best local schools, and was taught bj" a 
careful mother those household duties which are 
so important to the comfort and happiness of a 
home. Being bright and ambitious to do for her- 
self, she went to the city of London when quite 
3'oung, and after the manner of those times applied 
herself to domestic employments, and also- became 
a skilled seamstress. She finally' became a lady's 
maid, and thence advanced to the position of trus'.ed 
housekeeper. Subsequently she was raised to the 
post of companion, and in this capacity traveled 
over the whole of the English Empire, including 
Ireland, Scotland, Wales and France. Being pos- 
sessed of more than usual intelligence, this oppor- 

I •► 



t 



■^•- 



^-•^l--*« 



GAGE COUNTY. 



459 



tunity for instruction and observation was improved 
by her to the utmost, and she retains to this day 
a clear recollection of the cities she visited and tlie 
incidents connected therewith. In addition to this 
she has been an exhaustive reader of English and 
Scotch history. It is seldom there is met with a 
lady of brighter intellect, or one who has made such 
good use of her time and opportunities. 

Mrs. Langworthy made the acquaintance of our 
subject in England, having been born in the same 
parish, and by previous arrangement joined him 
in the United States, May 4, 1853. They were 
married in New York City, on the 16tli of May, 
1853, and commenced the journey of life together 
in a snug home at Peoria, 111. Mrs. L. has been 
the efficient helper of her husband in all his under- 
takings, being equally interested with him in the 
building uj) of their homestead. Their union has 
been blessed b}' the birth of six children, two of 
whom, Sarah 0. and Sarah J., died in early childhood ; 
John owns a farm in Jefifersou Count3', but lives 
with his parents; AYilliam R. owns and operates a 
farm in Chase County; he married Miss Florence 
Stansbur^-, of Jefferson Count}'. Lewis manages 
the home farm; and Carrie is the wife of W. N. 
Sparks, a well-to-do farmer of Lincoln Township. 

Mr. Laugworthj-, upon becoming a naturalized 
citizen, identified himself with the Republican 
party, of which he has since been a cordial sup- 
porter. Both he and his wife belong to the Episco- 
pal Church, but they give liberal contributions to 
other churches. The}' occupj^ a good position 
among the better element of Gage Counts, and 
have contributed materially to its moral and intel- 
lectual advancement. 



— ^•S^sOSr-i 



" ^^i) 



■■■ :ax: -<» 



, LIAS C. WILCOX. The father of our sub- 

^ ject, Levi V. Wilcox, was born about the 

]L=^ i year 1797 at New Providence, Essex Co., 

N. J., fifteen miles from New York City. There 

he received a common-school education, after which 

he moved to Ohio, settling near New Lebanon. 



i" 



' For two j'ears he was engaged in filling a contract 
on the Miami Canal, building several sections, his 
l)art of it being in the vicinity known as Shaker 
Swamps. When he w.as about forty years old he 

] moved to Fountain Count}', Ind., on the Wabash 
River, in which place he bought a' farm and spent 
some time in making improvements on it. Then 
selling this land, he crossed the AVabash River into 
Warren Count}', and there im|)roved 400 acres of 
land, on which he resided until the time of hisdeatii 
in 1854. 

As to his birth our subject cannot tell positively, 
but in the year 1850, while tramping across a field 
in New Jersey, in the neighborhood of his late 
father's home, lie found a turtle with the name of 

j his father and the date 1815 cut on it. About the 
year 1816 the father of our subject married Miss 
Hulda Crane, of New Jersey. They were the par- 

I ents of eight children, of whom four are still living, 

■| all having arrived at the age of maturity save one, 
whose death occurred at the age of nineteen, and a 
sister at fourteen years of age. Those who are sur- 
viving are Col. Frank Wilcox, of Champaign, 111.; 
Mrs. Annie Adkison, of Winterset, Iowa; John 
Wilcox, a farmer at Storm Lake, and our subject. 
Hulda Crane was the daughter of John Crane, of 
New Jersey, her death occurring in Indiana in the 
year 1837, at about thirty-seven years of age. Her 
father was a farmer in New Jersey, his land lying 
along the Passaic River one mile from New Provi- 
dence. He belonged to Capt. Wood's minute men 
of Revolutionary War fame. He was born about 
the year 1762, and died on the 4th of March, 1844. 
His wife was Miss Betsey Mulfurd, who died 
in 1828. 

Levi Wilcox, the grandfather of our subject, w.as 
born in New Jersey about the year 1760. He was 
a farmer in Essex County (now known as Union 
County), and he also belonged to Capt. Wood's 
minute men. He married Miss Esther Valentine, 
and to them were born four children, as follows: 
Daniel M. AVilcox; Rachel, who married William 
Van Blarkam, of Paterson, N. J. ; Betsey, who married 
Capt. Joseph Doly. of the same section, and for her 
second husband Joseph Wilson, of Morristown. N. 
J.; and Levi V., the father of our subject. Levi 
Wilcox died in 1843, aged about fourscore years. 
■► 



i 



-4•- 

460 



,t 



GAGE COUNTY. 



His wife died in 1836, our subject living witii her 
at the time. 

AVilliam Wilcox was born in New Jersej', and 
died at the age of sixty-six years, having lived on 
tile same tract of land as that occupied by his 
family, his death occurring before the memory of 
our subject. He had four sons, one of whom fol- 
lowed Daniel Boone to Kentucky, and soon lost his 
life there. Peter Wilcox, the father of William, 
arrived from England in 1736, and the Elizabeth- 
town Association surveyed to him 400 acres of 
land in New Jersey. This is shown by the records 
in the Presbyterian Church at Westfleld, N. J. Levi 
V. Wilcox served as Deput}^ .Sheriff in his native 
Stale. All of tiiese ancestors of our subject were 
members of the Methodist Church, and with his 
grandfather Wilcox, Lorenzo Dow used frequently 
to stop. The descendants are still living on the 
family farm, the only living brother of Hulda Crane 
now residing near Vallisca, Iowa, aged eighty- 
six j^ears. 

Elias C. Wilcox, our subject, was born on the 4th 
of February, 1822, iu Essex County, N. J. He re- 
ceived a good common-school education, after 
which he worked on the farm of his grandfather, 
living vvith him until seventeen years of .age. He 
then clerked for two years for Woodruff & Co., of 
Elizal)ethtown, and iu 1841 he went to Indiana 
and joined his parents. For awhile he worked on a 
farm, after which he clerked in a store until 1847, 
when he was appointed Collector of Tolls on the 
AVab.ash Canal, at Covington, Ind. He received 
his appointment from Stearns Fixher, well known as 
the Superintendent of the State Public Works, and 
held his position until the fall of 1854, when he was 
elected Clerk of the Court for Fountain County 
on the Republican ticket, or rather Whig, the Re- 
publican party hardly being then born. He was re- 
elected in 1858 for the same olHce, and held his 
position until November. 1862. 

From that date until the close of the war our sub- 
ject occupied the position of Provost Marshal for 
Fountain County, having his headquarters in Cov- 
ington, the place of his home. He spent the 
summer of 1866 in traveling over the State of Ar- 
kansas in behalf of the Western Stage Company. 
He was there opening mail routes and ai)pointing 



Postmasters, for which he had a commission from 
the Government alread}' signed, our subject taking 
bond and returning to the Government. The next 
year he moved to Champaign Count}'. III., where 
he raised a very large crop of grain and 160 acres 
of corn, the latter selling at eighty cents per 
bushel. 

In the spring of 1868 our subject moved to 
Union County. Iowa, where he bought a new farm 
of 160 acres, and improved it with a house, barn 
and other farm buildings He remained there two 
years, and in the fall of 1869 he was selected by 
the people without any effort on his part, and was 
nominated for Countj' Auditor. The nomination 
resulted in his election, and after occupj'ing the 
position for two years he was re-elected in 1871, 
and held the office until 1873. To the end of the 
year during this term he lived at Afton, Iowa. In 
1874 he moved to Sheridan in the same State, and 
eng.aged in the lumber business, which he continued 
for three years, and thence went to Farragut, where 
he had charge of a stock of goods until 1881. after- 
ward selling, and coming to W3-more when the cit}^ 
had just been platted. 

In June. 1882, the Blue A^alley Bank was organ- 
ized, and our subject became its cashier, serving in 
that capacity for five 3'ears. In the meantime he 
was elected City Treasurer, to which position he h.as 
successively been elected until the present time. 
He is also the Treasurer of the School Board, and 
is engaged in the real-estate and insurance business. 
Our subject attended the convention held at Phila- 
delphia in 1856. which nominated John C. Fremont, 
and he has since been with the Republican party. 
He is also a Chapter member and Master of the 
Blue Lodge, of Wymore. 

On the 8th of February, 1848, Mr. Wilcox was 
united iu marriage with Miss Rachael V. Fields, at 
Covingtt)n, Ind., which union has been blessed with 
four children, of whom three are living, viz : Albert 
C. Kate L. and Frank. The wife of our subject 
was born at Clarksburg, Va., in 1828, and is a 
daughter of John Fields, who was born in Pennsyl- 
vania about the j'e.ar 1802. He lived for awhile at 
Clarksburg, Va., then moved to Covington, Ind., 
in which place he was Postmaster and Justice of the 
Peace, and died theie in 1876. Mrs. Wilcox re- 



- ^ ^ ^ m ^' 



■^•- 



GAGE COUNTY. 



4G1 



u 



ceiverl a common-school education, and lived with 
lier parents until the time of her marriage. Her 
mother was Miss Harris, a native of Virginia, her 
(leatii occurring ahout ISoti. 

Albert C. Wilcox married Miss Carrie Wallace, of 
Sheridan, Iowa, and lhe_v are the parents of two chil- 
dren — Anna and Laird E; they live in McPherson 
County, Kan., the husband having charge of the 
McKinley Hellicker Investment Company for the 
State of Kansas. Frank is engaged in tlie loan 
business in Horace, Greeley Co., Kan. Our subject 
has been a resident of AA'yniore from the time it was 
plaUed out through the corn fields to its present 
enterprising state, and has done very much to help 
bring about its improvements. 



<fp^ DWARD ARNOLD is a public-spirited far- 
fe] mer residing on section 16, Glenwood Town- 
/iLa^ ship. His father, George Arnold, is a native 
of Bavaria, German}', and his mother. Catherine 
(Bishop) Arnold, was a native of Switzerland. They 
were married, and continued to make their home in 
Switzerland until .about the year 1845, when the}' 
came to America. On their arrival in this country 
they settled in Essex County, N. J., and afterward 
moved to Ohio, and the mother died iu Licking 
Count}', Ohio, on the (Jth of August, 1854. The 
father is now a resident of Columbus of the above- 
named State. They were the parents of four chil- 
dren, whose names are: Edward, Margaret, Louisa 
and George. 

Onr subject was born in Switzerland on tiie 7tli 
of May, 1844, and was but eigliteen months old 
wiien his parents emigrated to this country. He 
spent his early life in New Jersey and Ohio, coming 
frotn the latter State to Nebraska in 1867. His 
father carried on the coopering business in the small 
village of Etna, Ohio, in which place our subject 
was reared to manhood. He received a common- 
school education, and lived at home until he came 
to this State, with the exception of three years and 
eight months spent in the service of his country .is 
a soldier. 

On the 29th of October, 1861, Mr. Arnold en- 
listed as a private in Company E, 76th Ohio In- 



• > m^^^ 



fan try, and was afterward promoted to the rank of 
Sergeant. During his connection with the army he 
participated in thirty-tlirce general engagements, to- 
getiier with battles of lesser note. At the battle of 
Ringgold, Ga., he was wounded in the right arm 
and side, and was incapacitated for service for about 
two months, whicii time he spent in the hospital. 
For his loyalty in the service of the country, and 
because of the wound whicli he received, he is al- 
lowed a pension by the Government. Although a 
stated amount of money at intervals can hardly be 
said to be a fair exchange for the health .and com- 
fort of any man, it is yet his just due, and a mark 
of appreciation which should never be withheld 
from those who gave much in so good a cause. 

At the expiration of his term of service our sub- 
ject returned to Ohio, and after remaining in that 
.State for one year, he came to Falls City. Richard- 
son Co., Neb. He then eng.iged in farming, ami 
after a residence there of three years he came to 
this county, in the spring of 1870. He settled in 
Midland Township, where he lived for thirteen 
years, and in 1883 he moved to Glenwood Town- 
.ship, in which he owns a farm of 200 acres on sec- 
tions 9 and 1 6. He has erected a good house and 
buildings, and has m.ade many noticeable improve- 
ments on his land. 

On the 20th of February, 1870, Mr. Arnold was 
united iu marriage, in Falls City, with Miss KateM. 
Paxton, who is a daughter of William and Lucinda 
(Moss) Paxton. .She was born in Barren County, Ky., 
on the 17tli of March, 1848, and came to this State 
in 1865. To their home h.is come a family of ten 
children, all of whom were born in this county, 
and their names are mentioned as follows: George 
P.. Charles W.. Alice M., E<1ward L., Ernest .1., 
Archie. Arthur G., May B., Maggie E., and an in- 
fant son unnamed. Mrs. Arnold is a member of 
the Christian Church. The older members of the 
family were aflforded the advanUiges for receiving 
good educations, and are fitting themselves to adorn 
the stations in life in which they m.ay be placed, and 
are an honor to their parents, while the younger 
members are still in the enjoyment of their child- 
hood d.iys, and arc happy ami free from care. 

While our subject has given careful attention to 
his occupation, and has made very fair improve- 



i 



^ 



462 



GAGE COUNTY. 



^i^^ 



ments on his farm, he has not forgotten that it is the 
fluty of ever}- man to taive a certain shave of tiie 
responsibilities of public affairs, and during the 
year 1887 he served as Supervisor of Glenwood 
Township. While living in Midland Township he 
held the office of School Director for ten 3'ears, be- 
ing amply qualified bj- education and general exec- 
utive ability to fill that office. He is an advocate 
of the policy of the Democratic organization, and 
is a highly esteemed member of the Reserve Post 
of the G. A. R., at Odell. Under the manage- 
ment of just such men as our subject will the county 
continue to improve, until finally it will i-each the 
rank of the older settled counties, and its .advan- 
tages for educational and religious growth be un- 
excelled. 

■vfl ACOB FEESE, widely and favorably known 
I throughout the southwestern part of this 
' count}', has been a memberof the community 
^^J of Glenwood Township since the fall of 1 883, 
when he settled upon his present farm, which com- 
prises 153 acres of productive land on section 1. 
During the five j'ears of his residence here he h.as 
established himself in the esteem and confidence of 
his fellow-citizens bj' his energy, enterprise, and 
his qualities as a desirable and useful member of 
society. He is making good improvements on his 
farm, bringing the land to a fine state of cultiva- 
tion, and in all respects contributing his quota to 
the upbuilding of the rich territory of Southern 
Nebraska. 

The Feese family is believed to lie of German 
aneestr}', settling in the South after coming to this 
country. David Feese, the father of our subject, 
was born in Ashe County, N. C, and upon reaching 
manhood was married to Miss Lucinda Hill, who 
was a native of Hardin County, Ky. They first 
settled in McDonough County, III., and from there 
in 1834 removed to Des Moines County, Iowa, 
settling among the earliest pioneers of the Hawkeye 
State. Mr. Feese took uj) a tract of Government 
land in what is now Flint River Township, and 
there with his estimable wife carried on farming 
and spent the remainder of his daj's, passing awaj' 



March 10, 1888, at the advanced .age of eighty 
years. He was a good man in the best sense of the 
term, industrious, honest and public-spirited. He 
was affectionately known throughout that region as 
'•Father Feese," and is kindly remembered by hosts 
of friends. A consistent member of the Christian 
Church, he took an active part iu its deliberations, 
and contributed liberally to its support from the 
abtiudance of means with which Providence had 
blessed him. 

The hospitable roof of David Feese was ever 
ready to shelter the destitute and needy, and his 
hand ever ready to assist the deserving poor. As 
a bright exponent of the Christian virtues, the father 
of our subject fulfilled conscientiously ever}- known 
duty. He set before his children the example of 
thrift, industry, economy, and those moral traits of 
character which won their confidence when young, 
and which, now they are further advanced in 3-ears, 
sliiues brighter as memory holds them within its 
most sacred precincts. The mother, too, was amply 
fitted for her position as the wife of such a man, 
being in all good works his sympathizer and helper. 
They lived congeniallj' together for a period of 
forty-four years, and then the mother passed to her 
rest at the homeste.ad in Iowa, Oct. 7, 1879. They 
differed somewhat in religious views, the mother 
being a Baptist, and belonging to the Baptist 
Churcli at Danville. They were married in 1827, 
and became the parents of fifteen children, four 
sons and eleven daughters, twelve of whom survive. 

The subject of this sketch was the seventh child 
of the parental family, and was born in Flint 
River Township, Des Moines Co., Iowa, Nov. 26, 
1842. He wjis reared as a farmer's boy and edu- 
cated in the district school, remaining under the 
home roof until reaching his majority. He then 
commenced working for himself, continuing in his 
native county two j-ears longer. He then pur- 
chased a fjirm in Henrj- County, Iowa, but iu less 
then a ye.ar returned to his earlj' tramping ground. 
He engaged in mercantile pursuits in Danville a 
few months, then sold out and invested his capital 
in another farm, this time in Flint River Township, 
and upon which he continued three years. Thence 
he changed his residence to Fremont County, Iowa, 
purchasing another farm, and living there until 



■•►^C--^ 




fe** -- 



til 



I JJI I L I jl ■I WM i -JUUJ. ' J l .-L-.- -U- 



fc1lW|t|1t"ill««''"'''1It'''1!''''''"'"'''"'''- ""' ■ ■ 






i.-r~::r^-^'-' ^^'^^j^^:^>^- '-■ ■ ;■ r- 



Residence OF John IVl u ller ,Sec . 19. H ighland Townshi p. 







Stock-dale Farm, Residence of 0. R. Deming,Sec.9.HighlandTown5hip. 



,t 



GAGE COUNTY. 



465 



September, 1883, when he deciderl to cast his lot 
among the people of Southern Nebraska. 

The marriage of Jacob Feese and Miss Mary 
Abbie Mains was celebrated March 23, 18C3, at 
the home of the bride in Pleasant Grove Township, 
Des Moines Co., Iowa. Mrs. Feese is the daughter of 
Philip and Sarah (Egglcston) Mains, who were born 
and reared in the Buckeye State. 'I'hey were mar- 
ried in Indiana, and \vere residents of Des Moines 
County, Iowa, for sixteen years, also residents of 
Fremont County for the same length of time. 
From there they came to Nebraska, settling in Pad- 
dock Township, this countj', in February, 1887, 
where they now live. They have been the parents 
of thirteen children, eight of whom are now living. 

Mrs. Feese was the fifth child of the parental 
household, and was born in Clermont County, Ohio, 
Marcli 23, 1846. She grew up amid the surround- 
ings of a comfortable home, and acquired her edu- 
cation in the common school. She was carefully 
traineil b^' an excellent mother to habits of industry 
and economj\ and remained under the home shel- 
ter until her marriage. Of her union with our sub- 
ject there have been born four children: Cora E., 
the wife of Simeon liogrefe, of Wymore, this State; 
Ida L., Mrs. Jacob Young, of Sicilj- Township, this 
count}"; Philip Jean and Edwin L., at home with 
their parents. Wliile a resident of Iowa Mr. Feese 
held the various township offices, and has always 
been recognized as a public-spirited citizen wherever 
his lot in life has been cast. Both he and his esti- 
mable wife are members in good standing of the 
Baptist Churcii. Mr. F. cast his first Presidential 
vote for Lincoln, but is indei)endent in politics, re- 
serving the right of the free American citizen to 
support the men whom he considers best qualified 
to serve tlie interests of the people. 



« IV>ILLIAM CRAIG, Mayor of Blue Springs, 
\/iJ/' '^"*^' l'i'"g<ily identified with its business 
WW affairs, reijresents considerable real estate 
in which he is largely interested, the greater por- 
tion being city propertj'. He is also conducting a 
nourishing hardware business, and as a man and a 
citizen ranks among the most highlj- respected resi- 



dents of this county, and we are pleased to present 
his portrait on tlie opposite page. 

Our subject is of stanch Pennsj'lvania stock, his 
father, Thomas Craig, having been born in Carbon 
County, that State, in 1800. He received a com- 
mon-school educition, and upon reaching manhood 
engaged in farming for a time, and later for nearly 
a half-century occupied himself as a hotel-keeper 
successfully at Lehigh, Water Gap. He was also 
owner of the stage line running between IMauch 
Chunk and Easton, from which lie derived a hand- 
some income. In .addition to this lie wasextensively 
engaged in rafting lumber from the Upper Lehigh 
to Easton, Mauch Cliunk and other points, having 
his own boat and making considerable money in 
this enterprise. During the memorable freshet of 
1841 he lost heavily in boats and lumber. He con- 
tinued as a hotel-keeper until the time of his death. 
For a number of j'ears he dealt largely in general 
mcrch.andise. 

The father of our subject was married in early 
manhood to Miss Kuntz, who died young, leaving 
two children. Subsequentlj', in 1828, he was mar- 
ried to Miss Catherine Hagenbuch, and the}' be- 
came the parents of six children, five of whom lived 
to mature years. The father died in 18.t9, at the 
hotel which had been his home for so many years. 
Mrs. Catherine Craig, the mother of our subject, 
also a native of the Kej'stone State, was a daughter 
of a hotel-keeper at Lehighton, where he spent 
many j-ears of his life, and where he entered upon 
his final rest. Mrs. Craig remained with her par- 
ents until her marriage, and survived her husband 
twelve years, her death taking place at Lehigh Gap, 
in 1871. 

The parents of our subject were members in 
good standing of the Lutheran Church, and the 
father was especially prominent and active in all 
those matters pertaining to moral and religious 
education. The paternal grandfather of our sub- 
ject, Thomas Craig, Sr., a native of Northampton 
County, Pa., served sis a General in the Revolution- 
ary War, and after the independence of the Colo- 
nies had been established, returned to his native 
place, where he engaged in farming, and lived to 
the ripe old age of ninety years. He was a lifelong 
Democrat, and the father of six children. 



•»-HI^^^ 



466 



GAGE COUNTY. 



The sulijecl. of this sketch wns born at Leliigh 
Gap, Pa., April 22, 1841. His [)rimfiry studies 
were eondueterl in the schools of his native town. 
Later he became a student at Allentown Seminary, 
and completed his education in the Agricultural 
College in Center Countj'. He then began teach- 
ing, but subsequently, in company with his brother 
John, embarked in general merchandising at Lehigh 
Gap, to which he added the business of boat-builder 
and railroad contractor. These interests he oper- 
ated extensivelj' and successfullj'. and subsequently 
dealt largely in lumber and coal at the same place, 
where he continued to live until the fall of 1882. 
Socially and politically, he was prominent in this 
county and community, and in fact the entire 
famil}' were widely and favorably known through- 
out that region as comprising a portion of its best 
element. Three of his brothers were in the Penn- 
sylvania Legislature, and two were elected to the 
State Senate. 

Mr. Craig in 1882 disposed of his interests in the 
Keystone State, and coming west into Southern 
Nebraska located at once in Blue Springs, this 
count3^ establishing himself in his present business. 
Each year has added to his stock and his patronage, 
and he is rapidly approaching the point where, if 
he so wishes, he can retire, having already a com- 
petence. His promptness and reliabilitj' in his 
business transactions have made him a general 
favorite with the men of his community, while 
socially, together with his family, he occupies an 
enviable position. He takes a warm interest in the 
building up of the town, and does whatever lies in 
his power to further its moral and educational inter- 
ests. He cast his first Presidential vote for Mc- 
Clellan. but changed his politics and sustained the 
Rei)ubliean party until 1880, when his strong tem- 
jjerance proclivities led him to give his support to 
the Prohibitionists. He has been a member of the 
School Board almost from the time of coming here, 
and was elected to his present position of Mayor in 
the spring of 1888. The fact that the Republicans 
lead in tiiis locality speaks well for his standing in 
the community. Religiously, he belongs to the 
Evangelical Association and is an energetic laborer 
in the Sundaj'-school. 

Mr. Craig was married, Sept. 20, 1867, to Miss 



"^•- 



Mattie E. Gish, of Berlinsville. Pa., and they are 
now the parents of five children, viz : Annie E., Will- 
iam A., Frederick G., Jesse V. and Mattie F. They 
are all living at home with their parents, and being 
given the training and education which will qualify 
them for useful and worthy members of society. 
Mrs. Craig was born Jan. 29, 1844, in Berlinsville, 
Northampton Co., Pa., and is the daughter of Abram 
and Elizabeth (Hummel) Gish, who were natives of 
Pennsylvania, and are now deceased. Her father 
was a man of prominence, farmer and merchant 
combined, and officiated as a Justice of the Peace 
for many years. He was, with his excellent wife, a 
member of the Evangelical Church, and departed 
this life at his home in Berlinsville in 1878. The 
mother was a member of the same church, and 
departed this life in June, 1884. 

During the six years' residence of Mr. Craig in 
this county, he has fullj^ established himself in the 
esteem and confidence of the people about him. He 
was nominated by the Prohibition convention of 
1888 as candidate for Senator, an indicatiou of 
the estimation in which he is hel<l, and a great 
compliment to his worth and ability. 

—^ • ^ '■ i# * *<- 



■^OHN P. WAGNER. The firm of G. W. 
Maurer & Co., dealers in farm implements, 
is recognized as one of the most enterprising 
and prosperous in the city of Beatrice, and 
is closely identified with the growth and pros- 
perit}' of the city. Our subject was born in New 
Brunswick, March 15, 1848, where he lived until a 
lad ten years of age. His parents then removed to 
Kenosha County, Wis., and settled on a farm, remain- 
ing in the Badger State until coming to this county in 
April, 1867. Tiiey are now living on a farm one 
mile and a half northeast of Beatrice. The father, 
John W. Wagner, was born in Ireland, and married 
Miss Ellen Lane, who was a native of New Bruns- 
wick. They are the parents of eleven children. 
John P. was reared to farm pursuits, and acquired 
his education in the district school. He remained 
under the parental roof until about sixteen years of 
age, then repaired to Racine, Wis., where he learned 
the machinist trade, and worked two years. After- 



••^ M ^' 



-^*" 




GAGE COUNTY. 



467 



ward he became traveling salesman for the Geiser 
Tbrasliing Jlachine C(>ini)ai)3-, and in their interests 
compassed a large proportion of the Northwest, go- 
ing through Wisconsin, Iowa and Michigan, and was 
tlius emplo3"ed for a period of four years. Subse- 
quently he was engaged in the retail trade at Syl- 
vania, Racine Co., Wis. 

Mr. Wagner, in tiie spring of 1878, established 
his present business in Beatrice, in the building 
which he now occupies. The house carries a gen- 
eral line of everything pertaining to its branch of 
trade. Mr. Maurer became a partner in the business 
in February, 1 888. Their square dealings and cor- 
rect business methods have made the house one of 
the most popular in the city. 

The subject of this sketch was married, Jan. 16, 
1 880, to Miss Nettie D. Shear, who was born in Lock- 
port, N. Y.. and is the daughter of J. D. and Mary 
Ann (Spickerman) Shear, natives of New York 
State, and now living in Thomas County, Kan. Mr. 
and Mrs. W^agner occupy a snug home on North 
Plighth street, and are the parents of one child, a 
son, Lee E., born in July, 1882. The W'agner Block 
was put lip by our subject in 1883. It is 50x100 
in dimensions, and two stories in height with base- 
ment. The latter is occupied by other parties. Be- 
sides his town propert}' Mr. Wagner owns two 
farms which are largely devoted to stock purposes. 
He makes a specialty of fine horses, principally trot- 
ting stock. 



i-*^ 




R. ROBERT S. ALBRIGHT, physician and 
surgeon, holds a good position among the 
members of the profession in the city of 
Beatrice, where he enjoys a good practice, 
and numbers among his friends and patrons its best 
people. His earliest recollections are of a modest 
home in the vicinit}' of Martinsburg, Blair Co., 
Pa., wliere his birth took place Oct. 21, 1861, the 
youngest of a family of seven children, six of whom 
are living. His parents were John and Sarah 
(Hamm) Albright, who were .also natives of the 
Kej'stone State, and traced their ancestry to Ger- 
many. 

When our subject was a little lad five years of 



age. his parents removed to Ogle County. 111., set- 
tling on a farm, where the}' lived until 1876, the 
father dying that j'ear. In the spring of 1884 the 
mother removed to Beatrice. A more extended 
record of their lives will be found in the sketch of 
Rev. G. H. Albright a brother of our subject, and 
which will be found elsewhere in this volume. 
Robert S. grew to manhood in .Ogle Count}-, 111., 
where he attended the common schools, completing 
the scientific course at I^olo. He began the study 
of medicine at Polo, under the instruction of Dr. 
J. B. Snyder, and subsequently took a course of 
lectures at Rush Medical College, Chicago, from 
which he was graduated in 1884. In the spring of 
that year he came to Beatrice, and unaided and 
alone made his way slowly upward to his jiresent 
position. He is a close student, and keeps himself 
well posted upon modern theories and methods. 
Politically, he supports the Republican ticket, and 
is a member of the Nebraska State Medical Society. 
He is still single. 



\t^OIIN SCHMUCK, of Beatrice, was born in 
Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, near the beau- 
tiful blue Rhine, April 2, 1834, and is the 
son of Peter and Mary E. (Bader) .Schmuck. 
His father was by occupation a shoemaker. He left 
his native country for the United States, and his 
family never after saw or heard from him. About 
si.K years after this event the mother emigrated to 
America with her children, and settled at Mendota, 
111., where she died in her sixtieth year. She was 
the mother of six children, three sons and three 
daughters, our subject being the second born. He 
commenced to lay the foundation of his education 
when he was six years of age, and continued with 
fair regularitj' until his fourteenth birthday. He 
was then apprenticed for the usual term of three 
years to learn his trade, after which he traveled as 
a journeyman shoemaker until he reached his twen- 
tieth J'ear. 

In the year 1854 our subject emigrated to Amer- 
ica, this being four years before his mother and the 
rest of the family came, and landed after an ocean 
voyage of thirty-seven days in New York; thence he 




A. 



40 8 



GAGI-: COUNTY. 



went to Lyons. N. Y., and after a time on to "Water- 
loo, in the same State, working at his trade in 
eacli place. From tiic latter place he transferred the 
sphere of his operations to Jlendota, 111., where he 
remained tibont three years, and then went to Bloom- 
ington in the same State, and from there he went 
to Tennessee, where he remained one winter, and 
then returned to Illinois, stopping at Peoria, in each 
of these places working at his trade. In 1873 he 
found his way to Nebraska, and went onto a farm 
which he purchased. This was just before the ever- 
memoralile grasshopper visitation, and as they went 
to work and ate u|) every green blade and leaf upon 
the farm, he returned to the city, to the bench, lap- 
stone, awl and wax-end, and began again uniting 
upper to sole. In this he continued up to 1887, 
every year witnessing a marked increase in his 
sales and business. 

In 1887. our subject having invested his savings 
from time to time in the purchase of eitj' property, 
realized in the increased values quite a handsome 
profit, and from that time he has continued to be 
interested in real-estate transactions with a most 
unusually fortunate experience. In the same year 
he built what is known as the Schmuck Block, a 
ver}' fine brick structure three stories in height, and 
covering a ground surface of 23x94 feet. The first 
floor of this building is occuiiied by Schmidt & 
Jones' store; the second is built into offices, and the 
third is used for dwelling puiposes. Over against 
the present success, prosperity and ease of circum- 
stances, must be placed in remembrance, in order to 
the full appreciation thereof, the practical nothing- 
ness possessed, excepting onl\' his trade, at the time 
when he started in life for himself at the age of 
seventeen, and to-day he can look back and know 
that his life has been financially a perfect success. 
He has recently sold his farm. 

The companion of our subject for the last twen- 
ty-eiglit years, one who has shared the trials, diffi- 
culties and hardships with liim in the past, as she 
enjoys also the prosperity of the present, is Anna 
(Kemp) Sclimuck, who was united to him in mar- 
riage on the loth of February, 18G0. This lady 
was born in Butler County, Ohio, near Cincinnati, 
June 7, 1839, and is the daughter of Christian 
and Mary (Souiers) Kemp. Through all the years 




of her faithful wedded life she has considered at 
all times their interests and happiness one. This 
highl}' respected familj' might serve as an example 
and inspiration to many just starting in the path of 
life. In one especial feature is the success of our 
subject noticeable and worth}' of thoughtful imita- 
tion — it is the fact that he began life with a thor- 
ough knowledge of a trade, and was from the 
beginning a skilled laborer. The world .always has 
room for and will welcome such. 



) EN JAM IN F. HERTZLER is the youngest 
of a family of eight children born to Chris- 
tian and Barbara (Myers) Hertzler, natives 
of Lancaster County, Pa. The father of 
our subject was a farmer by occupation, and upon 
his marri.age settled in Cumberland County, and so 
man.aged his business that financially he was quite 
well-to-do. He w.as one of the most intelligent and 
efficient practical farmers in the county, and his 
advice was often sought and usually followed. He 
spent his last days, as did also his wife, on the Cum- 
berland County farm, and died at a good old age. 
Their family included eight children: Mary, the 
wife of Jacob Eberly, of Mechanicsburg, Pa.; 
Christian, who is one of Cumberland County's 
prosperous farmers; Samuel; Elias; Barbara, wife 
of John Myers, of Cumberland Count}', Pa. ; Jacob 
and our subject; all but the latter are residents 
of Pennsylvania. The second eldest child, Abram, 
died in the year 1871, aged thirty-three years. 

Our subject grew up surrounded by all the work 
and worry, hush and rush, light and shadow, of 
farm life. At an early age he was given a place in 
the common school of the district, and from that 
went to farming, continuing to reside with his par- 
ents until he attained his majority. In Mechanics- 
burg, Pa., in 1874, he was united in marri.age with 
Elizabeth Nisley, who was born in Cumberland 
County, Pa., to John and Rebecca Nisley, who were 
natives of that State. Their daughter was born at 
Mechanicsburg, Jan. 25, 1856. 

After their marriage, which was celebrated at 
Mechanicsburg, our subject engaged in farming, 
and dealt more or less extensively in live stock 



- ^ > ji <• 



t 



GAGE COUNTY. 



469 



until the j-ear 1884, when he came to Nebraska and 
purcliased his present farm, which iiad been some- 
what improved, but since that time our subject has 
largely remodeled everything and added not a few 
valuable improvements to those already made. 
He works his farm in the interest of general agri- 
culture, to which is added some dealings in stock, 
although this is not extensively engaged in by Mr. 
Hertzler. Mr. and Mrs. liertzler have a very inter- 
esting family of four children, who have received 
the names. Bertha, .Joseph. Annie and Benjamin 
Franklin. 

The life and home of Mr. and Mrs. Hertzler pre- 
sent some idea of the sentiment in the mind of 
Henry Payne when he wrote his world-renovvned 
poem concerning '-home." The underlying princi- 
ple that makes their home so pleasant and their 
lives so cheerful and beautiful is the fact of their 
whole-hearted belief in the Christian religion, and 
their continued practice of its tenets, which it has 
been frequently remarked seem always to have that 
effect. They are members of tiie United Brethren 
Church, and have been from tiie time of their resi- 
dence in Pennsylvania. In all matters of civic and 
political nature Mr. Hertzler is deeply interested, 
and is usually found to vote with the Republican 
partj-, of which lie has been a stanch and firm sup- 
porter for many years, and upon all occasions of 
special interest he is found devoting even more 
than his usual energy to tiie advancement of its 
interests. 



BER E. HILTON. The name of our sub- 

Eject is most intimately connected with the 
modern improvements along the line of en- 
gineering triumphs introduced into the city of 
"Wymore, and without question he has had more to 
do with the efficiency' of the appliances in use in the 
city than any other. He first came to the city in 
the year 1884, having previously been here and 
purchased property in the emploj^ of the Burlington 
& Missouri River Railroad as civil engineer in 
ch-irge of the work of that company at Diller. then 
of the finishing and examining of all the work from 
that place to Blue River. He has held the position 



V 



-4•- 



of City Engineer for three consecutive terms, and 
while holding this ollice was also employed by 
Messrs. Reynolds Bros, to take charge of the en- 
gineering and lajing down of the Wymore Street 
Railroad. 

Eber Hilton, the father of our subject, was born 
in Ohio, in the year 1818. He was educated and 
reared in his native State, and after completing his 
schooling became a fanner, remaining with his 
mother, who was a widow, operating the home farm 
until he was almost of age. He then married Miss 
Elizabeth McMacken, when he took a farm in 
Defiance Count}', Ohio, where he spent the re- 
mainder of his life, dying at the age of thirty years, 
in 1848. To them were born three children, all of 
whom live, and one son, Joseph J., who met his 
death at the age of nineteen in the United States 
service. 

Elizabeth McMacken, the mother of our subject, 
was the daughter of Judge Joseph McMacken, of 
Ft. Wayne, Ind.. and was born about 1821, and 
resided with her parents until the time of her mar- 
riage. Upon the death of her husband she was left 
with three children, and in order to their support 
taught school for several years, and about 18y4 
married Judge W. D. Ha3'maker, after a widowhood 
of six years. Her children always had a home 
with her in this new relation, and found as near as 
such a thing is possible a second father in the 
second husband of iheir mother. Judge Haymaker 
has since been twice to the Legislature from De- 
fiance County, in which district his home was made 
after his marriage. 

The grandfather of our subject, Joshua Hilton, 
was born in Maine, and removed about the year 
1812 to the Miami Valley, in the vicinity' of the 
city of Daj'ton, Ohio, and afterward went to a farm 
upon the banks of the Maumee River in the north- 
western part of the State. The condition of the 
countiy could not perhaps be better expressed than 
bj' stating the fact that between his house there and 
Ft. Wa3'ne there was but one house, and between 
his home and where Toledo now stands only two 
houses. The first house erected b}' him was of the 
logs he had hewn in clearing his farm, but after- 
ward he made brick suflicient, and put up a larger 
and more comfortable dwelling, which still stands. 



h 



470 






GAGE COUNTY. 



^h^ 



Our sulijeot was born on the 9th of Januaiy, 
1S49, about three months after the lime of his 
father's death, wliieh occured in the above-men- 
tioned brick house at Defiance. As soon as he 
came to a proper age he was given a good, practical, 
common school education, gradually' helping in tlie 
various duties of the farm until lie was enabled 
largely to take control. His step-father died when 
he was about ten j-ears of age. and lie remained at 
home thus einplo3-ed as above until lie was about 
twenty-one years of age. From there he went to 
the city of Washington, and spent one year as clerk 
in the agricultural department. The next eight 
\ears were spent in the office of the City Engineer 
of Toledo, in hard and diligent study in order to an 
intimate acquaintance with the details of his chosen 
calling. Jn the year 1879 he came West and worked 
for the Atchison & Nebraska Railroad Company, 
and upon the 1st of November of the same year 
engaged with the Burlington ife Missouri River Rail- 
road Company, and continued in their employ for 
two and a half j'ears, and then went to Montana on 
the Northern Pacific Railroad for five months, 
when he returned home to his mother, who vvas 
lying very sick. He staid with her until the 
spring, and then returned to tlie employ of the Bur- 
lington & Missouri River Railroad Company, and 
continued in their employ until quite recently, 
whenever there was an}' work to do, and the value 
the}' set upt>n his services is shown in the fact that 
he has only been unemployed ten montiis in over 
seven years, and was engaged iirincipall}' in charge 
of grading and bridging, he holding the position of 
Division Engineer of the company. For the last 
three years our subject has held the office of City 
Engineer, and had charge of everything pertaining 
thereto. 

At Defiance, Ohio, Sept. 7, 1.S54, there was 
born to Herman and Ann Willerling a daughter, 
named Rillia. Her father was a native of Germany, 
and came to the United States about tlie year 1842, 
took up a tract of land and settled in Ohio. As 
their daughter grew she was given a practical edu- 
cation, and as she advanced to years of womanhood 
began to develop and manifest those traits of char- 
acter and personal qualities which first attracted the 
attention of our subject, and have since encircled 



his life with a halo of hajjpiness. This ladj- was 
married to our subject at Defiance, Ohio. Sept. 14, 
1883. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Hilton are members in good 
standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
active in its enterprise, prominent in its Sunday- 
school work, and very efficient in any engagement 
of a similar nature. Our subject is one of the 
Trustees of the church, and discharges the duties 
connected therewith with that conscientious thor- 
oughness that has marked iiis whole life, witli the nat- 
ural result tliat lie and Mrs. Hilton are most highly 
esteemed, not so much on account of their pro- 
fession as their practice. 



SAAC N. McCONNELL. The real-estate busi- 
ness of Beatrice forms no unimportant portion 
, I of its transactions, and the subject of this sketch 
is one of its oldest representatives. He is a native 
of Ohio, and was born near Buc^tus, in Crawford 
County, April 21, 1846. He was the sixth child in 
a faniil}' of five sons and eight daughters, onlj- two 
of whom are now living, our subject and his sister, 
Maria B., wife of Dr. O. O. Wells, of Beatrice. The 
parents were Alexander W. and Maria G. (Glass- 
gow) McConnell, both of higlil}' respectable fami- 
lies, and the descendants of substantial Scotch-Irish 
ancestry. The father was a carder and fuller by 
occupation; be also carried on a woolen-mill for 
several years. He departed this life at his home in 
Bucyrus. June 10, 1882. The mother is still living, 
and makes her home with our subject at Beatrice. 

The boyhood of Mr. McConnell was spent in his 
native town, where he attended the public school 
during his earlier j'cars; his business experience 
began when, but a lad of thirteen, he entered a store 
of general merchandise as clerk. Later, when sev- 
enteen j'ears old, he enlisted in the Union Army, 
becoming a member of Company E, i36th Ohio 
National Guards, and was mustered into the service 
of the United Slates Mjiy 2, 1864. and with his 
comrades was sent to Ft. Worth, Va., where they 
were assigned to garrison duty ; be gained an insight 
into the methods of general warfare, but did not par- 
ticipate in any active engagement. He w.as mustered 
^ 



f- 



t 



GAGE COUNTY. 



••► 



ill 



out Ann;. 2"i. 1 804, and returning to his native 
town in llu; Bucl^eye State resumed his old position 
in the store where he had been employed fornoerlj', 
continuing there for a period of five j'ears and un- 
til coming to this county. 

Mr. AlcConnell came to Beatrice in Januarj-, 
1869, and at once opening a real-estate office began 
entering land for non-residents. When this began 
to change hands he operated on commission, and was 
thus actively employed until the cit}' and country 
began to develop, when he hitndled city propert}', 
and to this kind of real estate has of late years 
given most of his attention. He has been consid- 
erably' interested in farming lands, and has a busi- 
ness which extends 100 miles west of this point- 
He has a fine residence in the citj' besides his farm 
propert}-. The grounds around llie former are 
greatly admired, and are not only a matter of pride 
in the town but highl^^ indicative of the taste and 
means of the proprietor. 

Mr. McConnell, politically, votes the straight Re- 
publican ticket, and has been prominent in the 
political affairs of this locality, representing his party 
iff the State Convention. Mr. McConnell was elected 
Mayor of the cit3' of Beatrice for two terms. 



•«ccfi/i§^@- — M 






HRISTIANNAS L. HUTCHINSON is an 
enterprising farmer who has recently located 
^^(7 on his fine farm, which he purchased some 
j^ears ago on section 15, Paddock Township. He 
is a sagacious, clear-headed, wide-awake man, and it 
is his pride that he is classed among the self-made 
men of the country, he having acquired all his 
property by hard labor and judicious management 
while still a young man. He was born June o, 1852, 
in Berks County. Pa., being a son of John .S, and 
Sarah E. (Van Hart) Hutchinson, natives of Penn- 
sylvania. 

The parents of our subject moved from Pennsji- 
vania to Macoupin County, 111., in 1854, and staid 
there for about ten years, the father being engaged 
in agricultural pursuits. Thence they removed to 
Logan County in the same State. They subse- 



quently, however, took up their abode in Champaign 
County, 111., where they still reside. They are now 
enjoying the fruits of a well-spent life, and are held 
by .all around them in respect and esteem for their 
man}' sterling qualities of mind and heart. They 
are faithful members of the Presbyterian Church, 
and are known to be true Christians by their work. 

Christiannas Hutchinson, of whom we write, was 
reared on an Illinois farm and lias made agriculture 
his business ever since he became a man. He re- 
mained an inmate of the parental household until 
he was twent3'-three, rendering his father great as- 
sistance in the management of his farm, as he was 
strong, active, and knew how to work to the best 
advantage. At the age mentioned Mr. Hutchinson 
began life for himself without inonej', but with 
plenty of pluck and muscle, and to these he attrib- 
utes his success. April 7, 1881, he took a very 
important step tow.ird establishing the cozy home 
th.at he now enjo3-s b}' his marriage to Miss Anna 
C. Johnston. She is a daughter of Hale and Luc}' 
Johnston, who live in Champaign County, 111. 'Ihe}' 
are members of the Presb3'terian Church, and are 
highly esteemed people. The m.arriage of our sub- 
ject and his wife has been blessed to them b}' the 
birth of two daughters — Ella and Anna B. 

In February, 1884, Mr. Hutchinson set his face 
toward Nebraska with the intention of investing 
some of his hard-won cash in the wonderfull}^ fer- 
tile farm lands of Gage County, and he then bought 
IGO acres on sectioft 15, Paddock Township. Al- 
though he w.as well pleased with this local! 13' he did 
not immediatel3' locate here, but returned to his 
home in Illinois. In March, 1888, he came back 
here to settle on his land, having wound up his 
affairs in the Prairie State. He soon bought an 
additional eight3' acres of land adjoining his first 
purchase, on which he has built corn cribs, wagon 
sheds, etc. Although he has been here but a short 
time, with characteristic energ}' he has alread3' made 
man3' valuable improvements on his farm, all of 
which is under cultivation, except the part devoted 
to pasturage. He has set out a thrift3' orchard of 
seventy-five apple and forty peach trees. From 
experience he has found hog-raising very remuner- 
ative, and he is going to .give special attention to 
that branch of stock-raising, he having brought 



f 



\- 



u 



472 



^i^HI-0« 



GAGE COUNTY. 




some full-l)loodefl Poland-Cliina lioss witli him from 
Illinois. 

Mr. Iliitcliinson bears a fine reputation in his oUl 
iionie as heing a practical man, of sound principles 
and 8tnl)ilit_y of jnirposo. one whose word was never 
doubted, one in whom iiis neigiiLors put perfect 
confidence, and as such he maj' be regarded as a 
great acquisition to this community. He and his 
wife are stanch members of the Presbj'terian 
Church, and their influence will always be found 
on the side of the right. Politicall_v. Mr. Hutchin- 
son belongs to the Republican party, and he is firm 
in his support of its policy. 

HILLIP.I. MYKRS. The subject of this 
)]] writing is among the most valuable citizens 
-^-., the country possesses. He is making it his 
J \ r;hief business to provide the f.armer as he 
goes about the work of producing material for the 
world's market, and the tradesman in the commer- 
cial world, with the highest class of animals, in har- 
mony with the law of ■' the survival of the fittest," 
He is one of the most substantial farmers and horse- 
raisers of the county, and his beautiful farm is lo- 
cated on sections 20 and 21, Midland Township. He 
has been a resident of this county since 1873. and 
of the State since 18C0. He was born on the 30th 
of May, 1835, in Prussia, and is the son of Jacob 
and Margaret (Julius) Myers. The family came to 
the United States in the spring of 1836, and settled 
first in Albany. N. Y.. where for about four 3'ears 
the father of our subject followed the occupation of 
gardening. In September. 1840, the}^ remove<l to 
Kenosha County, Wis., and entered laud and en- 
g.aged in farming and stock-raising. The journey 
from Albany was taken by w.ay of the Erie Canal 
to Buffalo, and thence by way of the lake to Wis- 
consin. His family included at that time, besides 
himself and wife, five children. The boats at that 
time ran only about once in three months. He 
brought considerable property with him in the ves- 
sel, consisting of household and other goods, .and 
as this w.as a day liefore the erect'on of freight 
houses, the goods upon being removed from the 
vessel were piled upon the beach, where, he was in- 

M» 



formed, they would be perfectly safe, but that 
night a storm arose and in the morning they found 
everything had been washed into the lake anil lost, 
leaving them with only the few things they wore 
or had carried in their hands. 

Left as above described. Mr. Mj'ers. Sr.. sought 
emi)loyment. and, for two years worked as hard as 
it was possible for him to do, and was successful in 
making a fresh start. He became the owner of an 
exceptionally fine and well equipped farm, and for 
many years prior to his death enjoj'ed the golden 
harvest of his success. He was called to his last rest 
at the age of seventy-nine years, in the year 1876. 
His widow survived him until the j'ear 1885, and 
died at the good old age of ninety j-ears. Their 
family of five children all grew up to j'ears of ma- 
turity, and it w.as their pleasure to see them well 
started in life. Jacob, the eldest son, is one of 
California's "'forty-niners," .and is a resident of 
Colusa County, th.at State; Catherine, the second 
child (deceased), was the wife of Dr. Edward Hop- 
kins, of California, in which State her brother An- 
drew resides; Francis G, went to California in 
1849, and raised the first grain in that State, and 
thrashed it with the first machine used there; it was 
a one-horse tre.ad power, open C3'liuder thrashing- 
machine, and was brought by way of Cape Horn, at 
a cost of $5,000; he is now a resident of Kenosha, 
Wis, The youngest child w.as our subject, Phillip J. 

At the time of the removal of the family to the 
United States our subject was less than a year old, 
and his early memories, therefore, center around 
the Kenosha homestead. Here he received his early 
education and training in farm work and care of 
stock. He continued to reside at home until he 
was twenty-two j'ears of age, when he started for 
himself. In 1859 he w.as united in marriage with 
Mary Biehn, She w.as born in Bavaria, Germanj-, 
April 17, 1835, and was the daughter of Fred and 
Margaret Biehn. The family came to America in 
the year 1850, and settled in Kenosha County, not 
far from the family of Mr. Myers, Sr. 

For several years after his marriage our subject 
continued farming in Wisconsin, but in the year 
1869 determined to go West, and settled in Jeffer- 
s<jn County, Neb., being accompanied bj' his lirother- 
in-law, Zachariah Slater. They brought from Wis- 




t^ 



••► 



GAGE COUNTY. 



475 



consin 700 sheep, the first lirought to this part of 
the State. 'J'lieir venture proved to he an abun- 
dant success, and n-hcn the}'' dissolved partnership 
not king after each liad 2.000 he.ad. Mr. Myers 
bought sheep from tlie East, alw.ays seeking to ob- 
tain the finest animals of the best grades, until he 
became the owner of 'i.oOO head. With these he 
continued his ranch and business until 1S73, when he 
removed to Gage County, remaining in that busi- 
ness until 1884. carrying at all times a vcr}- large 
stock of the most valuable class of animals. In 1884 
he sold all excepting some thoroughbred Merino 
sheep, of which he was reputed to possess the best 
in the United States. In 1888 he realized from his 
220 sheep 4,.325 pounds of Merino wool, an average 
of nineteen pounds and eleven ounces, being the 
highest yield for any entire flock in the United 
States. 

Mr. Mj'ers settled upon the premises now occu- 
pied by him in the 3ear 1882. while the land was 
yet in its unimproved state. To-day he is the owner 
of one of the finest farms and residences in the 
county. His farm comprises 240 acres, but his 
total real estate includes 1..360 .acres. Six miles 
north of Ids home he has a farm of 320 acres: the 
balance of the estate is in Kansas. He is engaged 
now as a breeder of thoroughbred draft horses and 
roadsters, and in this he is just as deeply interested 
and tlun-ough and successful as in sheep-rearing. In 
presenting the view of Mr. Myers' home place the 
artist has sketched some of the m.agnificent animals 
of whicli he is the owner. The splendid specimens 
of the horse and sheep shown in the view should 
be a source of gratification to their owner, and a 
satisfaction to the farmers of the communit}' to know 
that they have near them such valuable stock. 

Mrs. Myers died in March. 1863, leaving three 
children: Sophia, now the wife of Dr. B. B. Davis, 
of McCook, Neb.; Frank H., and Julia L., who is 
the wife of J. W. Mayer, of Beatrice. Oct. 20, 
1864, Mr. Mj'crs was married a second time, the 
lad}' being Miss Anna Slater, and by this union 
there have been seven children, three living — ^Mary, 
Ada and Kirk; those deceased are Willie E.. Ed- 
ward, Julius and Walter. Mrs. Mj'ers is the daugh- 
ter of Jerry and Marv (Barraclough) Slater; they 
were both natives of Yorkshire, England. In 1849 

-^ 



they settled in Racine County, Wis. Mrs. flyers 
was also born in Bradford. Yorkshire. Our subject 
was tlie first Su|)ervisor of Midland Township, an 
office, in common with everj- other, he would rather 
be excused from. His political asjjirations are to 
see the best men holding the reins of Government, 
the men who will rule and govern, direct and man- 
age nflfairs with :i view to the best interests of the 
people. He is a stanch Republican and a strong 
supporter of the principles of that party. He is 
one eminently respected, and also regarded as among 
the best and most valued citizens, not only in Mid- 
land Township, l)ut of Gage Countj'. 



#I^> 



J' AMES H. SCOTT came to this county in 
186'J, when there was not a house in sight 
from his home, which was situated on quite 
an eminence south of the pl.acenow occupied 
by the city of Wymore. His nearest neighbor 
lived over beyond where the city now stands, and 
the business portion of the neighboring city of Blue 
Springs consisted of only a store and a post-office. 
Mr. Scott bought a homestead where the cit}"^ of 
W^'more now stands, at second hand, paying onl}' 
$2 per acre. He was here for five or ten years be- 
fore the jiopulation was much inctreascd. and after 
the cit}' began to flourish he remained here until 
1884, when he went down to his land in Kansas and 
remained four years, making some improvements. 
He returned to Wymore in 1888. 

Our subject was born in DeWitt County. 111., in 
1 837. and lived there until he became a j'oung man, 
when he went with his mother to Iowa, thence to 
Missouri, where he lived for quite a time, then com- 
ing to this pLace, dividing part of the time between 
his present home and his land in Kansas. He has 
seen the improvements as they were made since the 
time that a bare prairie lay stretching its undula- 
tions before the eye to the present thriving city of 
3.000 inhabitants. 

Mr. Scott was united in marriage with Miss Good- 
win, who died leaving two children — James W. and 
Levi W. Then he was married to Miss Mary C. 
Tisdale, an<l to them there have been born seven 
children. The}' are all at home with their parents. 




.t 



I*- 
476 



GAGE COUNTY. 




the older ones having the best advantages for re- 
ceiving their education, and we name them as fol- 
lows: Andrew C, Lillie Maj', Nancy I., Alexander, 
Benjamin B. and Henry J. 

For nineteen years our subject has lived in this 
vicinity, and has built for himself a fine house on 
tiie bluff south of tiie city. He has improved his 
farm and divided up a goodly portion of it into 
city lots, which of course were very valuable. He 
has given attention to general farming and stock- 
raising, and is the owner of seventy acres of land, 
part of which lies within the city limits, besides 
other town lots; and in Hodgeman County. Kan., 
he has a half section of good laud. He enjoys 
the best reputation, and by all of his townspeople 
he is highly mentioned as an honorable friend and 
neigiibor. William Scott, his father, vvas born in 
the East, afterward moving to Ohio, and died when 
our subject was onlj' five or six years old. Scott's 
Addition to Wymore was made and recorded six 
years ago, and is now all improved. Much credit 
is due our subject for his enterprising and honora- 
ble mode of conducting business, and to him is the 
city indel)ted for a goodly share of its improve- 
ments. 



ERCY J. SMETHERS. There are few 
more attractive homesteads within the lira- 
its of Gage County' than that owned and 
occupied by the subject of this sketch, who 
is one of the younger memliers in its farming com- 
munity, and who is pleasantli' located on the south- 
east quarter of section 20. in Glenwood Township. 
Here he has a neat and substantial residence, a good 
barn, and the other buildings necessary for the suc- 
cessful prosecution of his calling. He has planted 
a large number of fruit and shade trees, and grad- 
ually added the other embellishments which form 
tiie complete home and serve to increase the beauty 
and value of his property. The traveler passing 
through this section will notice this farm and form 
his opinion as to the habits and character of the 
proprietor. 

Mr. Smethers comes of good Pennsylvania stock, 
his parents, Josiah and Mary (Hill) Smethers, hav- 
ing been natives of the Keystone State, born, reared 




and married in Luzerne County. From there in 
about 1853 they emigrated to Lee County, 111., 
settling near Dixon, where the father carried on 
farming. They came to the State of Nebraska in 
the year 1878 and here settled on a farm in Glen- 
wood Township, where they lived until 1887, then 
took up their abode in Lanham, where they now 
reside. The}' became the parents of ten children, 
five sons and five daughters, of whom Percy J. was 
the third child. He was born in Lee County, 111., 
Sept. 30, 1856, where he lived until a young man 
of twenty-two years, becoming familiar with farm 
pursuits and acquiring his education in the com- 
mon schools. 

Not long after reaching his majoritj' our subject 
was united in marriage with one of the most esti- 
mable young ladies of his native county. Miss Mary 
Uhl, who was born June 17, 1857. and is the daugh- 
ter of Hiram and Margaret (Willielm) Uhl, who 
were natives of Peuns3'lvania. The mother departed 
this life in Lee County, 111., about 1858, and the 
father still resides there. Their family consisted of 
four children, two now living. Mr. Uhl subsequently 
married Nancy Hughes, by whom he had four 
children. 

Mv. and Mrs. Smethers lived in the Prairie State 
a year after marriage, then came with the parents 
of our subject to this county. They located in 
Beatrice, where they lived one year and one-half, 
when Mr. S. bought 160 acres of Government land 
which comprises his present farm, and which was a 
part of the Otoe reservation. It was in an unculti- 
vated condition, and it is hardly necessary to say 
that it h.as required no small amount of labor and 
good management to bring it to its present state. 
Each year sees something added to its value, and 
already in its appointments there are mirrored the 
essential requirements of the complete rural home, 
the abode of peace and plenty, and one of the best 
monuments of industry and perseverance that a 
man can build for himself. 

Mr. Smethers signified his early political views 
by casting his first Presidential vote for Gen. Han- 
cock, and has since uniformly supported Democratic 
principles. Religiously, he and his excellent wife 
belong to the English Lutheran Church. The}' 
have three children: Nettie V.,Elroy and Stella F., 




u 



GAGE COUNTY. 



477 



the eldest ten j'ears of age and the youngest two. 
Mr. Smethers believes in the education of the 
3'oung, and his children will he given the advan- 
tages suitable to their position in the communitj'. 
He has alwa3's piaintained a warm interest in the 
social and moral welfare of his townsliip, and in his 
district has served as Treasurer of the school fund. 



^- 



V|]OHN HAND is an honored pioneer of Pad- 
dock Township, lie being one of the very 
^^^^ , first settlers in this neighborliood. When he 
(^^/ came here in 1878, and bought of the Gov- 
inent his present place, comprising 100 acreson sec- 
tion "20, there was but one other settler here, S. S. 
Spires, who had preceded him onlj- a short time 
previously. Then A. McCliing settled on a quar- 
ter of section b4, a few weeks later. All the coun- 
try around was wild, unbroken prairie, the haunt of 
numerous Indians, and the home of wolves, deer, 
and other wild game. In the decade that lias elapsed 
since then Mr. Hand has witnessed many wonder- 
ful changes, and has taken an active part in bring- 
ing about the present advanced condition of the 
township and county. His experience as a pioneer 
was fraught with manj' interesting incidents, and as 
related by him, are well worth listening to; we are 
sorry that the brevity of this biographical sketch 
will not allow us to insert an account of his early 
life in this county in these pages. 

Mr. Hand was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, 
March 7, 1 830. His parents were Thomas and Char- 
ity (Andrews) Hand, natives respectively of Ohio 
and Maryland. The f.ather was born in 1804, and 
died in his native State, Aug. 28, 1852, having 
scarcely passed the prime of life. His estimable 
wife-survived him many years, her death occurring 
in Ohio in 1873. She was born in 1798, and when 
fourteen years of age left her native Maryland to 
live in Ohio, where she spent the remainder of her 
life. 

The son of that worthy couple, who forms the 
subject of this sketch, was reared in his native 
county, and made his home there until twentj'-one 
years of age. Being a vigorous, enterprising young 
man, ambitious to make his own way in the world, 



he left Tuscarawas County when he attained his 
majority, and went to Van Wert County, in the 
same State, where he lived for several years. There 
he met Miss Juiia A. Whitby, and they were united 
in marriage Jan. 21, 1855. She is a model wife and 
mother, devoted to the interests of her family. Of 
this marriage eight children have been born, tive of 
whom survive. 

After marriage Mr. Hand continued to reside in 
Ohio for some years, but in 1868 he removed with 
his family to Clinton County, Iowa, where they 
lived until 1878, when they came to Nebraska, and 
located in their present home. At that time Mr. 
Hand's financial condition was at a low ebb, and 
after arranging fur the purchase of a quarter-section 
of Government land which formed a part of the 
reservation, he had just enough money left to make 
the first payment. Prosperity has since smiled upon 
him, and he has been enabled to improve his land 
into as One a farm as there is in this neighborhood, 
and the harvests that he reaps from it put him in 
possession of a good yearly income. He has erected 
a cozy and conveniently arranged house, a stable, 
and has other necessary out-biiildings, and his 
place is neat and well-kept in appearance. 

Mr. and Mrs. Hand are highl3- respected in this 
community' ;^they are sincere Christians, and were 
formerly connected with the AVesleyan Methodist 
Church, while they were residents of Ohio. Mr. 
Hand is a man of unblemished repute, is careful and 
considerate in his dealings with others; he is a hard 
and constant worker, with much practical sagacitj'. 
and is highly deserving of the prosperity that has 
resulted from his efforts. He is a straight Repub- 
lican in his political sentiments, and never fails to 
give his hearty support to the candidates of his 
party at the polls. 



JOHN KEPPLE, one of the progressive and 
prosperous farmers of Barneston Township, 
was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., on 
the 12th of November, 1835. His father, Ja- 
cob Kepple, now deceased, was born in the same 
place, of German descent. The maiden name of 
his wife, the mother of our subject, was Martha 



"^^^1^ 



-^^ 



j 



478 



GAGE COUNTY. 



Deeiuer, a native of Pennsylvania to wliom he was 
married about 1825. Their family circle incliulcd 
ten children, and of these our subject was the fifth 
child. It was their privilege to see their children 
grow up and enter upon honorable and useful ca- 
reers. Tliej' are scattered in various parts of the 
Eastern States, and so far as is known the circle is 
yet unbroken by death. 

In the public schools of his native county our 
subject busily employed the days of his j-outh, and 
is possessed of a fairly thorough English education. 
On leaving school he engaged in farming, and in 
the spring of 1865 went to St. Anthony Falls, 
Minn., but before the winter set in had removed to 
Rock Island County, III. In the former place he 
had worked in a sawmill, but ui)on moving to Illi- 
nois he engaged on a farm, and so continued un- 
til 1872, when he went to JNew Mexico, and was 
occupie<l in mining, and thence three j'ears later he 
went to the Black Hills, traveling through the 
mountains, mining a little and prospecting. This 
continued for about three years, by which time he 
came to Nemaha Cit}' ; that was in the j'ear 1 878. 
His removal to this county' dates from 1881, when 
he settled upon his present farm. 

Mr. Kepple is one who has never drained the cup 
of matrimonial bliss, and yet withal seems to thrive 
and prosper, although denying himself such com- 
panionship. 




ILAN E. CHAPMAN, operating as general 
insurance agent and auctioneer at Beatrice, 
cast his lot with the people of Southern 
Nebraska in July of 188C, and has been 
closel}' identified with the interests of this county 
since that time. He previously lived a year in the 
western part of the State. A native of Bureau 
Count}-, III., he was born near the little town of 
Walnut, July 18, 1861, and was the fourth in a 
family of five sons, the offspring of Ozias E. and 
Sarah (Beeman) Chapman, who were natives of 
Medina Count}-, Ohio. Our subject is the name- 
sake of his paternal grandfather. Ozias Chapman 
was a successful farmer and stock-raiser, and, 
leaving the Buckeye State at an early perio<l in his 



life, settled in Bureau County, III., where bc>th par- 
ents still live at the old homestead. 

The subject of this sketch was reared a farmer's 
boy, and pursued his first studies in the district 
school. He was fond of his books and ambitious 
to learn, and at an early age developed into a 
teacher, officiating as pedagogue in the building 
where his father and subsequently his four lirothers 
had discharged the same duties. Young Chapman, 
in the spring of 1885, striking out for himself, 
started for the State of Nebraska, and located first 
at Clay Center in Clay County, establishing in the 
business to which he still gives his attention. Six 
months later he removed to Phelps County, and 
became editor of the Berlrand Journal, with which 
he was engaged four months. Then returning to 
Illinois he was married, June 30, 1886, to Miss 
Lizzie A. Waterhouse. and then, selecting Beatrice 
as his future field of operations, came to this city 
where he has since resided. Not long afterward he 
associated himself in partnership with J. W. Eber- 
sol, and as Ebersol, Chapman & Co., they operated 
together for eighteen months, wiien Mr. Chapman 
purchased the interest of his partner and succeeded 
to tlie business, which he has since carried on alone. 
His insurance transactions represent the leading 
companies of the United States, including the 
Hartford of Connecticut, the German-American of 
New York State, and many others equally prominent 
and popular. He also represents the Mutual Life 
of New York, and the Union Central, of Cincinnati, 
Ohio. In politics he is a stanch Republican. 

-» -HH-^ijs^::^Ag)-^-HH-«- 

^^FUSTIN L. WAY was born in Ashtabula 
W'LLm County, Ohio, on the 26th of October, 
1829, and is the son of Elisha ai)d Anna 
Way, who were natives of Connecticut 
and Massachusetts respectively. The early years 
of his life were spent on a farm in his native 
county, where he remained until the year 1854, the 
greater part of the time at the home of his parents. 
In that year he moved to Henry County, 111., and 
settled near Kewanee, in which place he made his 
home until 1871, being engaged in farming. He 
then went to Page County, Iowa, and again en- 




-•► 



t 



-^•■ 



GAGE COUNTY. 




479 



gaged in farming on some land which he had 
foiinerl}- pureiiaspd, remaining there nntil 1881, 
when he came to this count}" and settled in Glen- 
wood Township, lie owns 160 acres of good farm- 
ing land on section 2, on which he has made 
noticeable improvements, both in the state of its 
cultivation and in the manner in which he has 
adorned it with a good house, barn, and all the nec- 
essary farm buildings and fences. He is engaged 
in general farming and stock-raising. 

On the 26lh of October, 1879, our snbje'ct was 
united in marriage, in Kewanee, 111., with Miss 
Anna Butterwick, who is a native of Newcastle, 
P^ngland. She is the daughter of Thomas and 
Anna Butterwick. By this marriage thej- have be- 
come the parents of seven children, who are named: 
Ella, Bertha, Ross, Daisy, Haven, Howard and 
Lloj'd. Both Mr. and Mrs. Way are active mem- 
bers of the Baptist Church, and are highly esteemed 
in society. The former advocates the cause of the 
Rei)ublican party in politics, and as far as he is 
able aids in the upbuilding of his section. Among 
business men his word is as binding as would be a 
written agreement, and it is alwa^'s understood that 
he can be relied upon doing whatever he promises 
to do. His integritj' and uprightness of character 
are unimpeachable, and among good and public- 
spirited citizens he stands in the first rank. 



■^ AMP:S C. BRINKWORTH is Chairman of 
the Board of Public Works of the beautiful 
and tasty citj' of Beatrice, upon whom rests 
largely the responsibility of many of the 
most important works that have for their object 
the public welfare. In Somersetshire, England, 
onr .subject was born on the 20th of Jul}', 1853. 
His father. John Brink worth, a native of the same 
countj', was a farmer, and had charge of some 
600 acres, so that our subject became full}' accus- 
tomed to agricultural life even from his earliest 
cliildliood. The maiden name of the mother of 
our subject was Fannie Uncles. Of this uriion thir- 
teen children were born, ten of them grew to ma- 
turitj-,and all of them have come to this country. 
It was the goorl fortune of our subject to receive 



i~ 



that valuable inheritance, a good education, first 
under a private governess, who instructed him in 
the more elementary branches preparatory to his 
admission to the Crosscombe Academj', at Cross- 
combe, England, which he attended for several 
j'ears, and from which he was graduated. He was 
seventeen jears of age when he came to this coun- 
try in company with his parents and the other 
members of the family. They settled in Living- 
ston Count}', 111., and eng.aged in agricultural pur- 
suits, in which also our subject continued for three 
years. For the six years immediately following he 
was engaged working with one man at the carpen- 
ter trade, and in that time became a very expert 
master workman, fully competent to t.ake charge of 
anything in his line and execute it in a proper 
manner. 

Becoming acquainted with the daughter of Ben- 
jamin F. Hotchkiss, of Odeli, Livingston County, 
Mr. Brinkworth was united in marriage to her 
Dec. 25, 1874. There have been born to them 
three children : Bennie, who was born in Illinois 
and died at Beatrice, aged seventeen months; James 
Edwin and Edith Beatrice, whose presence in the 
home have maile it more attractive and felicitous. 

Miss Hattie Hotchkiss, the wife of our subject, 
was born at Ottawa, 111., on the 21st of May, 1853. 
Her father is deceased. The maiden name of his 
wife was Delia Baldwin. Their residence in this 
State dates from March, 1877. They were the 
parents of five children, of whom their daughter 
Hattie is the youngest. The mother resides in 
Beatrice. 

Mr. and Mrs. Brinkworth came to Nebraska in 
March, 1877, and with their one child settled in 
Beatrice, which even at that time gave promise 
of a noteworthy future although then very small, 
and, owing to the undeveloped surroundings, some- 
what dull. At this time our subject was compar.i- 
tively poor in purse and possessions of that nature, 
but rich in having sound health, a clear mind, and 
a thorough knowledge of a good trade and of agri- 
culture. 

ImmedLately establishing his family in as nice a 
home as he could, our subject set to work and in- 
vested all his ready money in lands, city property, 
etc., buying rather with a view of holding than of 



480 



1 



GAGE COUNTY. 



selling, but conducting that feature of his busi- 
ness somewhat according to circumstances. From 
this beginning he has steadilj" progp'ssed until he 
has attained his present position, which is one in- 
dicative of unqualified success. Besides his excep- 
tionally good I'esidence on South Seventh street, he 
is the owner of various valuable city properties. 

The growth of the cit^' of Beatrice necessitated the 
organization of a Board of Public Works, of which 
it is the lionor of our subject to be the first Chair- 
man, to which position he was appointed by Mayor 
PL O. Krctsinger for a term of two years. P]very 
duty devolving upon him in the execution of the 
functions of his office has been so performed as 
to win the heartiest congratulation and apprecia- 
tion of the citizens. Owing to his careful super- 
vision, the city sewerage is almost perfect — a most 
important matter from the standpoint of health. 
In politics he is a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Brink- 
worth are respected citizens. 



=iS4tf= 



-^ir^-x" 



^/OUN R. IIIGGINS, in the spring of 1882, 
I settled upon a tract of vvild land on section 
^^^ I 2G, in Grant Township, which by the exer- 
1^^' cise of constant industrj- he has transformed 
into a valuable farm. It is KSO acres in extent, al- 
ready fairly well sui)plied with good buildings, and 
eacii year adds st.mething to the attractiveness and 
value of the property. Not the least among the 
surroundings conducive to the comfort of the 
family is a fine young orchard of choice apple trees, 
and Mr. H. has also planted shade trees, having in 
view the comfort of his live stock and the general 
embellishment of the farm. 

Peoria, 111., had formerly been the home of our 
subject, where he lived from tlie time he first drew 
breath until reaching manhood. He was born Aug. 
22, 1854, and is the son of James and Mar\- (Burns) 
Higgins, wiio settled in Peoria County during its 
pioneer days. James Higgins was born in Ireland, 
and crossed the Atlantic when a mere boy, settling 
with his parents at Peoria, III., during the daj'S 
when it was known as Ft. Clark. There he was 
reared to manhood, receiving a limited education, 
and married Miss Burns, whose parents had likewise 



emigrated to the West about the same time that the 
parents of Mr. Higgins settled in Peoria County. 
His father, James Higgins. was a marble cutter by 
trade, and at this emploj'ment spent the greater part 
of his active life. He was a man of many excellent 
qualities and became one of the most highly re- 
spected citizens of Peoria, where he spent many 
years, and where his death occurred when his son, 
our subject, was but a lad of tender jears. The 
mother had previously passed awaj', and thus 30ung 
John R. was orphaned at an early age. He had twc) 
brothers and one sister, and upon the death of the 
father the family was scattered, the brothers hav- 
ing to take care of themselves, and the sister died 
in Peoria in infancy. James Higgins, the j-ounger 
brother of our subject, is a resident of Virginia, 
and engaged in the hardware business. 

John R. Higgins, thrown upon his own resources 
earl}' in life, made his way through many difficulties 
and secured a practical education. This experience, 
however, proved of essential benefit, making him 
independent and self-reliant, and fitting him admira- 
bly for the difficulties which art the common lot of 
man. He suffered no discouragement to overcome 
him, and in due time began to see his way toward 
the establishment of a home of his own. On the 
1st of March, 1877, he was united in marriage with 
Miss Melissa, daughter of Peter and Melissa (Rob- 
inson) Sheen, the wedding taking place at the home 
of the bride in Woodford County, 111. Peter Sheen 
was formerly one of the most prominent residents 
of Peoria, whence became to Nebraska about 1882. 
He is now an extensive land-owner in Grant Town- 
ship. He settled in Peoria when it was a mere 
hamlet containing but one store. He married his 
wife there, and she is yet spared to her home and 
family. 

Mrs. Higgins was born in Peoria, 111., April 22, 
1857, and was reared to womanhood in her native 
town, acquiring a common-school education. .She 
was carefullj' trained by an excellent mother to 
those habits of industry and economy which have 
fitted her to preside properly over the home which 
has been built up solely by honest labor. Of her 
union with our subject there have been born four 
children, two of whom. Arthur and Jessie, are liv- 
ing. Herbert and .an infant died at the age of 



^h^: 



••^ M ^' 



GAGE COUNTY. 






about twenty rlnys. Mr. Higgins has very little 
time to devote to political matters but keeps him- 
self iiiformerl upon current events, and uniformly 
votes the Democratic ticket. Both he and his ex- 
cellent wife stand nell among their neighbors, and 
their home forms the resort of a large circle of 
warm friends. 



\rSAAC O. BRACE. Among the farmers of 
Glenwood Township whose intimate knowledge 
of their calling and success in the same are 
worthy of mention in connection with any volume 
treating of the township, is tlie subject of the pres- 
ent writing, wliose farm is situated upon section 9, 
and is ICO acres in extent. He is the son of Isaac 
and Avey (Rippberger) Brace. The father of our 
subject was born in .Spencer, N. Y., March 17, 
1823; his mother in Germany. 

Our subject, the only child of his parents, was 
born in Silver Creek Township, Stephenson Co., 111., 
Nov. 27, 1855, and was left motherless when about 
two years of age. The years of his childhood and 
youth were spent upon the farm and in the common 
school of the township, and as a j'onng man he 
worked upon his fatlier's farm, continuing to do so 
until the year 1876, when he went to California, 
remaining for two years. The first was spent upon 
a ranch, the second in the mountains, and was not 
altogether wanting in success. lie then returned to 
Stephenson County, and remained until 1879, when 
became to this county with his fatiier. and settled 
in Midland Township, where thej' made their home 
until 188G. Then our subject removed to his pres- 
ent property- in Glenwood. Into the work of im- 
proving his farm in this countj' our subject has 
entered with intelligent enthusiasm, concentrating 
his energies, and bestowing much hard labor upon 
it, with results that must be gratifying. 

While a resident in Midland Township Mr. Brace 
became the hnsljand of Miss Maggie McCnne, on 
the 25th of Eebruarj-, 1885. This lady is the 
daughter of David and Sarah (Linheart) McCune, 
who are natives of Pennsylvania. Their daughter 
was born near Rochelle, Ogle Co., 111., June 14, 
1856. There have been born to Mr. and Mrs. 



Brace two children, who bear the names Maud E. 
and Harry. 

The father of our subject was one of the early 
pioneers of Stephenson County, and took great pride 
in watching its rapid development, and was second 
to none in his anxiety and efforts to that end. He 
settled there while yet unmarried in the year 1842, 
and at the age of nineteen years. His home previ- 
ous to this settlement had been in Madison County 
N. Y., where he had lived for several years. He 
was married in Stephenson County, and resided in 
Silver Creek and Ridott Townships until he re- 
moved to this .State. 

On all matters of political interest our subject is 
inclined to take his stand with the Republican 
partj', but never at the expense of principle. He 
is a friend to good morals, and anxious to do all in 
his power as a citizen to forward the highest inter- 
ests of the Republic. 



i^^^HOMAS BARRY is an extensive and pros- 
ffn^^ perous farmer of Gage County, owning and 
^^^ managing a fine large farm which is classed 
as one of the best in Paddock Township. Mr. 
Barry is a native of Ireland, and thence he emi- 
grated to the United States in thej'ear 1850, landing 
in New York City March 1, friendless, homeless and 
penniless. Notwithstanding these discouraging facts 
he was not disheartened, but immediately sought 
work, anything that his hands might find to do, 
that he might earn an honorable living and not 
be dependent on strangers for what he ate. He 
soon found employment as a porter in Barker's 
Hotel, and thus engaged for three years. At 
length he left the great metropolis of the Empire 
State and went to Philadelphia, where he hoped to 
obtain more lucrative employment. He staid 
there but a few weeks, however, and then proceede<t 
to Cleveland, Ohio, where he passed the ensuing 
three j-ears. From there he then went to St. 
Louis, and spent a like period of time in that city. 
We subsequently find him located in Pike County, 
III., where he began farming on his own account, he 
having been often employed as a farm hand since 
his arrival in the United States. He rented a farm 



i= 



<*• 







GAGE COUNTY. 



in that count}-, and carried it on «iihgood financial 
results for some 3'ears. It was in tiiis i»eriod of his 
life that our subject obtained his war record, for 
while a resident of Illinois he volunteered to serve 
his adopted countrj- in tlie fall of 18G4, and was 
mustered into the ranks of the Federal army as a 
member of Company C, UlHli Illinois Infantry, and 
did good service as a brave and loyal soldier until 
tl>e close of tiie war. 

On his retirement from the armj' Mr. Barry re- 
moved to Peoria Count}', 111., and after staying 
there nearly seven ycais, he went to Livingston 
County, in the same .Slate, where he lesided about 
ten years. At the expiration of that lime he came 
to Gage County, Neb., attracted hither by the re- 
j)orts of the lichness and productiveness of the soil. 
With admirable judgment he selected a tract of 160 
acres of wihl |)rairie lan<l on section 27, Paddock 
Township, which is still included in his present 
farm. He now has it all under a fine state of 
tillage; he has erected a fine house, a handsome, 
large structure, a good barn, granaries, corn cribs, 
and has made all the needed improvements to make 
it one of the show places of the township. He has 
also increased the acreage of his farm by purchases 
of other land from time to lime; he bought eighty 
acres on section 34, joining the home place on the 
south, and he also owns 160 acres in Barneston 
Township. We have seen that INIr. Barry arrived 
in this country without money, and in all his pros- 
perity he has not forgotten that many a day he has 
toiled hard for the paltry sum of fifty cents. Indeed, 
it is his pride that he is a self-made man, and that 
he owes his present financial standing solely to his 
own exertions. He now proposes to live at ease 
during his declining years, suri-ounded by all the 
comforts that money can buy, and he will be en- 
abled to leave a legacy to his children. 

During all these years of struggle and toil Mr_ 
Barry has had the efficient aid of a capable wife, 
to whom he was married in New York City in 1853. 
Mrs. Barry is likewise a native of Ireland, and 
her maiden name was Catherine O'Brien. Their 
marriage has been blessed to our subject and his 
wife by llie birth of ten children, eight of whom 
survive, namely: John W., William H., Dennis, 
Thomas S., George D., Mary E.. Jane an<l James. 



Three of their cliildren are married; the remainder 
live at home with their |)arents. John married 
AnnaSheron; William married Leltie A. McAllis- 
ter; Dennis married Hattie A., daughter of Marquis 
Spencer, whose biography appears in this work. 
The family are all members of the Roman Catholic 
Church, of Odeli. Mr. Barry Is a strong Democrat 
in his political views, but his sons are sturdy Re- 
publicans and Prohibitionists. Mr. Barry is a 
genial, generous, whole-souled gentleman, liberal 
and public-spirited, and Is liked and res[)ected 
throughout the community. 



-. ^^ ^ 

ON. ISAAC W. FUNCK. The subject of 
this sketch is the oldest resident dentist of 
the city of Beatrice, and a man holding a 
high position in the community. Intelli- 
gent, of good education, and self-made in the broad- 
est sense of the term, his career has been one upon 
which he can reflect with pardonable satisfaction. 
At the county Republican Convention, held in 
Beatrice in August, 1888, he was chosen the can- 
didate of his party for State Senator, and was 
elected by a handsome majority. 

Dr. Funck was born in Huntingdon County, Pa.. 
April 25, 18-18, and was the third child in a family 
of three sons and one daughter, of whom only 
three are living. The parents, Abraham and 
Catherine (Winters) Funck, were born and reared 
in the State of Pennsylvania, where the father 
learned the trade of blacksmith, which he followed 
during early manhood. Later he engaged in farm- 
ing, and spent his entire life in his native State, his 
death taking place in Huntingdon County, in Au- 
gust, 1883. The mother is still living, and con- 
tinues at the old homestead. The parents on both 
sides of the house were of German descent. 

The subject of this sketch was reared as a far- 
mer's boy, and pursue<l his early studies first in the 
district school, later attended a select school, and 
finally entered upon an academic course at Kisha- 
coquillas. Upon approacliing manhood he began 
teaching during the winter season, and worked on 
the farm In summer. He commenced the study of 
dentistry at Huntingdon, under the instruction of 

•► 



■^*- 



i^^^i-^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



483 



Dr. Thomns J. Gibson. He left his naLive State 
in 187!, crossinir tlie Mississippi and coming- to 
Nebraska, taking n|) his abode first in P'alls Cit\-. 
In 1873 lie became a resident of Beatrice. He now 
occupies oHices in the Gage County National Banlc 
Block, where he lias all the modern appliances for 
his work, and of the latter lias sufficient to keep 
him coiistantl}' einplo3ed. He has been quite 
prominent in public affairs, having been Road 
Supervisor of tiie city of Beatrice. 

The Doctor was married, April 16, 1872, to Miss 
Susan Stump, of Falls City. Mrs. Funck was born 
March 3, 1853, in Wells County, Ind., and is the 
daughter of Samuel and .Sarah (McFaddin) Stump, 
who were natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia 
respectively. The fatlier is now deceased, but 
the mother is still living. Of this union there 
are four children, viz : Alice, Albert, Edith and 
Warren. Dr. Funck, politically', votes the Repub- 
lican ticket, and socially, belongs to the I. O. 0. F., 
being a member of Beatrice Lodge No. 19, in 
which he has passed all the Chairs. 



-i- 



#-# 



-i- 



/^h HESTER H. CALKINS, an extensive land- 

//f(SJ) 

(II owner and breeder of blooded horses, has 

^^Jf' his headquarters in the city of Beatrice, to 
which he came in 1879. He is a man very capable 
and enterprising, one who is never idle, and his in- 
dustry has been rewarded in the possession of a 
fine property accumulated mostly through his own 
efforts. He was born near the city of Springfield, 
in .Sangamon County-. III.. April 24, 1841. being the 
second child of Daniel A. and Lavina (Inuman) 
Calkins, who were the parents of three sons and 
cue daughter. 

Daniel A. Calkins was born in Vermont, and 
before his marriage left his native hills, settling in 
the State of New York. The mother was a n.ative 
of the latter State, and there the parents were mar- 
ried. They took up their residence in that State 
for a time, and then Mr. Calkins, desirous of a 
larger field of operation, emigrated to Sangamon 
County, 111., and engaged quite extensively in stock- 
raising. He is still living, and has arrived at the 
advanced age of eighty-five years; the mother is 



sevent3'-eight years old. Years ago they left .San- 
gamon County, removing to Will County, III., and 
about 1874 to Iroqouis County, where they now 
live. 

When the subject of this sketch w.as a lad about 
twelve years of age his parents removed from San- 
gamon County to Will Count3', 111., where he com- 
pleted his education in the district s('liool. and 
developed into manhood. He continued with his 
parents, occupied mostly in farming pursuits, and 
left Will County in 1879. coining directly to Bea- 
trice, this State. Shortly afterward he purchaseil a 
tract of new land in Filley Township, upon which 
he spent one 3'ear, effecting considerable improve- 
ments, then removed to Beatrice, where he has 
since lived. He added from time to time to his 
first purchase, and is now the owner of 640 acres, 
the greater part in a productive condition, provided 
with suitable farm buildings. .Since coming to this 
count}' he has improved seven farms, one of them 
having been land upon which the town of Ellis now 
stands; another lies in Sicil}' Township. The farm 
in Fille^' Township is mainl}' devoted to his stock 
operations. Noticeable among his horses are three 
magnificent draft animals of Norman, Clydesdale 
and Morgan stock, respectively, and one of them, 
"Black Traveler," is in the habit of carrying off the 
blue ribbons, having taken first premium at the State 
Fair in Lincoln, where he was in competition with 
twenty -six others. 

Mr. Calkins is also interested in the breeding of 
Holstein cattle and Poland-China hogs, and in this 
line also exhibits some of the finest animals to be 
found in the county. His career has been essen- 
tiall}' that of a self-made man. He started out for 
himself at the age of thirteen years, with no capital 
but a pair of willing hands, and worked six years 
for one man on a farm in Will Count}'. He was 
married, Oct. 7, 1867. to Miss Emma Boot, of 
Kane Count}', 111., by whom he had three children 
— Ida, Cora and Alice. The present wife of our 
subject, to whom he was married Sept. 10. 1887, 
was formerl}' Mrs. Ilattie L. Martin, nee Adams, 
daughter of Benjamin and Helen (Purcel) Adams; 
her parents are deceased. (Jf this union there has 
been born one child, a son, Chester II., Jr. 

Mr. Calkins, politically, votes the straight Repub- 

■— •^ 



•^1^^ 



^^ m -<• 



484 



GAGE COUNTY. 



liean ticket. In addition tu liis landed interests he 
is tlie owner of valuable city propert}', including a 
good residence in Beatrice, which, with its sur- 
ronndings, forms one of its most pleasant and at- 
tractive homes. 



-Js-^ir^^ 



Ilf)l) ^ell-educated gentle 

/4v^ with the farming int 

(@)) the subiect of this si 



\|J^_^ ENRY RICE. Among the intelligent and 

lemen who are identified 
interests of Gage County, 
subject of this sketch occupies a promi- 
nent position, as he is the owner of one of the finest 
farms in Paddock Township. It comprises 240 
acres of well fenced and highly cultivated land, 
pleasantly located on sections 20 and 29, Paddock 
Township, and with its handsome residence, com- 
modious barn and other farm buildings, adds much 
to the scenic features of this locality. 

Mr. Rice was born in Maryland, Sept. 20, 1842. 
He was eaily left an orphan, as his parents, Henry 
and Hannah (Friedly) Rice, natives of Maryland, 
died, the former before the birth of our subject, and 
the latter when he was but three years old. He 
then fell to the kindly care of his aunt, Catherine 
Rice, a sister-in-law of his father, and Ijy her he 
was taken to Ogle County. 111. He was there 
reared by his aunt and given the benefit of a 
superior education in Mt. Morris College, which 
excellent institution of learning is located in that 
county. He can scarcely have completed his col- 
legiate education when he went forth as an untried 
and youthlul soldier, to learn on Southern battle- 
fields the bitter lessons of the hardships and dan- 
gers of war. as he was but twenty-one j'ears old 
when he enlisted, Dec. 12, 18G3, in Company D, 
4th Illinois Cavalry. lie served nearly three years 
with his company, taking part in tiftj'-eight engage- 
ments, among which were Vicksburg, Red River, 
etc., winning a record for coolness and efHcienc}^ 
in the hour of battle of which he may well be 
])r()ud. In June. 1 866, he was honorably discharged. 
Notwitlistanding the many times he had been under 
fire he returned home unhurt and without a woui.d, 
except by a horse falling on him in a charge. He 
is now a member <jf theG. A. R., Reserve Post No. 
1 4H, of Odell. 

When Mr. Rice began life for himself he had no 



money, but his education was his capital, and he 
adopted the profession of a teacher. He was en- 
gaged as a schoolmaster for eight years with marked 
success, and thus obtained the means to enable him 
to become a farmer. He first turned his attention 
to agricultui-e in 1874, and for some time farmed in 
the summer and in the winter season resumed his 
pedagogical duties. In March, 1883, Mr. Rice 
came to Gage County, and purchased his present 
farm, on which then stooil a small house and barn. 
The replacement of these, and the numerous other 
splendid improvements that he has brought about, 
testify to his arduous labors and to the money that 
he has so judiciously expended iu order to accom- 
plish so much in a com para tivelj"^ short time. iNIr. 
Rice undoubtedly owes his success to his indomit- 
able will, close attention to the details of his busi- 
ness, and to his financial abilit3\ 

Our suliject was married in Ogle Count}', III., 
March 2.'), 1874, to Miss Marj' J., d.aughter of 
Samuel and Janet Hitt. Their pleasant home circle 
is completed by the three children who have been 
born to them — Charles E. ; George and Andrew, 
twins. 

ARVIN F. WESTON. Among the most 
worthy citizens of Barneston Township is 
the subject of the present writing, whose 
residence and farming property is situated 
on section 5. He is the son of Charles and Delana 
(Brimmer) Weston, and was born at their home iu 
Washington County. N. Y''., on the 19th of April, 
1843. His father was a native of Massachusetts, 
and prior to his removal to LaSalle County, III., 
in 1847, he followed the trade of a shoemaker, but 
from that time until his death he operated his farm 
in that place. He died at the age of seventy-five 
years, in 1875. 

Of the seven children born to the parents of our 
subject, only he and his sister Lydia survive. This 
lady is now the wife of William Evans, of Chicago, 
in which city they reside. Our subject received 
a fair education in the common branches iu the 
usual institution of learning iu LaSalle County, 
where he was brought up, and from earliest boy- 
hood worked upon the farm, and has continued to 




i 



-€*■ 



GAGE COUMTY. 



485 



make husbandry the occupation of his life. Al- 
though but about four j'cais of age when bis parents 
removed from New York, the journej' made such an 
impression upon the mental retina as to be retained, 
at least in outline, until the present. There were 
but two methods of travel used in that trip; from 
the East to Chicago tiiej- journeyed via tlie Lakes, 
and thence to Peru, their destination, by wagon. 

In the late war our subject served for three 
months in Compan}' G, ISDth Illinois Infantr}-, and 
at the conclusion of that period for another three 
months in Companj- B, 68th Illinois Infantry. His 
military experience was not so startling, dangerous 
or terrilile as man}', because for the greater part of 
the time his regiment was either performing guard 
duty or was held in reserve. At the close of the 
war he returned to his home at LaSalle, and en- 
gaged in farming. In 1882 Mr. Weston came to 
this county, and settled where he now resides, and 
where he has been coutinuouslj' engaged in farming 
and stock-raising. 

In Ihe Masonic fraternity our subject is recog- 
nized as a member in good standing; he is also con- 
nected with the Knights of Pythias, and usu.ally 
meets with them in W'ymore. In his political opin- 
ions and principles he is in harmonj- with the Re- 
publican partj', of which for many years he has been 
a stanch friend and ardent supporter. In the com- 
munity at large our subject is a recognized friend 
of good morals and every enterprise 'and organiza- 
tion that looks to that end. and is proportionately 
respected by his fellow-citizens. 



t >K:-r '<- 



EWIS E. WALKER, insurance and loan 
(^ agent, has his office at the corner of Court 
L^^ and Sixth streets, in Beatrice, and occupies 
a good position among the business men of his com- 
munity. His earliest recollections are of a modest 
hon7e, com|)rising a log house on a farm in West 
Point, in the vicinity of Lodi, Wis., where he first 
opened his eyes to the light June 28, 1854. The 
eldest of four children, two sons and two daughters, 
he is the son of Isaac V. N. and Mary E. (Davis) 



Walker, who were natives of New York State, the 
father born in the town of Chatham, and the mother 
in the now flourishing cit}' of Troy. After marriage 
the}- emigrated to Wisconsin, settling on a farm 
among the pioneers of Columbia County, where 
they still live. 

The brothers and two sisters of our subject are 
residents of Wisconsin. The boyhood of Lewis E. 
was passed in the manner common to farmers' sons, 
he attending the district school and assisting in the 
lighter duties around the homestead. After attend- 
ing the school at West Point, near his home, he 
entered the Lodi High School, from which he was 
graduated in the class of '74. Later he became a 
student of the University of Wisconsin, at Madison, 
from which he was .again graduated in the class of 
'78. In the meantime he also officiated as teacher 
in the Madison Busmess College, and during his 
junior and senior years, in connection with R. M. 
LaP'ollette, a fellow student, now member of Con- 
gress from the Third Wisconsin Congressional Dis- 
trict, he published and edited the University Press. 

Upon leaving school our subject began the stud}' 
of law in the office of Richard Lindsay, in Lodi, 
Wis., and after becoming duly advanced entered 
the law department of the State University at Madi- 
son, from which he was graduated in 1880. He 
commenced the practice of his profession in the city 
of Portage, Wis., and later became the associate of 
Baker & Walker, a law firm of that city, with 
which he continued about two years, and then, on 
account of failing health, retired from office busi- 
ness, and took up his residence on a farm near Lodi, 
Wis., which change proved very beneficial. In 
1883 he came to Nebraska, establishing himself at 
Beatrice, where he has since remained. 

For two 3'ears after taking up his residence in the 
above city our subject was connected with the firm 
of Thomas Yule <fe Son, in the abstract and loan 
business. In November, 1885. he established him- 
self in his present business, and has met with uni- 
form success. He w.is married, .Sept. 25, 1878, to 
Miss Bessie J., daughter of Thomas Yule, a highly 
respected citizen of Beatrice, and of this union there 
are three children, two daughters and a son — JIary 
Grace, Louise E. and Robert Yule. The little fam- 
ily occupies a tasteful home in the northeastern part 



»► i <• 



M^ 



48G 



GAGE COUNTY. 



i 



of the city, and by tlie social circle in wbicli thej' 
move are held in high esteem. 

Mr. Waliier represents the Second Ward in the 
City Council, and was one of the orjianizers of the 
Beatrice Building Association, of which he is Secre- 
tary and Treasurer. He is also a Director and 
Secretarj' of the Masonic Building Association. 
While attending the University at Madison, in 11S76, 
he was appointed Superintendent of the Wisconsin 
Agricultural Deijartnicnt at the Centennial. Politi- 
cally, he gives his support to Republican princi- 
])les. He identified himself with the Congregational 
Church about 18b4, was one of the first Superin- 
tendents of the Congregational Sunday-school, and 
was for a time Church Treasurer. He is a member 
of Beatrice Lodge Jso. "26, A. F. & A. M. He was 
a member of the Alpha Chapter of Wisconsin, of 
the Phi Kappa Psi. college fraternity. 



eARP^Y B. JAMES is a prominent farmer and 
stock-raiser of Gage County, and owns a 
farm which is one of the largest and best 
cultivated in Paddock Township, and, with its ample 
aiul substantial buildiugs, its fine residence of stone, 
the handsomest in the township, adds greatly to the 
attractiveness of the scenic features of the surround- 
ing country. He is a pioneer of this township, and 
has taken a prominent part in developing its agri- 
cultural interests. 

Mr. James is a native of Illinois, born in Marshall 
County, Aug. 4, 1837, to William and Jarusha A. 
(Bird) James, natives of Tennessee. In 1834 his 
parents removed to Marshall County, 111., and thus 
became identified with its early settlers, taking an 
active part in promoting its growth, and living to 
see its development into a wealthy and populous 
county. The father died therein 1877, having 
rounded out a period of seventy-five j'ears, wherein 
he had well performed the part of an honest man, 
a devoted citizen, a kind husband and a good father. 
His worthy wife, who shared with him the full re- 
spect of the community where they lived for so 
many years, died in 1850. 

The subject of our sketch was reared in his native 
county, and at the age of twenty-one he started out 



in the world to make his own waj-. with no other 
capital than a sound mind in a sound l)ody. AVith 
steady courage and persistent devotion to duty, he 
has now .'icquired wealth, and, what is better, the 
honiM- and respect of all with whom he associates. 
From his native place he went to Woodford County, 
111., and remained a resident of that county for 
many years. He was married in Marshall, Dec. 10, 
18G1. to Miss Susan Wienteer, a daughter of John 
and F'anny Wienteer, who still live in Woodford 
County. She was a woman whose many amiable 
qualities won for her the esteem of all. She led a 
true and consistent Christian life, and was a mem- 
ber of the Baptist Church. Her death, which took 
place Fel). 8, 1 880, was a sad loss to the home cir- 
cle and to society. To her and her husband had 
been born three children — John C, Frank E. and 
Fanny. The latter died July 10, 1880, aged six 
months. Mr. James was a second time married, 
Dec. 29, 1880, Mrs. Rebecca McClay,of Woodford 
County, III, becoming his wife. She is a native of 
Pennsylvania, and a daughter of William and Bar- 
liara Fehrnian, who were likewise natives of that 
State. Her father died in Cowley County, Kan., 
aged about eighty, and her mother died in McLean 
County, III., Nov. 9, 1878, aged seventy-seven 
years. Mrs. James has been previously twice mar- 
ried, James O. Campbell, to whom she was united 
Sept. 8, 1857, being her first husband. By that 
marriage she had two children, William T., and 
Mary S., now Mrs. Leander C. Payne. Mr. Camp- 
bell died March 19, 1865, having been shot on the 
battle-field of Goldsboro, N. C. He enlisted Aug. 
10, 1862, in Company E, 125th Illinois Infantry, 
serving faithfully until his death. He was a valued 
member of the Christian Church. Mrs. James was 
married to Wills E. McClay, Feb. 1, 1866. He died 
March 9, 1873. He was a devoted member of the 
Presbyterian Church. 

On the 13th of August, 1862, Mr. James laid 
aside his work to goto the assistance of his country 
on Southern battle-fields, and his military record 
shows that he was a brave and efficient soldier. 
He was a member of Company H, 77th Illinois In- 
fantry, and with his regiment took part in many 
battles, among which may be mentioned Chickasaw 
Bayou, Arkansas Post, Magnolia Hills and Vicks- 



/ 

t 



I 

! 



<•• 



GAGE COUNTY. 



487 



4 



burg. He was mustered out of service July 10, 1865. 
and notvvithstanding the many dangers that he en- 
countered, he came home unscathed and in good 
health, except that he was suffering somewhat from 
the effects of a sunstroke received at Ft. Gibson, 
Miss. He is now a member of Coleman Post No. 
115. G. A. R., of Wymore. 

In Februarj-, 1881, Mr. J.anies removed to Ne- 
braska with his family and located on his present 
farm of 480 acres, on sections 1, 2, 1 1 and 12. 
There was then on!}' a house and barn on the place, 
but he has since erected a fine stone house, and has 
otherwise greatly improved the value of his farm, 
so that it is one of the best imi)roved farms in this 
township. He also owns ICO .acres of land on sec- 
tions 10 and 11, all the pi'operty that he has thus 
far .acquired being the result of his untiring indus- 
try and good business ability. Mr. James has bceu 
particularly^ successful in raising cattle, the Short- 
horns being his favorite breed, and he usually feeds 
about 100 bead a 3'ear. 

Mr. and Mrs. James occupy a high social posi- 
tion in this community, and their geniality, kind- 
ness and genuine hospit.alit}' make their pleasant 
home very attractive to the friends vvho have 
gathered around them since their residence here. 
They are active in every good work for promoting 
the m.iterial and moral interests of Paddock Town- 
ship, and they contribute liberally to the support 
of the Baptist Church, of which they are members. 
In his views of the political questions of the day 
Mr. James finds himself in harmonj' with the Re- 
publican partj'. 

> LIVER NEWCOMER is a farmer residing 
on section 23, Glenwood Township, and is a 
son of Joel and .Sarah (Adams) Newcomer, 
who are natives of Washington Count}', Md. The}' 
moved to Ogle Count}-, 111., in which place the 
mother died in the spring of 1857. and the father 
died about the year 1872. They had a family of 
five children, of whom four are living; their names 
are: Ann M., John Q., Oliver, Emurilla and Cathe- 
rine. Ann M. was the wife of .Milton McConle}', 
and died in Ogle County, 111.; John Q. died 

<• 



when he was quite young; Emurilla is the wife of 
Joseph C. Moats, of Ogle County, III.; Catherine is 
a resident of Ogle County. 

Our subject was born on the 20th of February. 
1839, in AVashington County, Md., where he spent 
the first sixteen years of his life on a farm. At 
that age he went with his parents to Illinois and 
settled in Lincoln Township, Ogle Count}'. He 
received his education from the common schools, 
and when he became old enougii to devote himself 
to an occupation he chose that of agriculture. He 
remained in Ogle County until the spring of 1884, 
when he came to this county and settled on section 
23, on which he owns 160 acres of land all under 
cultivation. He has made comfortable improve- 
ments, having erected good and convenient build- 
ings and surrounded his fields with rows of fencing. 
He gives his attention to general farming and stock- 
raising, and makes a specialty of raising horses. In 
politics he is a Republican. 






JAMES F. COLGROVE is one of the sub- 
stantial farmers who have been most active 
in developing the agricultural resources of 
Gage County, and his beautiful farm, with 
its broad, well-tilled acres and various valuable im- 
provements, finely located in Paddock and Sicily 
Townships, indicates that he is a practical, wide- 
awake man, who has been decidedly successful in 
his chosen calling. 

Mr. (^olgrove is a son of Andrew and Almira 
(Baxter) Colgrove, natives of New York, and he 
was born in Steuben County, N. Y., July 31, 1853. 
When our subject was three years old his parents 
left their old home in New York to settle in Win- 
chester, Ind. After living there about eight years 
they removed to Rochester. Ohio, and thence to 
Florida, Mo., in 1859. They subsequently lived in 
the State of Illinois for a period of twelve years, 
Then they came West again, and located in Marys- 
ville, Kan., where the father died on the anniver- 
sary of his birth, Jan. 27, 1881, when fifty-seven 
years old. He was in every way a worthy man. 



■^^ 



48S 



GAGE COUNTY. 



*t 



an intelligent citizen, a trust}' neighbor, and a trierl 
friend. The respected mother of our subject came 
to make her home with him after his father's death, 
and is still a beloved member of his household. 

He of whom we write received a fair education 
in the various States where his j^arents resided from 
time to time. He was the third of the nine children 
born to his parents, of whom six survive, two boys 
and four girls. His brother William lives in Marys- 
ville, Kan. ; Mary, the eldest sister, is now Mrs. 
Randolph Robb, and lives in this county; she was 
previously married to Rola Hood, who died ni 1865. 
Cintha married John Bell, and they both died in 
Southern Kansas; Emma is now Mrs. Thompson 
Richards, and lives in Smith County, Kan. ; Ella is 
Mrs. John With, of this county. Three children died 
in infancy. Our subject came to Gage County from 
Marysville in 1878, and Iiought 160 acres of Gov- 
ernment land, finely located on section 3, Paddock 
Township, and on section 35, Sicily Township, and 
in 1882 he i^urchased the farm where he now resides. 
This comprises 160 acres, eighty of which are on 
section 3, Paddock Township, and eighty on section 
34, Sicily Township. The land is in a good state 
of cultivation, is well fenced, has ample and con- 
veniently arranged farm buildings, a comfortable 
dwelling, substantial barn, etc. He pays attention 
chiefly to raising cattle and hogs, from which he 
makes good profits, and he feeds all the grain that 
he raises. Mr. Colgrove has acquired his property 
solely by his own exertions, and although he is still a 
young man he may be counted among the st>lid men 
of the township. When he went to Marysville he did 
not have a dollar, but notwithstanding the discour- 
agements of drouths and grasshoppers in 1875, 
1876 anil 1877, he kept steadily' at work, and by 
downright hard labor has accumulated a compe- 
tency. 

Mr. Colgrove was united in marriage, April 16, 
1874, in Princeton, 111., to Miss Mar}', daughter of 
John W. and Elizabetii (Clark) With (of whom see 
sketch in another part of this Album). The follow- 
ing is a record of the seven children born to this 
marriage: John W., born Sept. 6, 1875; Milla M., 
born Feb. 28, 1877, died Nov. 12, 1887; James A., 
born July 31. 1879; Charles H., Oct. 11, 1881 ; Ed- 
ward F., March 25, 1884; Elizabetii A., born March 

4« — 



27, 1886, died Jan. 12, 1887; Elmer L.. born Nov. 
16, 1887. 

Mr. and Mrs. Colgrove are people of high repute 
whose sincerity and uprightness in the daily walks 
of life make them deservedl}' respected by all. 
They are among the most active members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and are never behind 
in an}' good work. Politically, Mr. Colgrove is a 
true Republican, and never fails to cast his vote in 
the interests of his party. 



-^s^>«^»s> 



•^-itf-'^^Se?- 




AVID CHAMBERLIN is doing a thriving 
business as dealer in oil and gasoline, 
and may during business hours be seen 
dealing out these fluids from his wagon 
on the streets of Wymore to his many customers. 
He also furnishes the dealers with what oil they 
sell in the city, thus making him a wholesale 
dealer as well. He was born in Macomb, 111., on 
the 29th of October, 1859, and is a son of Isaac and 
Mary (Adair) Chamberlin, both of whom were na- 
tives of Adams County, Pa., the former born near 
Gettysburg, at the foot of the Alleghany Mountains. 
They were married in Macomb, in which pLace our 
subject was born, and spent the first twelve years of 
his life. His father died in 1881, and his mother in 
1880. When our subject was twelve years old his 
parents moved on a farm about eight miles from 
his native town, where he lived for about seven 
years, and had an experience in common with 
young farmer boys in tilling the soil, sowing seed 
and gathering the harvests, and caring for the 
young and docile domestic animals. 

In 1878 Mr. Chamberlin left the scenes of his 
early youth for those of the fertile and attractive 
West, and made his home in Blue Springs, this 
county, where he farmed with his brother one and 
one-half years, then engaging in the restaurant 
business until 1886, when he took charge of a board- 
ing train on the Burlington & Missouri River Rail- 
road, at the same time having a lunch counter at 
the Wymore depot one j'ear of his residence in Blue 
Springs. In 1886 he removed to Wymore, where 
he continued in his former business until November 
of 1887, when he eng.aged in handling oil and gaso- 



r 



u 



^ii^Hh-^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



4 SO 



line, having now built up quite a large and lucra- 
tive trade, and conducting all his business in a 
perfectly honorable and straightforward way. He 
is but a j'oung man, and the confidence with which 
he has inspired his customers, and the esteem in 
which he is held b}' them, give promise of a contin- 
uation of his success, and the building up of a 
reputation very gratifying to a young business man. 
He procures bis goods in large quantities from Lin- 
coln, selling at a fair price and on lil)eral terras. 

On the 23d of June, 1887, our subject was united 
in marriage to Miss Alice L. Bacon, a daughter of 
William and Diana (Fairchild) Bacon, of Wymore, 
the former a native of Connecticut, and the latter 
of Ohio. Mrs. Chamberlin was born on the 29th 
of March. 1 860, in McLe.in County, 111., and re- 
mained with her parents until the time of her mar- 
riage. She received a good elementar3' education 
from the schools of her native town, and possesses 
the accomplishments and virtues of a true womanly 
heart and disposition, which fit her to make her 
home a most attractive one. Our subject affiliates 
with the Republican party in politics, and is a mem- 
ber in good standing of the A. F. & A. M. 



->'w -vta£j2/®^5' 



x/^-Sl/^fT^TTSv* -\/v\* . 




5;ILLIAM S. WIKOFF. Among the repre- 
sentative men engaged in the stock interests 
of the citj' of Wj'more might be mentioned 
the gentleman whose name appears at the head of 
this sketch, who was one of the early settlers on the 
Otoe Reservation and citizens of W3-more. The 
father of our subject, W. W. Wikoff, was born in 
New Jersey, in 1808. He was given a common- 
school education, after which he went to farming. 
While yet quite a young man he bought a farm in 
Warren County, Ohio, and remained successfully 
operating the same until 1838-39, when he removed 
to Sangamon County, 111., and bought a farm near 
Island Grove. This he improved and built upon 
and made his home until 1866. He then went to 
New Berlin and purchased a small place, and lived 
a quiet, retired life until February, 1880, when he 
died. 

The father of our subject became the husband of 
Sarah C. Sinard, in Ohio. This union was cemented 






b}' the birth of eleven children, of whom seven lived 
to maturity, four of this number being sons. His 
wife was born in tlie same State in the year 1810. 
She was the daughter of William Sinard, and resided 
at home until her marriage. Throughout her life 
she manifested such traits of char.ncter and disposi- 
tion as have made her a place in the hearts of her 
family and friends that can never be otherwise filled. 
They were devout members of the Christian Church, 
and most deeply interested in its obligations. Mr. 
Wikoff, Sr., filled the office of Road Commissioner, 
and was for manyye.ars School Trustee. Ilis polit- 
ical sympathies were with the Democratic party, 
and he was continuously loyal to the same. Our 
subject was born in Warren County, Ohio, Feb. 13, 
1832, was educated in the usual institution, and 
from that went onto the farm, continuing to operate 
the same until he attained his majority. After this 
he farmed for two years upon his own account, and 
then went into business at New Berlin with a full 
stock of merchandise, clothing and groceries. Then 
followed eight 3'ears of incre.asing prosperity and 
good success. In 1862 our subject sold his business 
and took a trip west tiwough quite a number of 
States. He crossed the plains with a team from Illi- 
nois to Council Bluffs, Omaha, Ft. Laramie, crossed 
the Snake River above Ft. Hall, via Ft. Badger, 
prospecting throughout the mountains for gold, 
struck a mountain corral, and had to turn back, 
finally struck upon an old trail and followed it to 
Deer Lodge Vallej', then going through to San 
Francisco, via Portland, Ore. Leaving San Fran- 
cisco our subject proceeded to New York via the 
Isthmus of Panama, after an absence of a little over 
twelve months, in which time he had received only 
two letters from home. 

The three years following the return of our sub- 
ject from San Francisco were spent upon a farm 
which hepurchased near New Berlin. At the close 
of that period he sold his property in order to go 
to Southern Kansas, and there bought 160 acres of 
excellent farming land, situated about four miles 
west of Humboldt. This was in the year 1867, and 
he continued for three years occupied in the vari- 
ous improvements of his farm, but was sick the 
greater part of the time, and therefore sold out and 
went to Hamburg, Fremont Co., Iowa, and for 



f 



-U 



>•»* 



400 



GAGE COUNTY. 



eight years was engnwed in shipping stock, and be- 
came the lie.aviest shipper at tiiat [Joint. In 1878, 
at tiie close of tiiat period, Mr. Wikoff removed 
to liis present home upon tiie Otoe Reservation, his 
prop<'rly Ijeing situated on section 36 of Sicil^y 
Townsliip. This includes IGO acres of splendid 
bottom land, upon which he has made many exten- 
sive improvements, including a house of consider- 
able pretensions to beauty of adornment and 
comfort of arrangement, the usual farm buililings 
and stock houses in the same proportion, and forest 
and fruit trees of man}^ varieties. He is still engaged 
in ship[)ing stock, and rents the farm to one of liis 
sons; another of his sons has been handling stock 
with his fatlier for about five j'ears, and they are 
the princifjal buyers of Wymore, the larger portion 
of their stock going to Kansas City. 

ITpon the 18th of September, 1853, our subject 
was united in marriage with Miss Marj' E. Allen, of 
Berlin, 111. There have been eleven eiiildron born 
to them, and of these nine are still living, whose 
names are here ai)pended: Laura F., Weslej^ \V., 
James A., William W., Lee Cars, Horace D., Mary 
C, Minnie and Ella Belle. Mrs. Wikoff was born 
near .Jacksonville, 111., Sept. 14. 183.5. She is 
the daughter of James Allen, a farmer of Sangamon 
County, III., and quite prominent among his fellow- 
citizens. He vvas the husband of Rosaline Coring- 
ton, and became the parent of three children. Mr. 
Allen died in 1864, his vvife surviving until the 
19th of May, 1888. Of theeinhlren of our subject 
the eldest daughter liecarae the wife of Drew Ryan, 
a farmer of Comanche County, Kan., and has seven 
children; Wesley married Mary E. Mewhirter, of 
Cass County, Iowa, where he operates a good farm ; 
James A. and Lee C. are unmarried and live at 
home; William is on a homestead in Hitchcock 
Count}-; Horace married Alice Fink, and lives at 
Beatrice, Kan. ; the remaining children are still at 
home. Our subject and wife are both members of 
the Christian Church, and among the most devout 
and consistent in that comnuiiiion. He is a man 
who has brought his religion into continued prac- 
tice, .and has learned that it is well before engaging 
in any great undertaking to seek for guidance, and 
his trust being in God, he has advanced, fearing no 
danger, and this doubtless is largel}' the cause of his 

-4« 



progress in life. In the fraternity of the A. F. <fe 
A. M. our subject is an honored and trusted fraler 
and member. He has been School Director for two 
terms, and at jiresent occupies the office of Super- 
visor, and in these and every other relation has so 
carried himself as to receive the highest esteem and 
confidence of his fellow-citizens, in which also 
every member of his family shares. 



3"»-; 



yp^ILLIAM R. JONES has been a resident 
of this count}' since the year 18.57, and 
'^f^' consequently deserves the honor due to an 
early pioneer, and to an ever loyal and enterprising 
citizen. He was born in Lawrence County, Ohio, 
on the 9tli of September, 1846, and is a son of 
Samuel and Rebecca (Pethouil) Jones, natives of 
Grayson County, Va., and Ohio, respectively. 
They were married in the last-named State, and at 
different times made their homes in Lawrence, Gal- 
lia .and Scioto Counties until 18,55, when they came 
West, and established a new home in Platte County, 
Mo. After six months' residence in that .State thev 
moved to Jefferson County, Kan., whence in 1857 
they came to Nebraska, and settled on Indian 
Creek, four miles north of Beatrice, on section 10, 
Midlaml Township, though at that time the flour- 
ishing little city was barely in existence, the or- 
ganization of Gage County with Beatrice for its 
county seat occurring that same year. 

The father of our subject, three years after his 
arrival in this pl.ace, went up the Little Blue River 
and kept a ranch on the overland stage route, in 
Nuckolls County. He remained there nearly one 
year, and then returned to his farm in this '■ounty, 
after which, in 18G8, he went to Lincoln and kept a 
livery stable for a short time, but again returned 
to his farm. He died in 1872, and his bereaved 
wife now makes her home in Beatrice. Our sub- 
ject is the eldest of a large family of children, and 
had reached the age of eleven years when his par- 
ents came to this county; having since made his 
home here, he has witnessed the vast changes which 
have taken [ilace in the last quarter of a century. 




-^*- 



GAGE COUNTY. 



493 



4 



On the 15th of September, 18G6, Miss Hester A. 
Henton became the faithful companion and help- 
mate of our subject, and lias shared with him the 
trials and felicities of life for many years. She is 
a daughter of James M. and Susan Henton. who 
aie now residing in Oketo, Kan., and was born on 
the '23d of November, 1846, near Des Moines, Iowa, 
in which place her parents were among the early 
pioneers. Later s!ie resided in Illinois, then re- 
turned to Iowa, and still later as the wife of our 
subject she came to Nebraska. She has been the 
mother of nine children, of whom Albert, Rena and 
an infant are ilece.ased, and Minnie L.. Susie, Ru- 
hania, Hettie, Rebecca and Willie are living. 

After his marriage our subject resided for awhile 
on Indian Creek, then accompanied his father to 
Lincoln to engage in the liverj* business, after which 
he returned to this countj- and took a homestead 
on section 11, Midland Township, on w-hich he re- 
sided until 1877. In that year he came to his 
present farm on section 24. where he owns 220 
acres of fine land, all under cultivation and devoted 
to tiie purposes of general faiming and stock-rais- 
ing. He is a breeder of high-grade Short-horn 
cattle, and also gives some atiention to Jersey stock. 
He gives special attention to the breeding of road 
horses, and is the owner of the celebrated stallion 
'• Bret Harte," which is one of the finest road 
horses in the State, and is resistered in the Second 
Volume of AVallace's Trotting Register. For three 
years our suliject has kept a dairy on his farm, and 
disposes of the milk in Beatrice. 

The farm belonging to our subject is crossed by 
Bear Creek, on whose banks are beautiful groves of 
native timber, which augment both tiie value and 
appearance of the place, while from the stream an 
abundant supply of water is secured for the stock, 
as it has its natural course near the stock barns. 
The house, of which a view is given in this connec- 
tion, is a neat looking and commodious building, and 
under its roof is gathered a happy family, presided 
over by a loving and devoted mother, and in every 
respect an estimable lady. 

After the Indian massacre occurred on the Little 
Blue River, Mr. Jones was among the first to wit- 
ness the horrors of that awful scene, and help to bury 
the unfortuu.ate dead. As an old resident of this 



county he is acquainted with its history and the 
progress of its development, and perhaps no one 
has taken a greater satisfaction in witnessing the 
changes that have come about from 3'ear to year 
than has he. He is interested in all matters per- 
taining to church, school and State, and his voice 
may be heard among those of active men in approv- 
ing of all measures by which the good of the com- 
munity can be secured. Politically, he affiliates 
with the Democratic party. Socially, he is con- 
nected with the I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 19, Bea- 
trice P^noampment No. 10, and Canton No. 5. 






f^lS. 




HERMAN P. LESTER. Few citizens of 
Beatrice are better known than tlie gentle- 
man whose history forms the basis of the 
article here offered. He is a native of Con- 
necticut, and was born at Deep River, in Middlesex 
County, on the 28th of February, 1844. His parents, 
Elijah T. and Lucy (Wolcott-Pratt) Lester, removed 
to DeKalb County, III., when our subject wasabout 
eleven years of age. His father was by trade a 
plasterer, stonemason and bricklayer; he located 
in the town of Sandwich, where, in September, 1 871 , 
he was killed by the cars. The widowed motlier 
and her two children continued their residence 
in the same place for some time, and Mrs. Lester 
still resides there. Her son James H. is a resident 
of Brown County, Dak., where he is a successful 
farmer. Grandfather James Lester, now in his 
ninety-eighth year, is of Irish descent, and was 
born in Hamburg, Conn., where at present he makes 
his home. 

The subject of our sketch was reared in Sand- 
wich, III., and educated in the public schools. At 
the age of eigiiteen he entered the Union Army, 
enlisting in August, 1862, in Compan3' A, 127th 
Illinois Infantrj'. The regiment was sent South, 
and attached to the lath Army Corps, with Gen. 
Sherman in command. It took part in seven- 
teen of what might be called the decisive battles of 
the war, chiefly those that led up to the capture of 
Vicksburg. Among the more worth3' of mention 



i^^^i-^ 



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t 



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494 



GAGE COUNTY. 



are : Aikans.is Post, Chickasaw Baj on, near Larkins- 
ville, Ala., and inanj' others. He received upon 
the 16th of June. 1865, an honorable discharge, 
after a service of three years lacking two months. 
Upon returning to Sandwich our subject engaged in 
business at transferring, which he continued to follow 
for several years. 

In 1872 Mr. Lester removed to Beatrice, and 
the following year began business in a small way 
as a liveryman. This he has continuously ex- 
tended, and has supplemented at times by the pur- 
chase and shipment of stock; necessaril}', and as 
a legitimate part of his business, he has handled a 
large numl)erof horses, and has made considerable 
profit tiiereby. The points to which his consign- 
ments are mostly made would be included in the 
following States: Illinois, Kansas and Colorado, and 
Dakota Territory. 

In 1883 the business of our subject had so in- 
creased as to necessitate larger and better quarters; 
he accordingl}' built a fine brick stable, which is 
50x100 feet, and 27 feet in heigiit. It has been 
designed with special reference to its adaptability 
for its purpose, and is one of the best in the county. 
Upon an average he uses in his business twenty 
horses and buggies daily. In addition to the above 
well-established business our suljject owns 320 
acres of excellent farming land, about four and a 
half miles north of Beatrice, the greater part of 
wliich he keeps in jjasture for his horses and stock, 
having fifty head of the former, and twent3--five to 
thirty head of cattle. Upon this property he has a 
very excellent, commodious barn, 40x100 feet, 
ground measurement. 

Mr. Lester was married, on the 16th of June, 
1868, to Miss Agnes Blodgett, of LaSalle County, 
111., and the daughter of John C. and Nancy 
(Gillett) Blodgett. This lady was born at Gallip- 
olis, Ohio, in January, 1846, and until her mar- 
riage resided with her parents and received her 
education at the public schools. At the time of 
her marriage she was a teacher. There have been 
born to this union three children, to whom have 
been given the names here subjoined : Marion, 
Violet L. and John 'E. 

For two years Mr. Lester has had a seat in the 
City Council, and in that time made the most of 



every opportunity' afforded him to serve his con- 
stituents. He is a stanch Republican, and is gen- 
erally recognized as a tried and true friend of his 
party. A view of Mr. Lester's property is pre- 
sented on an adjoining page. 

' ^ EORGE THUMANN. This energetic and 

G enterprising member of the farming com- 
munity of Clatonia Township, owns and oc- 
cui)ies a desirable estate on section 9, to which he 
has given his time and attention since the spring 
of 1882. He is one of the most worth}' representa- 
tives of his reliable German nationalit}', and was 
born in what was then the Kingdom of Hanover, 
Jan. 6, 1844. His parents, Heiny and Henrietta 
Thumann, were natives of the same Province as 
their son, and are now both deceased. 

Our subject received a good education in his na- 
tive tongue, and remained with his parents until 
reaching his m.ijority. Then, desirous of better 
opportunities than the" Fatherland afforded, he 
crossed the Atlantic, taking passage at Bremen on 
a sailing-vessel, and landing in New York Citj' after 
a voyage of forty-two days. He was there em- 
ployed in a brewery nearly one year, then mi- 
grated westward to Chicago, 111., where he was 
engaged as a butcher two and one-half j'ears. At 
the expiration of that time, longing for a sight of 
the old faces, he recrossed the Atlantic, and shortly 
afterward was married to one of the playmates of 
his childhood. Miss Anne Bear, the wedding tak- 
ing place in INIarch, 1869. 

Mr. and Mrs. Thumann immediatelj^ after their 
marriage boarded a steamer bound for America, 
and our subject now with his young wife took up 
his abode in Tazewell County, 111., where he rented 
s. tract of land and began raising vegetables for the 
market at Mackinaw. He was thus occupied success- 
fuUj' a number of j'ears, but in the spring of 1882 
decided upon a change of location, and accordingly 
crossing the Mississippi came to this countj', and 
located on the land which he now occupies in Cla- 
tonia Township. He here has 160 acres, and con- 
sidering the fact that he landed in America the 
first time with $6 in his pocket, which constituted 

•► 



i 



h 






GAGE COUNTY. 



40") 



his only capital when beginning life for himself in 
the New AVorkl, his present condition is indicative 
of something nioro than ordinary itersevcranec and 
industry. In the huililing up of his homestead he 
has reared one of the best monuments to his enter- 
prise and perseverance which could be erected. He 
is a man who attends strictlj' to his own concerns, 
and stands high in the opinion of his neighbors. 
Politically, he votes the Democratic ticket. He has 
served ns School Treasurer of his district three 
years, is public-spirited and liberal, believes in edu- 
cating the young, and is in favor of everything 
tending toward the moral and intellectual progress 
of the people. He was reared a Lutheran, and loy- 
all}' adheres to the faith of his childhood. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Thumann there have been born 
six children, all living, namely: Henry, George, 
Matilda, Peter, Jlary and Minnie. The eldest is 
eighteen 3ears of .age. the 3'oungest three, and thej' 
are all at home with their parents, forming a family 
group of which the latter m.aj' well be proud. 



OHN WILLIAM CALLAN. In the world's 
great hive of industrj^ some are leaders and 
some are followers. Some are only fitted 

for followers, while some will be found in 

the front ranks, despite the drawb.acks which may 
assail tliem. To the latter element is the world 
indebted for its progress, for no man can labor and 
contrive successfully without his operations having 
a m.aterial bearing upon the condition of those 
around him. His very example proves an impetus 
to many who would otherwise be slothful, while the 
products of his hand and brain are often wide- 
reaching in their material effects upon the people 
whom he may never see or know. 

These thoughts were involuntarily produced in 
reviewing the career of the subject of this histor}', 
who is one of the go-ahead men of Gage County, 
one of those not to be kept under as long as there 
is a top to gain. It is found that on his father's 
side he is of Irish ancestry, although John Callan 
was born in Maryland, where he was reared and 
married a lady whose birthplace was probably not 
far from that of her husband. She was in her girl- 



hood Miss Harriet E. Hoffman, and .after uniting 
their lives and fortunes thej' settled in their native 
State, where the death of the father occurred while 
he was j'et a j'oung man. 

After the death of her first husband the mother 
of our subject contracted a second niarri.age, with 
Mr. Samuel Stanton, and is now living in Lee 
County, 111. Of her first marriage there were born 
five children, of whom .Tohn William was the 
eldest. Of the others two are living, one in Odell, 
this county, and one in Chicago. Our subject was 
born in Alleghany County, Md., INIay 22, 1852, 
and came to the West with his mother and step- 
father when he was about sixteen years old. He 
received the education commonl}' acquired by the 
farmer boy in the district school, and at an earl}- 
age became familiar with the various pursuits of 
rur.al life. He lived in Lee County, 111., until 187-3, 
then migrating to Page Count}-, Iowa, purchased a 
farm, and carried on agriculture there until the fall 
of 1882, when he came with his family' to this 
count}-, and settled on section .32, in Glenwood 
Township, where he still lives. Here he has 120 
acres of fertile land, which yields bounteousl}- the 
rich crops of Southern Nebraska, and is rapidly in- 
stituting those improvements essential to the con- 
venience and comfort of the modern and i)rogressive 
farmer. His buildings are substantial, the fences, 
live stock and machinery in good condition. Among 
the embellishments of the place is a fine arraj- of 
sh.ade and fruit trees, planted by the hand of the 
present proprietor, and adding not only to the 
beauty but the value of his property. 

Mi-. Callan was married, in Page Count}-, Iowa, 
Sept. 13, 1877, to Miss Eveline, daughter of John 
T. and Elizabeth (St. Clair) Calhoun, who were na- 
tives of Pennsylvania, but are now residents of 
Jewell County, Kan. Mrs. Callan was born in 
Cedar County, Iowa, Jan. 15, 1854, and lived there 
until she was three years old, when she was taken 
by her parents to Page County, Iowa. She was 
reared under the home roof, receiving a fair edu- 
cation, and continued at home until her marriage. 
Of her union with our subject there have been born 
four children — Floyd W., Addie M., Lizzie B. and 
Lois E. The eldest is ten years of age and the 
youngest five. They form a bright and interesting 



:?^::f^ 



,t 



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496 



GAGE COUNTY. 



JtZ 



family, in whom the parents entertain a pardonable 
])ride. 

Mr. Callan upon becoming a voter cast his first 
Presidential ballot for Seymour in 1807. Since 
that time he has been a uniform supporter of Dem- 
ocratic principles. He has held various local offices, 
among them that of Road Overseer, and School 
Director in Glenvvood Townsliip. Mrs. Callan is a 
member of the Presbyterian Church. 



^^ UGU8T WOLF, a citizen of Paddock Town- 
^/Ui! ship, post-office address Wymore, well rep- 
resents the class of enterprising and capa- 
ble young men who within the past few 
years have come to the front to aid the older far- 
mers in developing the wonderful agricultural re- 
sources of Nebraska. Mr. Wolf is a general farmer, 
raising both grain and stock, and he has already 
made a success of his ' agricultural ventures, as is 
shown b}' the fine condition of the farm that he 
owns on section 4, with its comfortable dwelling 
and many other good improvements. 

Our subject was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Jan. 
18, 18.!)7,ason of Adolph and WilLieluiina (Beer- 
heuke) Wolf. When August was three years old 
his parents took him to Freeport, 111., and there he 
was reared to manhood, receiving meanwhile an 
excellent education in the public schools. He ac- 
companied his parents to Nebraska in 1879, and 
has since been a resident here. He is an energetic 
and spirited young man, and desirous of becoming 
the owner of a farm on this rich and productive 
soil, he set to work with a will to earn the necessary 
money with which to buy it. In a few j'ears he 
had labored to such purpose that he was enabled to 
purchase the eighty acres on section 4, Paddock 
Township, comprising his present well-cultivated 
farm. He immediately commenced its cultivation, 
and he has since erected a good and comfortable 
dwelling, and made many other substantial im- 
provements, thus greatly increasing its original 
value. 

Our subject has not been unaided in his arduous 
toils, for early in 1883 he returned to his old home 
in Illinois to claim as his bride Miss Wilhelmina 



Kracht. to whom he was united in marriage on the 
8th of March, and to her he is greath' indebted for 
cheerful counsel and ever ready assistance in build- 
ing up their cozj' home; she was born in Germany. 
Her parents, Frederic and Fredricka Kracht, still 
reside in Freeport, 111., where they are attendants 
of the Evangelical branch of the Lutheran Church, 
of which they are devoted members. Two weeks 
after his marriage Mr. Wolf returned with his^'oung 
wife to this place, and that 3-ear he bought and lo- 
cated on his farm. In their pleasant home three 
sons have been born to them, who complete the 
household circle, of whom the following is the rec- 
ord: Albert E. was born Jan. 22, 1884; Frederic A. 
June 24, 1885. and Edward A.. Nov. 15, 188G. 

Mr. and Mrs. Wolf are members in good stand- 
ing of the German Reformed Church, and they .are 
highly esteemed in this community as kind and 
trusty neighbors, friends to be relied upon in an 
emergency. Mr. Wolf, while doing all that he can 
to promote the best interests of this township, does 
not aspire to office; politically, he strongly favors 
the policy of the Republican party. 




a^^ AMUEL RINAKER, junior member of the 
law firm of Griggs & Rinaker, at Beatrice, 
was born in the city of Carlinville. 111., 
Sept. 14, 1860, and is therefore still a 
3'oung man. His father. Gen. John I. Rinaker, 
Chairman of the Illinois Railroad and Warehouse 
Commission, is a prominent attorney of Macoupin 
County. 111., and was born in the city of Baltimore, 
Md. He emigrated to Illinois early in life and 
married Miss Clarissa Keplinger, who was born in 
Morgan Count3', 111. The parents are still living. 
Samuel was the second of their family of four sons, 
all of whom are still living. 

Our subject pursued his early studies in the pub- 
lic schools of his native cit}', and upon approaching 
manhood became a student of Blackburn Univer- 
sity at Carlinville, from vvhich he was gr.aduated in 
the class of '80, receiving the title of B. A. He 
entered upon the study of law under the instruction 
of his father and an elder brother, in their office at 
Carlinville, and after becoming duly prepared was 

•^ 



t 



-4^ 



ii4^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



497 



admitted to the law department of Yale College, 
New ll.Tven, Conn., where he pursued Iiis studies in 
1882 and 1883. After examination in Chicago by 
the Appellate Court, he was admitted to practice in 
the fall of 1883 bj' the Supreme Court of the .State of 
Illinois, and in January, 1 884, coming to Nebraska, 
he chose the city of Beatrice as his future scene 
of operations. Soon afterward he formed a part- 
nership with Hon. N.K. Griggs, and the firm is now 
in the enJojMuent of an extensive and lucrative 
practice in all the courts of Southern Nebraska. 

In 1880 Mr. Rinaker entered into a still closer 
partnership with one of the most estimable young 
ladies of the city of Carlinville, Miss Carrie Maj'o, 
who was born and reared there. Her parents, Sam- 
uel T. and Elizabeth (Palmer) Maj'o, were natives, 
the former of Virginia, the latter of Kentucky-, and 
both ai'e now living at Carlinville. Their family 
included eight children, four of whom are living. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Kinaker there has been born 
one child, a son, Samuel M., Sept. 25, 1887. They 
own and occupj' a neat and substantial residence in 
Fairview Addition in the eastern part of the city, 
and enjoj' the society and friendship of its best 
people. Mr. Rinaker is a general favorite in social 
and business circles, and belongs to the K. of P. 
Politically, he is a Republican. 

•ji? IND NELSON. In the present sketch it is 
I (^ our pleasure to offer a succinct compendium 
/I'— ^vs of the more prominent features in the life 
of the well-known and popular Supervisor of Glen- 
wood Township, a man of remarkable versatility, 
business energy and enterprise, possessing in a large 
measure the magnetism which attracts and holds 
many friends. He was born in Sweden on the 12th 
of JJul^-, 1849, and is a son of Mons Nelson, a na- 
tive of the above country (see sketch). 

Our subject lived in his native country until in 
the spring of 1868, when he emigrated to America. 
The nineteen years of his life had been spent in ac- 
quiring in the schools of his native place the more 
indispensable foundation subjects of an education, 
supplemented later by such instruction and work as 
would make him a first-class farmer. Upon his 

^1 



arrival in America our subject went almost at once 
to Chicago, and after some time spent in that city 
proceeded to Champaign County of the same State, 
where he was employed for about six months, and 
then went to Paxton, Ford Co., 111., which waa his 
home for about a year. The two years following 
he spent in Springfield of the same Slate, and at the 
close of that period he came to Nebraska in the 
3-ear 1872, and continued to make his home in 
Nemaha County for six years, and then came to 
Gage County' and settled in Glenwood Township, 
and has continued his residence here ever since. 

The farm of our subject is some 240 acres in ex- 
tent and well situated; the soil is admirably adapted 
to farming purposes, and owing to the good work 
bestowed, and attention given to it, is one of the 
most productive and well-cultivated in the township. 
In .addition to the improvement in the state of the 
ground itself, our subject has added others in the 
shape of a cum|)lete and well-built t^et of farm 
l)uildings and a pleasant, comfoitable dwelling, also 
the various shade and fruit-bearing trees that go so 
far in this section of country' to make the summer 
pleasant. 

At Tecumseh, Johnson County, of this State, Mr. 
Nelson became the husband of Anna Miller upon 
the 6th of March, 1875. This lady was born in 
Bedford County, Pa., on the 13th of August, 1850, 
and is the daughter of Simon and Elizabeth (Fos- 
ter) Miller. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson are the parents 
of six children, whose names are recorded as fol- 
lows: Bessie, Offle C, Linus E., John W., Austin H. 
and George W. 

In beginning life our subject began with practi- 
callj' nothing, and whatever has been attained is 
the result of his earnest, manly efforts, which have, 
however, been supplemented by the faithful affec- 
tion, counsel, sympathy and aid of his devoted wife. 
Ill the fall of 1887 the people of the township, 
recognizing the worth of our subject, elected liim 
Supervisor, and are gratified to notice the efficiency 
with which he fills the position. 

In addition to the work of the farm our subject 
has an extensive business as buyer and shipper of 
cattle and hogs. Socially, he is connected with the 
A. O. U. W., the I. O. O. F. and the Masonic fra- 
ternity, and in each is always welcomed as a true 



^ 




,t 



■► ■ 4* 



GAGE COUNTY. 



and faithful brother. He takes a deep interest in 
political matters, and votes for and works with the 
Republican party. He is a friend to every project 
and enterprise of a practical natuie that looks to 
the upbuilding and advancement of the county and 
community, and in everj- such matter is among the 
most energetic workers. 

<a l>ILLIAM A. WAGNER, City Clerk of Bea- 
\sJ/i *-i''<-'e. liecarae a resident of Nebraska in July, 

V^^ 18G7, settling with his parents on a farm in 
Midland Township, tliis county. He remained with 
tliem until 1868, in the meantime occu[)ied in teach- 
ing. He took up his residence in Beatrice in April 
of I8C8, entering the store of Blakel}', Reynolds & 
Co., as cleric, and remained witii them one year. At 
the expiration of that time he went into the law 
office of J. B. Weston, with whom, however, he re- 
mained but a short time. He was Deputy until 
1876, a part of the time in the office of the County 
Treasurer and the balance of the time in the office 
of the County Cleik. 

Upon leaving the Clerk's office our subject en- 
tered into partnership with L. T. Griggs, and en- 
gaged in the sale of farm implements until 1881, 
when lie disposed of his interest in the business to 
his partner. He then opened a coal and wood yard 
and also dealt in baled hay until 1887, then sold 
out, having been elected for the second term to his 
present office. 

Mr. Wagner was born at St. John, New Bruns- 
wick, Jan. 6, 1845, and is the eldest son of a family 
of eleven children, the offspring of John W. and 
Ellen (Lane) Wagner, natives of the same Province. 
They came to Wisconsin iu 1858, and to Nebraska 
in 1867, and both are still living, making their 
home on a farm two miles north of Beatrice. Of 
their large family of children eight are still living, 
six in Nebraska, one in Dakota and one in Missouri. 

The subject of this sketch was a lad of thirteen 
years upon the removal of the family to Kenosha 
County, Wis., and lived with his parents on the 
farm there until reaching manhood. He was given 
a practical education in the common schools, com- 
pleting his studies at Racine, and commenced his 



duties as instructor in Howard's Commercial Col- 
lege at Racine. He accompanied his parents to this 
county, settling with them on a farm in what is now 
Midland Township, and his subsequent course we 
have already indicated. 

The marriage of our subject and Miss Mary L. 
Blodgett, of Somonauk, 111., took place Oct. 27, 
1870. Mrs. Wagner was born in 1844, in Ohio, 
and is the daughter of John E. and Nancy (Gillette) 
Blodgett, who were natives of New York, and are 
now deceased. Mr. Wagner was the first elected 
City Clerk of Beatrice under the new organization, 
which went into effect in October, 1871. He was 
re-elected the following j-ear, holding the office un- 
til 1873, and in 1877 was again selected to fill the 
position, serving this term also acceptably-. In 1885 
he was again brought before the people for the 
office of City Clerk, and has since held it without 
opposition, running the last year far ahead of his 
ticket. 

Mr. Wagner, in May, 1886, was appointed Water 
Commissioner, and still holds this office. Politically, 
he is conservative in his views, aiming to support 
the men whom he considers best qualified to serve 
the people. Socially, he is a member in good stand- 
ing of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Beatrice 
Lodge No. 26, and Chapter No. 10. 

g^ AMUEL N. TOBYNE is engaged in farm- 
^^^ ing on his land on section 10, Blue Springs 
(ll/_J)) Township, in which vicinity he has made 
his home for about twenty years. He was 
born in Ogle County, 111., on the 2d of October, 
1859, and is a son of James N. Tobyne, anativeof 
Canada, who came to Illinois when he was a young 
man, and thence brought his family to this county 
in April, 1868. He made his home on section 10, 
near the present home of our subject, and in the 
early day of his arrival there were but few settlers 
here, though Indians and wild animals were quite 
plentiful. Our subject has always lived on a farm, 
his father having been engaged in agricultural pur- 
suits, and thus he has a thorough understanding of 
the vocation which is so essential to the country. 
In his younger days our subject experienced in 



• ^^ f 4* 



-^•- 



GAGE COUNTY. 



499 i i 



common with the sons of other early settlers all the 
hardships and i)rivations of pioneer life, being 
tanght to work at an early age, that he might as- 
sist in the impi-ovement of the family circumstances, 
and receiving hut a limited education because of 
the absence of educational advantages. He has 
also, in common with liie inhabitants of this section 
who have grown to manhood here, witnessed the 
vast changes that have been made in the past two 
decades, in religious and educational advantages, 
in the breaking and cultivating of wild prairie land, 
which has been transformed into smiling fields bear- 
ing abundant harvests, and in the organization and 
building of various towns and cities which have 
sprung up in an incredibly short time. 

On the 29th of April, 1882, our subject was 
united in marriage with Miss Adelia S. Knapp, a 
daughter of Albert H. Knapp, of Th.ayer County, 
six miles from North Alexandria. She was born in 
Wj'oming County, Pa., on the 27th of February', 
186G, her father also being a native of the same 
State, whence he had moved to this State in the 
j-ear 1880. By their marriage our subject and his 
wife are the parents of three children, named "Wil- 
son E., Eoe A. and an infant daughter. Mr. 
Tobyne has been prominently identiiied with the 
educational affairs of his township, having served 
as School Treasurer for a period of four years, 
and being now the worthy incumbent of that office. 
lie never seeks official honors, but his ability has 
been recognized and appreciated by the people of 
his community, who have conferred upon him un- 
sought the public honors. He possesses the full 
confidence and esteem of his fellowmen, and is very 
popular in the township. 

.lames N. Tob^'ne, the father of our subject, was 
born near Toronto, Canada, on the 21st of April, 
1820. in which place he lived until he was twenty- 
one j"ears old. In 1841 he left his native country 
for Winnebago County, III., whence after ten years' 
residence he moved to Ogle County. There he re- 
mained engaged in farming until 18G8, when he 
came to this county with his family, and made his 
home on section 10, Blue Spring Township, near the 
home of his son Samuel. lie married Mrs. Caroline 
Zeitz, who was a native of Germany, and had come 
to the United States when she was six j'ears old. 



By her former marriage, with Mr. Stroke}', she was 
the mother of three children, two of whom, named 
Frederick A. and George R. Strokey, are now liv- 
ing. Mr. and Mrs. Tobyne were the parents of 
seven children, five of whom are now living, and 
make their homes in the following places: Henrietta, 
in Gage County; Samuel N. and Seth E., in Blue 
Springs Township; Permelia C. and Ida A., in Gage 
County. One son, the oldest of the family, died at 
the age of seventeen 3-ears, and the other, William 
H.. died when a child. The parents of this family' 
of children were well known as early pioneers of 
this countj', and as such, and as an honorable m.an 
and woman, they possessed the esteem and friend- 
ship of the people of the community. The death 
of the father occurred on the Gth of April, 1882, at 
the age of sixtj'-two years, and that of the mother 
occurred in December, 1881, at the .age of si.xt}"- 
two years, the death of both being greatly regretted 
by their many friends and acquaintances. 

Seth E. Tobyne, a son of James N. and a brother 
of Samuel N., above mentioned, makes his home on 
section 10, Blue Springs Township, where he has 
lived for many years. He was born in OgleCount}-, 
111., on the 27th of January, 1 862, and with his father 
and the remainder of the famil}' he came to this 
county in the spring of 1868. He has grown to 
manhood and has constantly been surrounded with 
the scenes adjacent to bis present home, though 
there have been vast changes since his arrival when 
a young boy. He has ahvaj's lived on a farm, and 
when he was a boy he lierded cattle on an exten- 
sive range, the business at that time being largely 
engaged in and verj' lucrative. To describe the 
scenes and events of his life is but to repeat the 
description given in the sketch devoted to his 
brother, for in common they shared the trials and 
hardships of the pioneer life. On the 25th of Feb- 
ruary, 1883, he was united in marriage with Miss 
Ettie Early, a daughter of Marshall Earl}', who was 
born in Mercer County, Ohio, on the 28th of March, 
1861. .Her parents were from Ohio, and she made 
her home with them until the time of her marriage, 
receiving her education in the common schools of 
her native count}', and perfecting herself in the 
graces and accomplishments of a true womanly 
sphere. By their marriage they are the parents of 



-I 



500 



GAGE COUNTY. 



four cliildren, bearing the names Rolla, Ethel, Delia 
and an infant daughter, Jessie. 

Mr. Tobyne is the owner of 120 acres of good 
and well-improved farming land in Blue Springs 
Township, and 160 acres in the State of Colorado. 
On his home farm be has made many valuable im- 
provements, having a good house, barn and other 
farm buildings, which are well kei)t and in good 
condition. By giving close attention to his occu- 
pation he has brought his land to a verj' fine state 
of cultivation, which makes it the source of a lucra- 
tive income to him. He affiliates with the Repub- 
lican party, but does not take an active part in 
politics, and both he and his wife are well-known 
and highly respected members of the Blethodist 
Episcopal Church, sustaining the reputation whicii 
thej' bear of being honest, industrious and intelli- 
ffent citizens. 



<^?t^- 



-i^fit;-* 



^i^'RANKLIN WALKKR is a farmer, stock- 
||i=^^ raiser and banker, residing on section 25, 
^ Elm Township. He is a sou of George P. 

and Polly (Countryman) Walker, his father having 
been born in Somerset County, Pa., where he died 
in the year 1876, at the age of seventy-nine years. 
The mother was also a native of the same county, 
and is still living. They were the parents of nine 
children, our subject being the fifth child, and his 
birth occurring on the 9th of November, 1828, in 
Somerset County. At that time the schools were 
conducted by subscription, or paying members, and 
it was' in a school of this kind that our subject re- 
ceived his education. At the age of eighteen years 
he was apprenticed to learn the carpenter trade, and 
having learned the business he followed it until the 
year 1865. 

On the 9th of Novenil)er, 1851, our subject was 
married, in Ohio, to JVIiss Anna M. La Boiteaux. 
Her father was Samuel J;a Boiteaux, who was born 
at Mt. Pleasant, Hamilton Co., Ohio, where he fol- 
lowed the trade of a cooper, and where he d'ed in 
1887, at the age of eighty-one years. Her mother 
was Maria Louisa (Wright) La Boiteaux, who was 
born at Batavia, Ohio, on the 8th of February, 



1811. They were the parents of nine children, Mrs. 
Walker being the third child. 

To our suliject and iiis wife have been given a 
famiij- of five children, whose names we mention: 
Mary Louisa, Eliza Jane, George W., Lillian M. 
and Ella L. Mary L. was married to Aubert Z. 
Dennis, and is now living at Walker, Iowa; thej- 
have two children, Luella M. and Jay L. Eliza 
Jane was married to Edgar Bigsby, and is now liv- 
ing at Kirksville, Mo.; they have four children — 
Emma L. (deceased), Frank L., Aura and Glen. 
George W. was united in marriage to Miss Rachel 
Bevins, and is living in Sicilj' Township, where he 
is engaged in farming; they have two children — 
Grace M. and Mary G. Lillian May was married 
to Dexter S. Lilly, residing at Gladstone, Kan., and 
has three children — Walter E., Lina P. and Golda 
1. ; Ella is married to J. P. Squire, residing In Red 
Willow County, Neb., and has two children — Guy 
and Roy. 

Besides carrying on the farm which he owns, our 
subject has an interest in the First Commercial Bank 
at Odell, of which he is the Vice President and one 
of the Directors. The bank was organized in 1884, 
and re-organized in March. 1888. He was elected 
Treasurer of Elm Tovvnship in 1886, which office 
he still holds, and is also the Collector for the town- 
ship. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., having 
his membership in the Woodbine Lodge No. 126, at 
Mt. Healthy, Hamilton Co., Ohio. He is a prom- 
inent and active business man, and takes a great in- 
terest in the advancement of his community, and 
the fostering of those institutions by which the 
social, educational and business interests can be 
improved. He is a member of the Democratic 
organization, and firmly believes that the prosperity 
of the country can be secured under its control and 
government. 



ESSE COZINE. Among the honorable citi- 
zens of Paddock T(jwnship, Gage County, 
no one more worthily represents its farming 
^&)j interests than the gentleman whose name 
stands at the head of this sketch. He is a native 
of Indiana, born in Dearborn County, Dec. 11, 
1822. When he was but six years old he had the 



'^*- 



■^^^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



jOl 



misforluiie to lose his father, John Cozine, an hon- 
orable, intelligent and upright man. The mother 
of our subject, whose maiden iianre was Abigail 
Bruce, after the death of her first husband became 
the wife of Edmund Chisman. After his father's 
death our subject was reared in the home of his 
grandmother, Tabitha Bruce, with whom he lived 
until he grew to manhood. He was an active, 
enterprising j-ouug man, and at an earlj' age was en- 
abled to establish a comfortable home of his own, 
and June 30, 1845, was married to Miss Martha 
Clarke. She was to him indeed a helpmate in the 
truest sense of the word, and to her cheerful assist- 
ance and kind counsel he was much indebted for his 
success in life. 

Mrs. Cozine was a devoted and valued member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and her earnest- 
ness and sterling worth secured her manj' warm 
friends, and her death April 23. 1876, at the 
age of foi'tj'-seven j'ears, was felt to be a per- 
sonal loss by man}' besides the bereaved famil}-. 
To her and her husband were born eleven children, 
five of whom survive, and the following is their 
record: Samuel, born June 13, 1846; Nancy Q., 
born May 21, 1848, died Nov. 10, 1864; Abigail, 
born Oct. 19, 1850; William R., born March 29, 
1853. died Nov. 17, 1879; John A., born July 27. 
1856; Jacob C, born Feb. 28, 1858, died March 
11, 1861 ; Chancy C, born May 11, 1861 : Robert 
D., May 10, 1863; Elizabeth R.. born June 23, 
1865. died Oct. 4, 1879; Henry A. Newton, born 
March 7, 1867, died Sept. 17, 1879; Mary M.,born 
April 17, 1869. Samuel Cozine married Emma 
McVicker, and they live at Iowa Falls; John mar- 
ried Eliza .Smith, and they live in Barber County, 
Kan. ; Robert married Elfa Bunnell, and they live 
in Washington County, Kan.; Abigail married 
Francis Parrott, and the}' live near Iowa City. 

The paternal grandparents of our subject were 
Martin Cozine and F^lizabeth Smith, of Indiana and 
Ohio respectively, the grandfather of Scotcii ances- 
try and the grandmother of English. Mr. Cozine 
lost his life by the blowing up of a steamer on the 
Mississippi River between New Orleans and St. Louis. 
The grandmother died in Dearborn Count}', Ind. 

In 1850 our subject removed with his family to 
Iowa, and the}' staid there until 1879, when they 



came to Nebraska. Mr. Cozine purchased IGO 
acres of unbroken prairie land on section 24, Pad- 
dock Township, from the Government, paying §3.50 
an acre therefor. By persistent energy and well- 
directed toil he has reclaimed this wild bit of 
prairie, and improved it into one of the finest farms 
in this vicinity, its present value being $25 an acre, 
and he has it all under good cultivation and well 
fenced. He has erected a substantial, commodious 
dwelling, stable, and other necessary farm build- 
ings. 

Mr. Cozine is a man whose integrity is above re- 
proach ; his neighbors find in him a true and oblig- 
ing friend, and to his family, of whom he has reason 
to be proud, he is the kindest and most indulgent 
of fathers. In his political views our subject is a 
strong adherent of the Republican party, and he 
has reared his sons to be stalwart Republicans. 



^^EORGE E. EMERY, County Clerk of Gage 
III g— , County, has been a resident of this .State 
^^J! since 1862, having moved to Nebr.aska from 
Kansas with his parents when only three years old. 
He was born in the city of Lawrence, Kan., March 
17, 1859, and is the elder of two children of 
Charles N. and Mary M. (Benson) Emery, the 
former a native of Maine, and the latter born in 
the city of Limerick, Ireland. 

The mother of our subject crossed the Atlantic 
with two brothers early in life, and after living for 
some time in Brooklyn and Chicago, moved to Law- 
rence, Kan., where she met Mr. Emery, whom she 
married May 4, 1858. In 1864 the parents of our sub- 
ject moved to Liberty Farm, in this State, where, on 
August 9. they were burned out by the Indians. 
The family then moved to Kearney, Neb., residing 
there a year or more, and in July, 1867, moved to 
Beatrice, where they have since lived. 

The subject of this sketch w.as a little lad eight 
years of age when his parents took up their abode 
in Beatrice, and he obtained his early education in 
the imperfect public schools of the rising young 
town. About 1867 the family repaired to Shaw- 
nee County, Kan., settling in its capital city, To- 
peka. tieorge E. there completed his education. 



^ 



«► ir^ 



.t 



}02 



GAGE COUNTY. 




A j-ear later, upon the return of the parents to Bea- 
trice, lie at'ooiiipanied them, ami when seventeen 
years old entered the office of the Beatrice Express 
to learn the printer's trade, a good knowledge of 
which he gained in the course of his three-years 
apprenticeship. He was, however, destined to a 
different sphere, and about 1878 received the ap- 
pointment of Deputy Postmaster, first under Al- 
bert Towle and later under Jacob Drum, serving in 
this capacity a period of three years. 

Mr. Eraer}' entered the Clerk's office as a Deputy' 
in 1881, and after the satisfactory performance of 
the duties therewith connected for a period of four 
years, he was elected County Clerk, in 1885, and 
re-elected in 1887. He has excellent business capac- 
ities, is conscientious in the performance of his 
official duties, and has made a record altogether 
creditable to himself and satisfactory to the people 
at large. In July, 1884, he was united in mar- 
riage with one of the most estimable J'oung ladies 
of this county. Miss Julia A. McGee, who was born 
in Bolton, Yt.. and is the daughter of Andrew H. 
and Mary McGee, who were natives of Vermont, 
and are still residents of the Green Mountain State. 
Of this union there is one child, a son, Calvin A., 
who was born March 14, 188U. The home of Mr. 
and Mrs. Emery is pleasantly located in the north- 
ern part of the city of Beatrice, and they enjoy the 
friendship of a large circle of acquaintances, com- 
Ijosed of its choicest people. Mr. P2mery cast his 
first Presidential vote for Garfield, and in his 
political views is a decided Republican. 

'^^HOMAS J. RILE, of Blue Springs Township, 
/jf^^\ is numbered among the solid men of this 
%^^ county, and is a good citizen, who has made 
tor himself an enviable record and hosts of friends. 
A native of McDonougli County, 111., he was born 
at his father's rural liomestead, five miles from the 
then village of Macomb, May 22, 1854, and is the 
S(jn of AVilliam H. Rile. The latter was born in 
Montgomery County, Pa., April 26, 1811, and 
leaving the Keystone State when a young man 
twenty-seven years of age, emigrated to Warren 
County, Ohio, settling there in 1838. Five j-ears 



later he changed his residence to Jersej' County, 
111., and in 1849 to McDonough County, where he 
carried on farming and remained until 1882. 

The mother of our subject was in her girlhood 
Miss Eliza Plowman, and the parental family con- 
sisted of six children, four sons and two daughters, 
three of whom are living. Elizabeth is single and 
at home; Georgia married AV. S. Bourne, and is a 
resident of Beatrice, Neb. : they have two children 
— Fann3' and Etsel. The parents came to this 
countj' in the spring of 1882, and make their home 
with our subject. Tiie properly of Mr. Rile lies 
two miles east of the city of Blue Springs, antl com- 
prises a well-cultivated farm 160 acres in extent. 
The buildings are neat and substantial, the barns 
and other outhouses all that are required for com- 
fort and convenience, and the homestead in all 
respects has about it the air of peace and plenty, 
which is one of the most attractive features of rural 
life. 

Mr. Rile was married, Sept. 20, 1883, to Miss 
Mary McMillan, who was born in McDonough 
County, III., March 26, 1863, and is the daughter 
of John and Catherine (Kelly) McMillan, who 
were natives of Scotland ; the father is deceased, 
and the mother is living in McDonough County, 
111. Of this union there have been born three chil- 
dren, two living, Frederick and Everett B. The 
deceased child, Alta, died when two and a half 
months old. 

William II. Rile, the father of our subject, is a 
well-educated man, and during the early history of 
his section of Illinois was an important factor in 
its growth and development. Endowed with more 
than an ordinary degree of common sense, he was 
one of the most enterprising and useful pioneers of 
McDonough County. He lived there during an 
important period of its development, and during 
the construction of the Chicago, Burlington & 
Quincy Railroad, which resulted in the establish- 
ment of new towns along its line. Mr. Rile being 
the County Surveyor, was efficient in the laying 
out of these places, some of which have grown to 
importance, among them the little city of Bushnell. 
He located on a tract of land which is now five 
miles east from the pieseut city of Macomb, bein, 
among the very first to venture out upon the fertile 



tile T 




GAGE COUNTY. 



.50:5 ,i 



prairie, the settlers having previously clung to tlie 
timber uiuler the erroneous impression that the 
prairie was valueless. Mr. Rile became widely 
known in that region, and was numbered among its 
most highlj' respected farmers. He reared a family, 
the members of which do him honor in their stand- 
ing as citizens, and their usefulness in promoting 
the moral well-being of societ3'. Thomas J., the 
subject of this sketch, especially, is a man in whom 
everybody has confidence, and who is held in uni- 
vers.al respect. 



••«a£j2/©^* 



ls<j — >*^.SU3Ttf»v. 




ILLIAM P. YULE. The water supply of 
Gage County is one of which many might 
be envious, and of which it must be proud, 
because its facilities are largely increased therel)3', 
its grain and stock farms are of far greater value 
than they otherwise could be, its crops surer, even 
in drouth 3'ears, and the cattle upon its broad acres 
are not called upon to suffer as in other places in 
similar seasons. Grant Township has its full quota 
of this and the other natural advantages bestowed 
with such lavish hand by good Dame Nature in this 
part of her domain. The farm of the gentleman 
wiiose life is here succinctly traced, located upon 
section lo of Grant Township, possesses its full 
.share of these. Soap Creek, a stream fed b>' springs 
innumerable, gives a good suppl}' of fresh water 
to all the pastures on this property', which to a stock 
farmer such as our subject is invaluable. The farm, 
in addition to this, is well and admiral)l3' situated, 
and the face of tiie countr3" in this district is such 
as makes it especially desirable for stock purposes, 
its rich soil ampl3' rewarding the husbandman also 
for his toil. 

Since his coming to the county in 1882 the sub- 
ject of this ivriting has devoted himself to the 
. improvement of his property b3- the erection of 
barns, stabling, granar3', cattle sheds and pens, and 
all the divers buildings needed upon a stock and 
grain farm; also the i)utling up of a dwelling that, 
should be in keeping with his social position and 
demands of his faniilv. He has now a most tiior- 
ouglil3' equii)ped ranch and pleasant, comfortalile 



home. His particular care is given to the raising 
of stock. 

Our subject came to Nebraska from Mercer 
County, 111., where he had a farm of 160 acres, 
which he had ovvned for about twent3' 3'cars, and 
had brought to a very advanced state of fertilit3' 
and productiveness, suppl3'ing it with all the neces- 
sary buildings for his purpose, as he has also done 
for his present propert3'. Mr. Y^ule was born 
Feb. 6, 1826, in Cayuga Countv, N. Y. His fam- 
ily is of Scotch ancestr3'. His father was a native 
of the above State, and followed the occupation of 
a shoemaker. Later in life he became a fanner in 
Livingston Countj-, N. Y.. where he died at the age 
of fift3'-two 3'ears. The maiden name of his wife, 
the mother of our subject, w.as Permelia Guyle. 
She survived her husband several 3'ears, and after 
his death went to Illinois, tiience removed to Ana- 
mosa, Jones Co., Iowa, where she died at about sev- 
enty years of age. 

Of nine children born to his parents, most of 
whom are now deceased, our subject was the first- 
born. He was about si.x 3'ears of age vvhen his par- 
ents removed to Livingston Count3'. N. 1'., and 
continued to reside there until he had attained his 
majority. He obtained a fair education (at that 
time it would have been called good) in that count3', 
and subsequently began te.aching school, occupied 
at the same time in reading law, which, upon being 
admitted to the bar, he began to practice at Mt. 
Morris. It was not long before he had built up a 
remunerative practice and represented an extensive 
clientage, but bis assiduous labors began to tell 
upon his health, and he vvas finall3' compelled to 
quit his practice, and removed to Ogle County, 
111. Thence he went to Henderson County, and 
finalh' settled in Jlcrcer Count3', of the same State. 

While thus pleasantly engaged our subject em- 
braced the opportunity of bringing into his life 
a completer and fuller felicit3' b3' taking as his 
wife Miss E^sther Harsha. This interesting event 
was celebrated Feb. 4, 1857. 'Ihe lady of his choice 
was born Ma3' 24, 1830, in Washington County, N. 
Y. Her parents were David and Nancy (Harsha) 
Harsha, who, although bearing the same name, were 
not previoush' related. The husband was a native 
of Ireland, his wife of Washington County, where X 



t 



O^l^^ 



504 



GAGE COUNTY. 



they were innnicd niul settled tu fanning life. Both 
died at an advanced age upon the old homestead. 
They were the parents of eleven children, their 
daughter Esther being the ninth. The youngest 
child had attained thirty-three years of age before 
the first member of this interesting family was re- 
moved by death; all but one were married, and all 
but three are now living; the youngest of the sur- 
viving members is fifly-lwo years of age. 

The wife of our subject was educated at Argyle, 
N. Y., and knew no home other than that of her 
))arents until our subject took her to grace his own. 
They are the parents of two children, viz: Maggie 
J., who is now happily mairied toErank Boggess, a 
photographic artist at Astoria, Fulton Co., 111., and 
Henry L., viho remains at home, and is his father's 
chief assistant in the opeiation of his extensive 
farm. 

Our subject is identified, in political matters, 
with the Republican party; he has filled with much 
credit to himself and satisfactitm to the people the 
office of Justice of the Peace, in which his fine sense 
of justice, his law experience and clear intellect, 
greatly assisted him in rendering right and impar- 
tial judgment. The religious connections of Mr. 
and Mrs. Yule are with the United Presbyterian 
Church, and their membership was in the local con- 
gregation of Norwood, 111. They are held in the 
highest possible regard by all their fellow-members, 
and in society at large none are more esteemed. 
Their home is such as one might well envy, and 
their ]jersonal character is worthy of all emulation. 



■^^S*^" 




DIBBLE. In Blakely Township, and upon 
section 12, is an exceptionally fine farm 
some 520 acres in extent, known through- 
i^out the State as the Blue Mound farm. It 
were very difficult to find in Nebraska a more de- 
lightful situation; the house is situated upon one 
of the higher points of ground, not far from where 
the Big Blue River winds its way, broad, deep, 
bright and silent, tliioughout the entire length of 
the fai'm. Along its banks for a considerable dis- 
tance are heavy limber growths of walnut, ash, 
maple, elm, Cottonwood, willow and mulberry 



trees, affoidiiig in funr.rr.er luxuriant, cooling shade, 
and in winter, a most grateful shelter from wind 
and storm. Beyond and around the ground bil- 
lows away in gentle undulation or heavier rolling 
prairie, and yet so considerable is the altitude that 
from the house, looking away to the southeastward, 
can be plainly seen the spires, towers, and to some 
extent, the buildings of the city of Beatrice, and 
the reflection of the electric lights can be seen in 
the mirror from the bed which Mr. and Mrs. Dib- 
ble occupy. The intervening space is filled, as is 
all the country round, with well-cultivated farms 
and long stretches of pastoral ranch land. Such 
are the surroundings of the home of our subject, 
and the above may serve as a '-hint," at least, of the 
beauties with which nature has lavishly endowed 
this delightful spot. 

The homestead of our subject upon the above 
land dates from the year 1865; since that time Mr. 
Dibble has made a well-nigh national reputation as 
a sheep-farmer and breeder of the higher grades 
and thoroughbred stock. As noted above, his land, 
and in fact that of the entire district, is peculiarly 
adapted to stock-raising, the climate also being 
propitious. The presence of the Blue River, wliich 
affords an inexhaustible sujjply of pure living 
water, coupled with the beautiful and immense 
groves, and the abundance of succulent, nutritious 
grasses, all combine to make the ranch of our sub- 
ject exceptionally available for his purpose. To 
those who know the rigors of winter in that lati- 
tude and the opposite extreme of summer, it would 
be a matter of surprise to learn that large numbers 
of stock of all kinds can winter without any shelter 
than that supplied by the woods upon the ranch, 
and that without any considerable discomfort, and 
a loss of less than one per cent. 

In the matter of stock-raising Mr. Dibble is by 
no means a tyro; his whole life has been a constant 
accumulation of intellectual power to this end, and 
Nebraska has received from him very much as the 
one who has largely helped to bring it into promi- 
nence as a stock-raising country. Along the line 
of his business he is very enterprising, and possesses 
a full quota of Western go-aheadiliveness. In 
quite a number of instances he has exhibited stock, 
and in the large majoiity of cases has carried off 



u 



■» II » 



GAGE COUNTY. 



505 



the best of the awards. He indulges in tlie pleasure 
of devoting special attention to raising a high 
grade of Poland-Cliina hogs, Merino sheep, Durham 
cattle and Norman and Percheron horses. 

Tlie rei)utation of our subject has been made, 
perhaps, more along the line of sheep-raising than 
any other, and he has identified himself with the 
raising exclusively of Merinos, having become one 
of the largest feeders and shippers of the .State, 
and has the honor of having shipped the first 
$1,000 worth of wool out of Southern Nebraska. 
He commenced this br.anch of the business in 
the year 1871, having tlien one ewe, and from 
that beginning has gone cm 3^ear by year, ever 
increasinglj' successful. He has owned and man- 
aged flocks of 1,500 head but usually averages 
about 1,000. Some idea of the value of the prod- 
uce may perhaps be gained from the fact that our 
subject has shipped from his ranch to Boston a car- 
load of wool, receiving for the same the sum of 
i!2,000. 

The same energy and spirit of progress that has 
made him so successful as a farmer and stock-raiser, 
he has brought to bear upon his surroundings, and 
has been delighted by it to advance the interests 
of the county at large, and quite a large number 
of the neighboring farmers and citizens are located 
as the result of the hospitality, courtesy and intel- 
ligent information communicated and extended by 
our subject, and at all times he has been ready to 
sustain such enterprises as were for the benefit of 
the count3' or comnuinit3\ 

Mr. Dil)ble is a native of Somersetshire, En- 
gland, where he was born in Mark Parish, March 
1, 1836. The father of our subject was Richard 
Dibble, a native of the same county, where his 
family had lived for genenations. a thrift}', sturdy 
race, as the oak, the national tree. As a young 
man he entered the employ of the '■ lord of the 
manor," and later married Charlotte Banfield, who 
was born in the same parish as himself and had 
grown up to mature j-ears with him. She first saw 
the light in the house of the old Temple farm, 
jround which gather a thousand sweet, lingering 
memories of the familj'. This farm was part of 
the property of the Diocesan Bishop of the Es- 
tablished (Episcopal) Church, which church was the 



religious home of both families for generations. 
The Temple farm had throughout all its history 
been the home of the Banfield family, as, likewise, 
the old farmhouse ne.ar the Plach farm, where our 
subject was born, had been to his family. It is 
not, therefore, surprising that Mr. Dibble looks for- 
ward with a pleasurable delight that thrills his en- 
tire being to revisiting in the near future these 
well-renieml)ered scenes and places. Whenever 
this occurs it will be the happiness of our subject 
to be able to impart to his friends and relatives 
upon the other side much practical information 
regarding America and Americans, and to describe 
with graphic lucidity the varied phases of pioneer 
life in the Great West, as well as that of its unparal- 
leled progress and development. 

After the marriage of the p.arents of our subject 
they settled near their native place, and Mr. Dili- 
ble, Sr., continued after the death of his first, and 
also his second wife, and there also married his 
third. After some j'ears, during which several 
children were born of this third family, Mr. Dibble 
removed, .and with his wife and famil}' emigrated 
to the United .States and located in Yorkville, Ra- 
cine Co.. Wis. In this place, after a settlement of 
some years, the father and step-raother of our sub- 
ject went to their last rest. The third wife died in 
1881. at the age of fifty-three 3'ears, the father 
having preceded her to the better land in 1870, 
aged about sevent}- 3'ears. The first and second 
wives of Mr. Dibble, and seven of his children, 
repose beneath the sod in the churchyard of .St. 
Mark's Church in Somersetshire. The famil3' of this 
gentleman included aliout twenty children. 

Our subject was one of two children by the 
second marriage, the other being his sister Char- 
lotte, now Mrs. Ostrom, of Grand Rapids. Jlieh. 
The brother and sister were separ.nted for a period 
of twent3'-one 3-ears, and met at Grand Rapids but 
a few years since, and from that time our subject 
has made a practice of visiting her at regular in- 
tervals. He was sixteen 3-ears of age when he came 
with his father and step-mother to the United 
States, and settled at Yorkville, where he continued 
until he attaine<l his majorit}'. Then for a few 
3-ears he traveled throughout the South and West, 
and l)eing of an ol)serviMg anil inquiring disposi- 



V 



- w 



h 



-•► 



506 



GAGE COUNTY. 



tion. he gathered a vast stove of curious, amusing 
ami instructive information. In his Western jour- 
neyings he stooil amid the stupendous and over- 
whelming magnificence of the Rocky Mountains, 
and also crossed the apparently limitless extent of 
Nebraska's rolling prairies. This was as early as 
the year 1857, and while he was 3-et unmarried. 
From thence he drifted back to the Wisconsin 
home, reaching it in the year 1859, and from that 
time on continued industriously and steadily in 
farming until 18G4, when he went into the service 
for the defense of his adopted country, serving in 
the 1st Wisconsin Heavy Artillery, but although 
in the service for about eight months, he did not 
happen to be in manj' major engagements, and in 
April of 1865 received an honorable discharge. 

At Waterlord, not far from the Wisconsin home 
of our subject, he was united to Miss Johanna 
Johnson, on the 23d of April, I8G0. who was born 
near the city of Christlania, Norway, Nov. 15, 
1 833. She is the daughter of John Johnson, a 
native of the same count}', by occupation a farmer. 
The maiden name of her mother was Anna Hanson, 
a native of the same place. Her father died at the 
same place in which he was born, in the year 1839, 
while yet in middle life. His widow survived him 
many years, and died at the home of her daughter, 
IMrs. Dibble, and had then attained the advanced 
age of eighty-one years and six months, dying 
March 21, 1885. She had spent the last year and 
a half of her life with her daughter, from whom 
she had been separated for thirty-three years b}' 
the Atlantic and half the western continent. Such 
a journey at so advanced an age is very unusual, and 
is only possible bj' reason of the facile tiansit in the 
floating and rolling palaces of modern travel. Un- 
til that date she was the oldest lady who had 
crossed the Atlantic. She had all her life been a 
devout member of the Lutheran Church, and died 
in the comfort of the Christian faith; she was 
a grand, noble, motherly woman, and greatly be- 
loved in her own land, and although her life in 
this country was of such short duration, the same 
womanly graces had won for her a large circle of 
friends. 

After Mr. and Mis. Dibble were married their 
efforts were united and their ambitions one in re- 



gard to the desire to build a home for the future. 
They decided therefore, to brave the West with its 
pioneer hardships, trials and difficulties, and pro- 
ceeded hitherward even bef(jre the aborigines had 
deserted it. They accordingly settled in what is 
now Nebraska. It was not altogether unusual for 
Indians to camp upon his farm, and once or more as 
many as 400 or 500 of the Otoe tribe made their camp 
in the vicinity' of his home. Upon one occasion 
our subject was badl}' scared while returning from 
the settlement that has since grown to be the city 
of Beatrice. He was nearing his house, where he 
had left his wife and family, and heard near by a 
noise, strange, unusual and unaccountable. His 
fears taking shape in a moment, he supposed that 
his familj^ were being massacred, and leaving his 
team rushed to the house, where his .aflfectionate 
solicitude was satisfied to find that there was no 
danger; but the noise was still unaccounted for, 
and it was only later that he discovered that the 
scare was needless and without foundation, its cause 
and originator being a stiange animal of the bovine 
tribe tliat had strayed into the neighborhood. 
This Mr. Dibble tells partly as a joke upon himself, 
and yet it points to the fact that their life was not 
without danger nor lacking in adventure. 

The familj- of Mr. and Mrs. Dibble includes six 
children, whom it has been" their pleasure to see 
well started in life, and who evidence those manly 
traits and womanly attributes that are so desirable 
and indispensablj- integral factors of the true no- 
bility. The names are as follows : Charlotte A., 
Alia M., Harry A. J., Etta M., Lillie D. and Lucy 
F. A. Tiie eldest daughter is the wife of Palmer 
Stevenson, a builder and contractor at Lincoln; her 
sister Alia is happily married to Oliver C. Sher- 
man, a farmer of Blakely Township, operating a 
part of the homestead, together with her brother. 
The latter is the husband of Ellen Shattenkirk. 
The three younger members of the famil}' are still 
at home. 

Mr. Dibble still continues his faithful allegiance 
to the religious faith in which he w.as reared, and 
which has been to him a guide and comfort through- 
out the years of his life. His wife, likewise, con- 
tinues m the faith of hey fathers. He is social!}' 
connected with the fraternitj' of the A. F. & A. M., 

■► 



I 



GAGE COUNTY. 



o07 



and is a memlier of Blue Lodge No. 26, in Bea- 
trice. His political faith is along the line of the 
principles of the part}' founded by Jefferson, and 
so ably represented at the White House in the per- 
son of President S. Grover Cleveland and his most 
estimable lad}'. Enough has been said concerning 
our subject to indicate to the reader the character, 
aspirations and disposition of the man, and further 
remark would be superfluous. While such men are 
at the head of our households, while such wives and 
mothers as Mrs. Dibble have the care and training 
of the children of the Ilepul)lic, America must and 
will rise in the scale of nations, and advance in 
every qualit}', attribute and power that makes a 
nation great, and that without anj' fear of retro- 
gression. 

At one time Mr. Dibble acted as reporter for the 
Agricultural Departmental Washington, D. C, for 
Southeastern Nebraska, manj* of which have ap- 
peared in the montlil}- reports from the department 
of agriculture. 



-S-^-f-s^^^fn-^ 



<* 



■OHN L. HILL. The home surroundings of 
this gentleman are more than ordinarily 
pleasant, and as the natural consequence in 
the case of the man who helps himself, he 
lias been assisted by "all the favoring winds that 
blow" to a generous portion of the good things of 
this life, namely, a corapetency and a host of 
friends, which comprise a large proportion of this 
world's trc'isures. 

Our subject is the offspring of a good family, be- 
ing the son of Nathan Hill, who was a native of 
Luzerne Count\% Pa., where he was reared to man- 
hood and married Miss Judith Billhiraer, whose 
birthplace and childhood's home was not far from 
that of her husband's. They lived in that locality 
for a time after their marriage, the, father engaging 
in farming, and about 1853 emigrated to Leo 
Count}', 111. There also Nathan Hill pursued his 
former occupation of farming, and departed this 
life at his home in South Dixon Township, in June, 
1876. The mother still survives, and makes her 
home on the old homestead in Lee County, 111. 
To Nathan and Judith Hill tliere were born eleven 



•►-■-^^ 



children, seven sons and four daughters. Of these 
all are living; sis are residents of Illinois, one of 
Minnesota and four of Nebraska. John L., our 
subject, was the fifth child, and was born in Luzerne 
County, Pa., Dec. 27, 1845. He was a little lad 
eight years of age when his parents removed from 
the Keystone State to Illinois, where he was reared 
to manhood and acquired his education in tlie com- 
mon schools of Lee County. Early in life he be- 
came familiar with farm pursuits, and with the 
exception of one year spent in St. Joseph, Mo., was 
a resident of that county until going to Iowa, in 
March, 1873. 

In the Hawkeye State Mr. Hill followed farming 
for a period of four years, then determined to cast 
his lot with the people of this county. In 1879 he 
selected a tract of land 160 acres in extent, and 
embracing the east half of the northwest quarter of 
the west half of the northeast quarter of section 31, 
in Glenwood Township, and since that time has 
given his attention to its improvement and culti- 
vation. He has now a neat and substantial set of 
frame buildings, fruit and shade trees, improved 
farm machinery, a fair assortment of live stock, 
and the other essentials of the modern profitable 
farm estate. The evidences of enterprise and in- 
telligence are to be seen on every hand, and the 
homestead in all its appointments forms one of the 
most attractive pictures in the landscape of this 
region. 

In addition to the other good things which have 
fallen to the lot of our subject he has been fortu- 
nate in the selection of a wife and helpmate, Mrs. 
Hill possessing those qualities most essential to the 
comfort and happiness of a home, namely: thrift, 
industry, neatness and cheerfulness. She was in 
her girlhood Miss Frances J. Black, and they were 
married at the home of the bride, in Page County, 
Iowa, Dec. 25, 1878. Mrs. Hill is the daughter of 
James and Susan (Wolfe) Black, who were natives 
of Washington County, Pa., where they settled 
after their marriage and lived until emigrating to 
Lee County, Iowa, at a very early day. Thence 
they went into Page County, Iowa, about 1853, 
where they now reside, the father carrying on farm- 
ing. They are the parents of seven children, four 
sons and three daughters, of whom Mrs. Hill was 



"•► 



i 



f 



u 



-•► 



508 



GAGE COUNTY. 



tlic fiftli child. She wan born in Page County. 
Iowa, Oct. 29. IS.'in, and reared to womanhood in 
that county. Her education was acquired in the 
common schools, and she remained a member of 
the parental household until leaving it to preside 
over one of her own. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Hill there has been born one 
child only, a son, Raymond, March 31, 1880. He 
is now a liright boy eight years of age, and it is 
hardly necessary to say, the light of the household. 
Our subject keeps himself posted upon matters of 
general interest to ever}' intelligent citizen, and 
without meddling much in politics, gives his uni- 
form support to the Democratic party. He believes 
in education and all the moral reforms of the age, 
and is a man whose opinion is generally respected. 
Although having served as School Treasurer in his 
district, his preference is to leave the responsi- 
bilities of office to those less absorbed in the peace- 
ful [)ursuits of agriculture. 



C~*^- 



-^ 



VILLIAM N. ACTON, a respected resident 
of Paddock Township, is prosperously en- 
gaged in agriculture, owning a valuable 
farm, which lies partly in Gage County, Neb., and 
parti}' in the adjoining countj' of JMarshall, in Kan- 
sas. He is pre-eminently a self-made man, as all 
he is and all he has he owes to his own tireless and 
energetic labors, he having had to encounter many 
adversities, and to endure many hardships in his 
early life that would have daunted a less resolute 
and courageous mind, and his personal history 
should serve to awaken the emulation of the youth 
of to-da}', or of future generations, who may 
peruse these pages. 

Our subject was born in Charles County, Md., 
Randall and Sedocia (McDonald) Acton, natives 
of Mar3'land, being his parents. Very early in life 
that saddest misfortune that can happen to a child 
befell him, as he was deprived by death of a kind 
mother when he was very young. As soon as he 
was large enough to work he was thrown on his own 
resources, as his honest, hard-working father found 
life too severe a struggle with poverty to properly 
care for his son. Under this discipline he became 

-^m . 



a manly, sturdy, self-reliant lad, well able to cojje 
with the difficulties that beset his pathway. When 
William was seventeen years old the death of his 
father severed the last tie that bound him to the 
old home in Marjland, and he started on foot on 
the long journej' across the Alleghany Mountains 
to Richland County, Ohio, arriving at his destina- 
tion footsore and weary, having traversed a distance 
of 600 miles, mostly over wild and mountainous 
country. He subsequently weat to Franklin County, 
Ohio, and l)eing an honest, open-hearted lad, will- 
ing to labor, he found no difficulty in securing a 
position as a farm hand, and was thus employed by 
the month until his first marriage, which took place 
Sept. 9, 1839, to Miss Almira Wilcox. He then 
lented a farm, on which he lived until 1842. In 
that year he removed with his family to Henry 
County, Iowa, and there his first wife, a most esti- 
mable woman, passed away July 9, 1846, after a 
few years of happy wedded life. Two children had 
been born to that marriage — Emeline, who died in 
1843, anil George, 'llie son, now a conductor on 
the Northwestern Railway, did valiant service in 
the late war for three ^'ears, having been a mem- 
ber of the first cavalry company organized in Henry 
Count}', Iowa. The second marriage of our sub- 
ject, which took place in Iowa, Dec. 23, 1847, was 
to Miss Jemima E. Cook, who has abl}' seconded 
his efforts in establishing a pleasant and comfortable 
home. Their union has been blessed to them by 
the birth of six children, namely : Frank W., Albert 
B., Ella M., Oscar D., John L. and Charlie M. 

In the spring of 1873 Mr. Acton removed to 
Wichita, Kan., and resided in that then small ham- 
let, a mere trading-post, until the fall of 1874, 
when he returned to ISIontgomer}' Count}', Iowa. 
He continued to live in that State until 1882, and 
then returned to this part of the country, and se- 
curing a suitable location in the northern part of 
Marshall County, Kan., he bought a farm, com- 
prising eighty acres, in the Indian reservation, ad- 
joining Gage County. In the few years that have 
since intervened he has been more than ordinarily 
successful as a farmer, and by incessant labor and 
able management he has made many fine improve- 
ments and brought his land to a high state of cult- 
ure. He has besides made money enough so that 





*l>-t^^-a»fK»^l-j.--^.^.^,Mi*>i^'^:-^Ki'LvX2^^^ 



Residence or Edward Roberts , Sec. 28. Barneston Township. 




RcsiDENCE OF G. H. Gale, Sec. 10. Filley Township. 



I 






GAGE COUNTY. 



511 



V 



he hfts been enabled to increase the original acre- 
age of his land liy the purchase of eighty acres of 
adjoining land on section 35, and forty acres of 
land on section 30, buying iiis present lionie in this 
county in the spring of 1887. 

This brief record of the life of our subject shows 
him to be a aian well worlhj' of the respect and 
confidence of his fellow-citizens. In his political 
sentiments he is an earnest Republican, although he 
■was reared in the midst of slavery. 

It is worliij- of remembrance in view of the pres- 
ent Presidential campaign of 1888, and of the ilhis- 
trious candidate of the Republican partj', that Mr. 
Acton cast his first vote for William II. Harrison. 
Our subject talics a deep interest in tlie develop- 
ment of this part of the country, to which he has 
contributed so much time and energy, and he cheer- 
fully aids all proposed improvements, but he is not 
an aspirant for olRce, preferring the peace and com- 
fort of his own fireside to the responsibilities and 
Worries of puhlic life. 



* IfelLLIAM WOOLSEY, Supervisor of Lin- 
\/yj/l coin Township, is also one of its leading 
VTxy farmers, and owns 1 60 acres of good land 
on section 6. He came to this place in the winter 
of 1880, and has since bent his energies to its im- 
provement. He has now a good farm dwelling 
with barns and out-buihlings to corresi)ond, a fair 
assortment of live stock, and all the other appliances 
of the modern agriculturist. 

Mr. Woolsey came to this section from McKean 
County, in the northwestern part of Pennsylvania, 
where for a period of five and one-half j'ears he 
had been engaged with the State Line Oil Compan3^ 
In his capacity as foreman he became thoroughly 
familiar w'ith this valuable [)roduct of the subter- 
ranean earth, and was greatlj" interested in the ex- 
periments and discoveries made tliroughout the oil 
regions in general of the Keystone State. From 
1804 until 1880 he was almost uninterruptedly en- 
gaged in the matters pertaining to the development 
of this product. 

Our subject was born in Fairview, Erie Co., Pa., 
March 8, 1843, and is the son of Joseph Woolsey, 



a native of Dutchess County, N. Y. His paternal 
granilfather and his great-grandfather bore the 
Christian name of Sampson. The latter was a na- 
tive of England, and crossed the Atlantic as an 
officer of the British Revenue uniler King George 
III. Being an intelligent man, he soon perceived 
tlie justice of the cause of the Colonists, and accord- 
ingly arra^-ed himself on their side. A large re- 
ward was offered liy the King for his capture, dead 
or alive, as he had been a very efficient officer, and 
was a man of more than ordinary capabilities. He 
eluded the vigilance of the British, liowever, did 
good service as a Revolutionary soldier, and after 
the conflict was ended settled in Dutchess County', 
N. Y., where he spent the remainder of his life. 
Sampson Woolse^', Jr., succeeded his father on the 
old homestead in Dutchess Countj% and there died 
at a ripe old age. He carried on farming, and 
reared a family of seven sons and one daughter, 
of whom Joseph, the father of our subject, was the 
fourth child; all are deceased. Joseph Woolsey was 
born at the old homestead in Dutchess County, where 
he spent his boyhood and youth, and after leaving 
the district school learned tiie trade of blacksmith. 
While still unmarried he left his native place, and 
migrating to Cuyahoga County, Ohio, established a 
smith}' near the town of Cu3'ahoga Falls. There 
also he was married to Miss Hcttie Brown, a native 
of that county, and the daughter of Judah Brown. 
The latter was born in one of the New England 
States, where he was reared to manhood, and learned 
the trade of shoemaker. While still a J^oung man 
he also emigrated to Cuyahoga County, Ohio, 
where he followed his trade in connection with 
farming, and where his death took place from a 
cancer on the face, about 1856. 

Joseph Woolsey, the father of our subject, after 
his marriage left the Bucke3'e State, and settling in 
Erie County-, Pa., followed his trade there until his 
death, which took place in 1860, at the advanced 
age of seventy-six years. The mother survived her 
husband a period of nineteen j'ears, and her death 
took place at the age of seventj'-seven. Joseph 
Woolsey was an old-line AVhig, politically, and 
both parents were members in good standing of 
the Baptist Church. Our subject has in his pos- 
session an ancient wine glass of Holland manu- 



-•► 



f, L 512 



GAGE COUNTY. 



4 



facture, a curious and hamlsome article, which 
was brought to America by one of bis ancestors 
prior lo the Revolutionary War. Joseph Wooisey 
was imbued with the same patriotic sentiments that 
actuated his father before him, and later did good 
service in the War of 1812. together with Judah 
Brown, the maternal grandfather of our subject. 

The subject of this history was the youngest of 
twelve children, four sons and eight daughters, born 
to his parents. All the sons and five of the daugh- 
ters are still living, making their homes in the Slates 
of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. Will- 
iam was repred to manhood in his native county, 
acquiring a common-school education. After the 
outbreak of the late Civil War he enlisted, Aug. 9, 
1862, in Company C, 14.')th Pennsylvania Infantry, 
under Capt. Loomis and Col. H. L. Brown. The 
regiment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, 
and fought its first battle at Antietam, Sept. 17, 
1862. On the 13th of December following they 
were present at the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., 
and here Mr. Wooisey received a bullet wound- 
through both thighs, and crippling his left ankle. 
This, it is hardly necessary to say, confined him for 
a time in the hospital, and incapacitated him for 
further service. He received his honorable dis- 
charge in the spring of 1863, and returned to his 
old home in Erie County, Pa. 

Mr. Wooisey early in life had been taught those 
habits of industry which form the b.asis of all true 
manhood, and while young in 3'ears was thrown 
upon his own resources, becoming familiar with 
hard work. Upon retiring from the service he mi- 
grated to the oil regions of Pennsylvania, and there 
began an apprenticeship which continued for a 
period of fourteen j'ears. He was married in Erie 
County, July 2, 1872, to Miss Hannah Wolf, who 
was born in Mill Creek Township, that county, 
Feb. 9, 1848. She is the eldest daughter and child 
of Henry and Caroline (ILayberger) Wolf, who 
were natives of Tennessee, and who are still living, 
continuing at the home which they have occupied 
so many j'ears in the town of North East, Erie Co., 
Pa. They have attained to a ripe old age, and are 
numbered among the most highly respected people 
of that region. Their family included seven chil- 
dren, six of whom are living. 



Mrs. Woolsej' was reared and e^lucated iu her 
native county, and lived with her parents until her 
marriage. She and her husband have no children, 
but have performed the part of parents to a girl 
and boy, Mary C. and George H., to whom they 
have given their own name, and who are now four- 
teen and eleven j'ears old respectively, and con- 
tinue with them. The Wolf family is of German 
ancestrj', and possesses in a marked degree the re- 
liable and substantial qualities of that nationality. 
This branch of the familj* possesses those social and 
mental qualities which have fitted them to occup}- 
a leading position in the coramunit\^ where they are 
the encouragers of those projects tending to the high- 
est good of its people. Mr. Wolf in about 1856 
liecame identified with the People's Savings Bank at 
North East, Pa., with which he is still connected. 
Since the time of casting his first vote he lias been 
an ardent sup|)orter of Democratic principles, and 
sociall}', belongs to the Masonic fraternity, being a 
member of Lodge No. 399, at North East, Pa. 
Mr. AVoolsej'. politically, votes with the Democratic 
])arty ; socially, he belongs to the Masonic fraternity. 
Lodge No. 26, at Beatrice; he is also connected 
with the G. A. R., Post No. 201 , at Plymouth, Jef- 
ferson Co., Neb. 



--^+|-^<^4+^— 




>HOMAS HAND is a fine representative of 
the enterprising and energetic young far- 
mers of Gage County who are nobly doing 
their part toward sustaining and developing its 
great agi'icultural interests. He is a son of John 
Hand, whose biography may be found on another 
page of this volume. Mr. Hand already has his 
farm on section 35, Paddock To>vnship, under good 
tillage, supplied with the necessary buildings, and 
stocked with cattle of good grades, and he may well 
feel proud of what he has accomplished within a 
few years. 

Mr. Hand was born Oct. 31, 1857, in the State 
of Ohio, and there the first 3'ears of his life were 
passed. He was a lad of eleven years when the 
removal of his parents and their family to Clinton 
County, Iowa, took place. There the next ten 
years of his life were spent, and he grew to be a 



-t 



I 



-^•- 



GAGE COUNTY. 



513 



man, sturcl}', vigorous and self-reliant, well able to 
make his own w.ay sueecssfiilly in the world. He 
was twenty-one years vf age when he came to Ne- 
braska with his parents. He made his first pur- 
chase of land of the Government, buying eighty 
acres on section 3.5, and had just money enough to 
meet the payment. He set to work with a will to 
improve it and get it under cultivation, and he 
prospered so well in his farming ventures that he 
was subsequently cuahlcd to buy forty acres of 
land adjoining his own, in the same section, pur- 
chasing it of his sister, who had taken it under the 
provisions of one of the land acts and had proved 
upon it. He now has a valuable farm, well adapted 
both to grain and stock raising, in which he engages 
quite extcnsivel}' with good fin.aiicial success. 

Mr. Hand was married, April 9, 1885, to Miss 
Bessie Craven, a daughter of Isaac and Ellen 
Craven. Mrs. Hand was born in England, and 
when a child of four years came to the United 
States with her parents. They located in Mont- 
gomery County, low.a, and there Mrs. Hand was 
reared and educated. In September, 1881, Mr. 
and Mrs. Craven removed with their familv to Mar- 
shall Count}-, Kan. 

Mr. Hand is a young man of good habits and 
sound principles: he is intelligent and well informed, 
and is classed among the best citizens of Paddock 
Township. He takes quite an interest in political 
questions of the d.aj', and is a firm supporter of the 
Republican party. He and his amiable young wife 
are members of the Evangelical Methodist Church, 
and they are zealous workers within its fold. 



^^ EORGE R. GREER, at present a well-known 
III g— ^ resident of the city of Beatrice, has spent 
^^j) the most active j-ears of his life as a farmer 
and stock-raiser, in which business he met with uni- 
form success, accumulating a fine property. Mar- 
shall County, Ind., was his early tramping ground, he 
having been born in the vicinity of Plymouth, Aug. 
15, 1842. His father, John Greer, was farmer and 
carpenter combined. The latter was born in Virginia 
in 1806, and is now living in Bourbon, Ind. 



The mother of our subject was in her girlhood 
Miss P. M. Parks, and was born in Kentucky, in 
1814. The household circle Included seven chil- 
dren, six sons and one daughter, of whom six are liv- 
ing, namely : Elizabeth, James M., George R., John 
F., Marshall F. and Oliver P. George R. was the third 
child, and spent his time after the manner of most 
farmer's sons, attending the district school and as- 
sisting in the lighter labors around the homestead. 
Soon after reaching bis majority he commenced 
farming on his own account, settling on a new and 
heavily timbered tract of land near Bourbon, Ind., 
consisting of eight}' acres, which lie cleared and 
upon which he effected consideralile improvement, 
and where he continued to live until the spring of 
1877. 

The 1st of April in the 3ear above mentioned 
found our subject looking around in this county for 
a permanent settlement. He first located in Nen)aha 
Township, and after living there a year changed 
his residence to Logan Township, where he pur- 
chased 320 acres of new land, upon which he settled 
and set himself vigorously about its improvement. 
This locality pleased liiui and here he continued to 
reside, adding each year something to the value of 
his property. He subsequently purchased eighty 
acres more, and is now the owner of 400 acres in 
one body. He h.<vs a suljstantial and commodious 
residence, a good barn, and all the other out-build- 
ings required for his convenience and for carrying 
on agriculture in a profitable manner. 

Mr. Greer some years ago turned his attention 
largely to the raising of cattle and hogs, and in the 
feeding and shipping of these has realized a snug 
fortune. The family removed from the farm to 
Beatrice in March of 1885, the parents being anx- 
ious to secure for their children a better education 
than could be obtained in the country schools. Mr. 
Greer purchased a neat residence on Ella street, 
where they have since sojourned. The wife of our 
subject, to whom he was married Oct. 4, 1862, was 
in her girlhood Miss Margaret Martin, and their 
wedding took pbce at her home in Bourbon, Ind. 
Mrs. Greer was born near Chillicothe, Ohio, Sept. 
2, 1843, and is the daughter of Franklin and Louisa 
Martin, who were natives of Massachussetts. The 
father is deceased. The mother lives near Bourbon, 

^ 



f 



ii 514 



GAGE COUNTY. 



Ind. The parental famil}^ consisted of nine chil- 
dren. 

Our sulijectand his vvife commenced the journey 
of life together in a neat and modest home in Indi- 
ana, making it a rule to live within their income, 
and have labored harmoniously togetlier with one 
common interest. Their union h.as been blessed with 
three children, namely: Elmer E., wlio has partial 
man.agement of the farm ; Walter O., who operates 
there with his brother; and George Martin, who is 
pursuing his studies in tiie schools at Beatrice. Mr. 
Greer while a resident of Logan Township served 
as Justice of the Peace until his removal to Beatrice. 
Political!}-, he affiliates witii tlie Republican party, 
and is a prominent figure in the county conventions, 
being often chosen as a delegate to these assem- 
blies. 



/^' APT. NATHANIEL HEREON, Chief of 
'l[ ^ the Fire Department of the cit^' of Beatrice, 
'^^^y and ex-racmber of the Nebraska Legislature, 
is one of the most prominent and popular men of 
Gage County. He would be singled out in any 
community as a personage endowed by nature with 
more than ordinar}' gifts. He is of commanding 
presence, of Herculean muscle, of fine features, and 
his deep bass voice is at once musical and impressive. 
His career has been marked by a nobility of pur- 
pose all through life, in his social and domestic 
relations as well as before the public, in his civil as 
well as his military service in the Union Arm}' dur- 
ing the late war. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Guernsey 
County, Ohio, Aug. 13, 1834. His parents were 
Tliomas and Jane (Triplet) Herron, the former a 
native of Penns3'lvaiiia and the latter of Virginia. 
Thomas Herron was a shoemaker by trade, and en- 
gaged in the boot and shoe business for many years. 
During the late war lie enlisted as a private in the 
12th Indiana Cavalr}', refusing a Lieutenant's com- 
mission, and after being discharged he returned to 
his home; he was afterward killed in a railroad ac- 
cident in Indiana. By this sad calamitj- two sons 
were left fatherless — Nathaniel (our subject) and 
his brother Thomas. Both were soldiers. 

As a boy young Herron at an early ago evinced 



the brilliancy of intellect and the resolution of 
character wliich have since distinguished him. He 
was fond of his studies, and when a lad of thirteen 
years became a student of Dayton (Ohio) Acadeni}'. 
Later he served an apprenticeship at the shoema- 
ker's trade under the instruction of his father, and 
worked at this until reaching his majorit}'. At the 
age of twenty-two 3'ears he left the home of his 
childhood, and making his way to Indiana set up 
in business for himself at Delphi, in Carroll County. 
He was a great favorite among young and old, and 
there became acquainted with a most estimable 
j-oung lad}'. Miss Delilah T. McFarland, to whom 
he was married Sept. 25, 1858, and soon afterward 
removed with his bride to LaFayette, Ind., where 
he again established the boot and shoe business, and 
carried on a prosperous trade until the breaking ' 
out of the war. With an habitual unselfishness 
which had been the distinguishing trait of his 
character, he now laid aside his personal plans and 
interests, and enlisted in Company G, 20th Indiana 
Infantr}'. His popularity with his comrades at 
once secured for him the Captainc}' of the company. 
The 20th Indiana was assigned to the Army of the 
Potomac, and Capt. Herron did valiant service as 
a soldier in the country around Richmond, when it 
was believed he could be still more useful in re- 
cruiting the 16th Indiana Batter}-. The plans con- 
nected with this were subsequently changed, and 
Capt. Herron became a member of the 72d Indiana 
Infantr}', which was then, iu 1862, being organized. 
He was again given a Captain's commission, and 
assigned with his regiment to the Army of the 
Cumberland, declining a Majorship. 

After a few months, being greatly debilitated by 
continued fever. Capt. Herron was obliged to ac- 
cept his honorable discharge. He returned to his 
old haunts at LaFayette, Ind., but after recovering 
his strength again hastened to the rescue of his 
country, enlisting this time with the 150th Indiana 
Infantry. Henceforth he did dutj' on the non- 
commissioned staff, and remained in the service 
until the close of the war, receiving his final dis- 
charge in August, 1865. 

After leaving the army Capt. Herron resumed 
business in LaFayette, Ind., one 3'ear, then crossing 
the Mississippi located in Waukon, Iowa, where he ^ 



^ 



»► m ^ » 



GAGE COU.NTY. 




515 



i' 



built up an extensive boot and shoe trade, and 
where he resided five years. Thence, in 1871, he 
came to this county and liomesleaded 160 acres of 
land in C'lalonia Township. He not only labored 
incessantly in improving his own property, but 
ever lent a helping hand when possible to those 
about him. Many arc the men whom he befriended, 
and who still live to speak of the kindness thej' 
experienced at his hands. He endured in common 
with the other pioneers hardship and privation, the 
discouragement of indifferent crt>ps, the battle with 
the grasshopper plague, and in the main was suc- 
cessful. 

Capt. Herron was earl}- recognized as one of the 
most industrious and skillful farmers of the new- 
county, but became piominent in local affairs, and 
in 1877 was elected a member of the Legislature 
to fill a vacancj\ In the fall of 1879 he was elected 
Sheriff of Gage County by a large majoritj'. He 
had in the meantime removed to the citj- of Bea- 
trice in order to complete the education of his two 
lovely daughters. Loretta May and Leta Grace. 
This period of his life was so fraught with content 
and happiness that he one day remarked to his wife 
he feare<l it could not last. His words proved pro- 
phetic, for during the winter of 1879-80 scarlet 
fever carried aw^ay these lovely girls, and the 
stricken parents were bowed to earth under the 
stroke. In their deep affliction they had the sym- 
pathy of the entire community. These children, 
like their parents, were possessed of more than 
ordinary intelligence, and were fine musicians, hav- 
ing inherited the rare art of singing and voices of 
more than ordinary melody from their parents, 
Capt. Herron being a magnificent bass singer and 
his wife a fine alto. 

For the period of six years Capt. Herron filled the 
office of Sheriff acceptably-, receiving the last two 
terms a unanimous election, the Democrats bring- 
ing forward no candidate against him. He at oue 
time, with the exception of one vole, received the 
entire support of both parties. In 1886 he was 
appointed Chief of the Fire Department at Bea- 
trice under Maj'or E. O. Kretsinger, and immediatelj' 
organized two volunteer companies, which were 
soon followed bj' two more. His services in the 
department have been characterized by that zeal, 



energ}- and conscientiousness which have distin- 
guished him through life in ever}- worthy cause. 
The result is that the city of Beatrice possesses the 
finest fire department of any city in Nebraska. 

Soon after he became connected with the de- 
partment Capt. Herron was presented with a gold 
badge b}' the hook and ladder companj', which was 
soon followed by the presentation by the three 
hose companies of a silver trumpet which is valued 
at the sura of §60. Through his untiring efforts 
in the giving of musical concerts ami the solicit- 
ing of private donations, assisted by other means, 
Capt. Herron succeeded in obtaining a hook-and- 
ladder truck for the department without expense 
to the cit3', and which is valued at ^400. He has 
indeed become one of the indispensable features 
of the department. He carries his honors with 
exceeding modesty. He identified himself vvith the 
Masonic fraternity and with the I. O. O. F. manj' 
years ago, and is also a Past Commander in the 
G. A. R. While a resident of Clatonia Township 
he was instrumental in the organization of the first 
Sunday-school within its limits. His politics have 
already been indicated, and the Republican party 
has no more efficient man in the county. His 
property consists of three ilwelliugs in the city of 
Beatrice, besides a choice vineyard, embracing five 
acres northeast. His residence is pleasantly situated 
on Ella street, and is the frequent resort of hosts 
of friends. 

Mrs. Herron, who has proved a mostsuitable help- 
mate to such a man as her husband, was born May 20, 
1814. in Carroll County, lud., and is the daughter of 
Enoch and Delilah (Knight) McFarland, who were 
natives of Kentucky and Ohio respectively ; they 
are both deceased. 

eHRISTIAN HILL. The gentleman whose 
name stands at the head of this sketch is one 
of the most substantial and reliable citizens 
of Glenwood Township, with whose business and 
agricultural interests he has been identified for a 
period of twenty' j'ears. A native of Luzerne 
County, Pa., he was born Nov. 18, 1840, and reared 
to manhood amid the quiet pursuits of country life. 



51G 



GAGE COUNTY. 




When a lad of about thirteen years he left the hills 
of tiie Keystone State with his parents, and his 
home thereafter was in Lee Count}', 111., until he 
was a man nearly thirty-nine years old. Thence, in 
March, 1879, he came to this county, and has since 
been a resident of Glenwood Township. He owns 
and occupies a good farm of ICO acres on section 
29, and is surrounded by those comforts and con- 
veniences which are the legitimate reward of the 
man whose labors have been characterized by per- 
severance and integrit}-. He has labored industri- 
ously in the improvement of his homestead, as its 
appearance indicates. Besides the erection of suit- 
able buildings he has planted fruit and shade trees, 
which not onl}' serve to embellish his property', but 
add materially to its value. 

The parents of our subject, Nathan and Judith 
(Billhimer) Hill, were natives of Luzerne, Pa., 
The father was a farmer by occupation, and died in 
Lee County, 111., in 1876; the mother is now living 
at the old homestead in Lee Count}'. 

Christian Hill was reared to habits of honesty 
and industry, and at an early age learned those 
lessons of self-reliance and economy which have 
been the secret of his success in later years. When 
twenty-one years old he began the struggle of life 
on his own account, and at the age of twenty-three 
established domestic ties of his own by his union 
with one of tlie most estimable young ladies of 
Lee County, 111., Miss Ellen M. Bossemeyer, to 
whom he was married on the '6d of September, 
1863, at Cairo. Mrs. Hill is the daughter of Fred- 
erick and Hannah (Gaunier) Bossemeyer, the for- 
mer a native of the Province of Hanover, Germany, 
and the latter of Pennsylvania. The father emi- 
grated to the United States at an early period in 
his life, and after marriage the parents settled in 
the Keystone State, whence they emigrated to Illi- 
nois in 1852 or 1853. There the father engaged in 
farming, and departed this life at his home in 
Dixon, in March, 1883. The mother is still living 
and a resident of Dixon, 111. Their family con- 
sisted of ten children, seven of whom are living. 
Mrs. Hill was born Dec. 8, 1846, and spent the 
opening years of her life in Pennsylvania. She 
completed a good practical education in Illinois, 
and remained with her parents until becoming the 



mistress of her own household. Of her union with 
our subject there have been born eight children, 
seven sons and one daughter, six of whom survive, 
namely: Franklin .M.. Alice M., John A., Herbert 
N.. Elmer F. and Arthur; George E. and Chalmer 
A. died when young. Mrs. Hill, about 1878, identi- 
fied herself with the Lutheran Evangelical Church, 
of which she has since been a devoted member. Mr. 
Hill has for his religion the precepts of the Golden 
Rule, and in politics is a stanch Democrat. 



^|*j^. 




^ETER NELSON. Of the large number 
who have come from across the sea to 
:^ make for themselves and their loved ones 
a home in the New World, there are few 
who are more worthy of success than the intelligent, 
industrious, indefatigable and independent sons of 
Sweden, who from their habit of settling in colonies 
would appear to be somewhat intrenchant in their 
proclivities. The farm of our subject is upon sec- 
tion 5 of Glenwood Township, adjacent to his 
father, Mons Nelson. (See sketch.) 

Our subject was born in the southern part of 
Sweden_on the 26th of May, 1853. and received in 
the schools of his native country a fair education. 
He came to the United States in 1870 in company 
with his father, who settled in Nemaha County. 
Our subject remained upon this homestead assisting 
in its work until the year 1877, when he started in 
life on his own account, having been working up 
to this desirable end since he had attained his 
majority. He now made his home in Kearney, 
Neb., and for four years engaged in business as a 
liveryman, thence removing at the end of that 
period to this county, in the fall of 1882, when 
he settled in Glenwood Township upon a farm of 
120 acres, which he has greatly improved, and 
brought to a splendid condition. 

While in Kearney our subject was united in mar- 
riage, March 31, 1880, with Ch.arlotte Dahlstrom, 
who is the daughter of Samuel and Charlotte (Han- 
son) Dahlstrom. She was born in Central Sweden, 
on the 15th of August, 1855. There have been 
given to our subject and wife two children, Oscar, 
the first-born, however, living only six months. 



■•► 



»► 11 ^^ 



' »» I I ♦ 



GAGE COUNTV. 



517 



Their second child, Lero^', was born Au^. 28, 1882, 
and is a source of continuous delijjht to iiis parents. 
Our subject is possessed of large intelligence, 
which he has not omitted to strengthen and im- 
prove by stud}', and by his energj', thrift and labor 
is rapidly becoming one of the most prosperous 
farmers in his district. He takes great interest in 
educational matters, and lias been called upon to fill i 
some of the school ofKces. He is a highl3- esteemed 
member of the I. O. O. F. and the A. O. U. W. 
His sympathies as a politician are with the Repub- 
lican party, and by the members of the same in his 
district he is looked upon as a valuable adjunct to 
the working force of the party. It is not too much 
to say that in days not far distant it is more than 
probable that his efforts will be recognized, and it 
is certain that should such opportunity' arise the 
people of Nebraska will have no occasion to regret 
their selection. 

-^ • ^ " ^ ■' '<— 



^ IfeARREN COLE. The Great West has not 
\/sJl/ '^"'y developed energetic and enterprising 
\^^ business men from its native residents, but 
it has held out irresistible inducements to men of 
sound judgment and excellent ability, who have 
been attracted from the older and more populous 
States; it has not onl}' been the haven of thousands 
of poor men, who have come with empty purses and 
hands, willing to replenish them by honest laljor, 
but it has proved the most promising and lucrative 
investment for men of wealth and influence. 
Among those of the latter class who have assisted 
in the development of the natural resources of so 
rich a country, and have been closely identified 
with the interests of this State, is the gentleman in 
wliose honor this sketch is written. He has been a 
resident of this county since 1880. 

Our subject was born on the 3 1st of March, 1835, 
in Troy, N. Y., and is a son of Lewis and Polly 
(Coon) Cole, who were also natives of NevV York. 
Of their ancestors we have the following record : 
The great-great-grandfather of our subject, accom- 
panied by his two brothers, came to the United 
States from Holland, and were early settlers in New 
York City. The great-grandfather was a slave- 



owner in Dutchess County, N. Y., and all of the 
ancestors of our subject resided on the Hudson 
River, and were engaged in mercantile and agri- 
cultural pursuits. The grandfather was John 1. i". 
Cole. About the year 1800 the father of our sub- 
ject was engaged in the mercantile business in Troy, 
in which he continued for several 3'ears, but later 
in life, having accumulated a large amount of 
wealth, he discontinued his business, and lived a 
retired life in the enjoyment of ease and comfort. 
He died in 1872, eleven years after the death of the 
mother of our subject, and was the father of ten 
children, eight sons and two daughters, of whom 
our subject is the 3-oungest. 

While living in his native cit}' Mr. Cole received 
an academic education, and vvhile verging on young 
manhood, when he was not at school, he worked at 
the carpenter trade on buildings near Troj', be- 
longing to his father. The old homestead in that 
cit3' has been in possession of the family for over 
100 years, and is at present ownedby Thomas Cole, 
a brother of our subject. In 1857 Mr. Cole went 
to AVoodford County, III., to look after some land 
which he owned, and he also worked at his trade 
and made his home in that county until he came to 
Nebraska, on a similar errand, to look after his 
land and property, which required his attention the 
greater part of the time. From a healthy boj- he 
had grown to be a strong man of portly physique, 
and when the Civil War engaged the attention of 
the country's loyal citizens our subject was inca- 
pacitated for service in her behalf because of his 
portliness, but in order to prove his loyalty he paid 
a substitute 81,000. His father sent two men to 
represent the family in that trying crisis. 

In 1880 our subject came to Nebraska, and set- 
tled on the land which constitutes his present home 
farm, consisting of 320 acres on the south half of 
section 26, Midland Township, adjoining the cor- 
poration of Beatrice. Eight j'ears ago this land 
was raw prairie, on which no improvements had 
been made, but bj^ the enterprise of the owner 
there are now fine maple groves, fruit orchards, 
and other trees in abundance, while the fields yield 
excellent harvests of all kinds of cereals and farm 
produce. The residence which adorns this fine farm 
is one of the handsomest and best in the county, is 




i 



'4*- 



518 



-•► 



,t 



GAGE COUNTY. 



large and commodious, and furnished in excellent 
st3'le and taste. The farm buildiniis are large and 
substantial, and harmonize in appearance wit); the 
iiandsome house. Jlr. Cole owns 480 acres of land 
in this county, and has some valuable property in 
Florida. He is one of the founders of the People's 
Bank in Beatrice, and has been connected with it 
sijice the tiuje of its organization. The business 
block in which this bank is located was built by our 
subject, and is the finest in the city, and one of tlie 
finest in the State, and is owned by the banking 
com pany. 

The gentleman of whom we write was married. 
May 13. 1857, to Miss Laura M. Diistin, who was 
born in Rensselaer County, N. Y., and is a daughter 
of N. A. Dustin. They have two ciiildren living, 
named Emma E. and Albert T.; Lj'dia E. is de- 
ceased. Mrs. Cole is anjesteemeil member of the 
Baptist Church, and is a talented lady, possessing 
many charms of true womanhood. Mr. Cole has 
never connected himself with anj' secret or religious 
society, but is well known as a leading man in 
public affairs, having frequently held office in his 
township. He is a Republican in politics, is quite 
wealthy and enterprising, and enjoys the reputation 
of being the owner of the most valuable and best 
located farm in the county, while his association 
with the bank gives him prominence among busi- 
ness men in Beatrice. 



JS! RNEST BOSSEMEYER is the proprietor of 
one of the best appointed farms of Glen wood 
Township, pleasantly located on section 19, 
and in him we find one of the most intelligent, ener- 
getic men of this county. A native of the then King- 
dom of "Westphalia, situated in the northern part of 
the German Empire, he was born June 18, 1838, 
and comes from tliat sturd3-and substantial element 
which has done so much toward the development 
of the Great West. To Germany is America largely 
indebted to-day for the progress she has made as a 
nation of freedom and intelligence, and one who 
has obtained her best elements from the sons of the 
Fatherland. 

Our subject spent the years of his childhood and 



early youth amid the scenes of his birthplace, and 
in common with the ciiihlreii under one of the best 
governments in the world, was placed in school at 
an early age, remaining under instruction until a 
lad of fourteen. He was bright and ambitious, 
took kindly to his books, and when sixteen j-ears 
old had formed a well-developed plan for the fu- 
ture. This was none other than emigration to 
America, upon whc)se soil he believed he could 
sooner realize those worthy ambitions which had 
visited his couch in dreams when a l)oy. 

Y'oung Bossemeyer, in November, 1854, bade 
adieu to his native land and the scenes of his child- 
hood, and proceeding to Bremen embarked on a 
sailing-vessel bound for the citj- of Baltimore, 
where he lauded six weeks later, and after a brief 
sojourn made his way to a point south of Dixon, 
in Lee County, 111., where he engaged in farming 
and remained for a period of eight 3'ears. He then 
changed his location to the vicinity of Sterling, 
where he remained two years, was thereafter in 
Morrison one j'ear, then, crossing the Mississippi, 
took up his abode in Hardin County, Iowa. In the 
Hawke3'e State Mr. Bossemev'er engaged in farming 
until the fall of 1882, when he came to this count3' 
and settled in Glenwood Township, of which he 
has since been a resident. 

The property of Mr. Bosseme3'er includes IGO 
acres of finel3' cultivated land, upon which he 
has effected good improvements, full3- in keeping 
with the enterprise and intelligence which he pos- 
sesses in no ordinar3' degree. The farm residence 
is noticeable for its air of convenience, neatness 
and comfort, and the barn and other out-buildings 
are good. There are fruit and shade trees, choice 
live slock, cattle, horses and swine, and all the 
other appliances of a well-regulated counlr3' estate. 

While industriousl3' engaged in the tilling of the 
soil, our subject has at the same time given due 
attention to the cultivation of his intellect, being 
one of the best informed men in Gage County. He 
ciiooses a choice and instructive course of reading, 
is independent in religious thought and convictions, 
and stands upon that broad and liberal platform 
characteristic of the scliool of modern thought. 
The world of art and nature provides him abun- 
dant recreation, .ind he delights in following the 



m 
■*('■ 



ps^' 



^ ^':- 



,i\^- 








V^ 




Vf-—L.t'^ayVX-/:2.-'^'V^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



02I iL 



researches of science, wliose course is ever onward 
and progressive. In his domestic relations he is 
pc'Luliarl}' blessed, having a ver3' interesting and 
intelligent fauiii}', composed of a wife and six 
children, the latter comprising a group of which 
the parents have reason to be proud. 

The marriage of Ernest Bosseme^'er and Miss' 
Anna Ackerraan was celebrated at the home of the 
bride, in Sterling, 111., Dec. 25, 18G3. Mrs. B., 
like her husband, was born in Germany, her early 
home h.aving been in Hesse-Cassel, where she first 
opened her eyes to the light Aug. 12, 184G. Her 
parents were Paul and Christine Ackerman, natives 
of German^'. The mother has long since been 
dead, and the father is living in Whiteside County. 
111. Mrs. Bossemeycr came to the United States 
with her father in 18.iO, and until her marri.age 
was a resident of Illinois. This union resulted in 
the birth of eight children, two of whom, John and 
Clara, died at the ages of nine months and five 
j'ears respectively. Those surviving are: Eliza- 
beth, Henry, Frank, Ernest, Harry and P.aul; the 
eldest is twenty-four years of age. Eliz.abeth is the 
wife of George Marshall. "Amidst the surroundings 
of such a home .as theirs, it is but natural thej- should 
grow up possessing all the qualities of good citizen- 
ship, an honor to their parents and useful members of 
the community. Mrs. Bossemejer is a lad^' of more 
than ordinar3- intelligence, the suitable companion 
in all respects of such a man as her husband. In 
politics Mr. Bossemeyer supports the principles of 
the Republican partj-. 




1- 



ANIEL FREEMAN, who is one of the best 
known citizens of this count}-, has been a 
prominent character here since the close of 
the war, and as a farmer and stock-raiser has 
accumulated quite a fortune. His home is located 
on section 26, Blakcly Townshi|), the ground being 
well ailapted to general farming and stock-raising, 
lying as it does along Cub Creek, which supplies it 
with water, and at the same time furnishes an abun- 
dance of timber. The farm at |)resont embraces about 
1,480 acres of land, 160 acres of which formed the 



original homestead, the first one taken in the United 
States, and which has a histor}' of national interest. 

Mr. Freeman was born in Preble County, Ohio, 
on the 26th of April. 1826, and was of a fine fam- 
ily, most of the members of which have been en- 
gaged in agricultural ])ursuils. His father, Samuel 
Freeman (who died on the 6th of February, in 
the year 1887, at Abingdon, Knox Co., 111., at the 
advanced age of eighty-four 3'ears), w.as born in 
Vermont in the early part of the present century-, 
and came of a hard}-, old New England ancestr}'. 
While yet a single man he went to Ohio, where he 
married after a time a jMIss Plirebe Willis, who is 
a native of that State, and is yet living at her home 
in Abingdon, at the good old age of eighty-four 
jears, still in possession of her mental faculties, and 
cheerful and liappj' as is her natural disposition. 
In 183.1 the parents of our subject had moved to 
the above-named city, where they were among the 
earl}' pioneers of Knox Count3-,and for many years 
prominent citizens and successful farmers, the father 
being prominent as a politician in l)ehalf of the 
old Whig and Republican principles for many \-ears. 

Our subject is the eldest but one of a familj^ of 
six sons and one daughter, all his brothers now be- 
ing deceased, while the sister, who is the eldest of 
the family, is \-et living on a farm near Abingdon, 
the wife of Walter Richmond. Fourof the brothers 
of our subject died when j-oung and single men, 
one of them. .James H., having served as a private 
in the 83d Illinois Infantr}- during the Rebellion, 
and d^-ing from exposure and sickness at Ft. Donel- 
son. He was a graduate from Abingdon College, 
and had a bright future before him. Our subject 
was not quite ten years old when liis father moved 
from Preble Count}', Ohio, to Illinois, and he grew 
to manhood in the latter State, and about the time 
of the war became connected with the interests 
of the Government, and was sent West and South- 
west. While thus engaged he traveled over a large 
portion of the undeveloped Western country, be- 
coming one of the most familiar characters of this 
section. He was peculiarly adapted for coming in 
contact with uin-uly frontiersmen and the native 
Indians, n.iture having endowed him with an un- 
usually commanding ph3'sique, whose nobility was 
heightened by his military air, and his keen black 



■♦- 



" ^ m < • 



GAGE COUNTY. 



-t 



eye seemed to penetrate tbrougli hidden things. 
He lias ridden over the wilds of the "West acting as 
a watch against the wary Indians, for weeks at a 
time, leaving his saddle only to gain refreshment 
by sleep, and then making it his pillovv as he lay on 
the hard ground. Such h.as been the character of 
his experience that he has a wide range of informa- 
tion and unlimited knowledge of the country in 
which he took up his permanent residence before 
the close of the war. 

Mr. Freeman has been interested in the promo- 
tion of the welfare of his countj', and while he is 
a prominent figure in local politics, he is classed 
among the independent Republicans. He was mar- 
ried in Illinois to Miss Elizabeth Wilber, who was 
born in Ohio, and came to Illinois when she was 
j'oung. She was a true helpmate to her husband, 
and sympathized with him in his labors until the 
time of her death, which occurred in Rock Island, 
111., in 1861. She left three children, of whom we 
have the following record : J. F'. makes bis home in 
Des Moines, Iowa; Charles lives in Hoxie, Kan.; 
Lorctta, the wife of Martin Rich, also makes her 
home in Hoxie. Our subject was a second time 
married, in Scott County, Iowa, on the 8th- of Feb- 
ruary-, 1865, to Miss Agnes Suiter, who was born 
in Le Claire, that county, on the 16th of Novem- 
ber, 1843, and is the daughter of John .and Eliza 
(Wright) Suiter, who are natives of Ohio. The 
father was a rapids pilot on the Mississippi River, 
and his father was also eng.aged in a like business. 
The grandfather of Mrs. Freeman, Philip Suiter, 
was an early settler in Ohio, where he spent a num- 
ber of years, and afterward came to this State, mak- 
ing his home in DeWitt, Saline County. There he 
lived a retired life for some time, and died on the 
25th of November, 1884, at the age of eight^'-five 
years. He had been four times married, bis last 
wife surviving him but a short time, she having 
died since 1884. John Suiter moved to Iowa 
when the State was in the beginning of its develop- 
ment, while he was yet a j'oung and single man, 
and he became engaged as a pilot for .boats over 
the rapids between Le Claire, Davenport and Rock 
Island. He has since made bis home in the first- 
named cit}-, and having retired from river life, be 
devotes some attention to farming, bis place on the 



river now being supplied bj- bis two sons. He is 
now sixt3'-six years old, and is living in Le Claire 
with his wife, whom be married in Iowa. 

Mrs. Freeman was reared to womanhood in her 
native countj', entering Abingdon College when 
she was fourteen j-ears old, and after completing 
her education she taught school for some time, 
one term of which labor was spent in this count}-, 
she being the first teacher in BKakely Township, and 
her school taught in a private house. She is the 
mother of seven children, one of whom, named 
Daniel, died when he was three 3'ears old, and of the 
remaining six, Samuel. James, John, Frank and Le 
Claire, are at home; Eliza is the wife of Webster 
Carre, and resides in Beatrice. Mr. and Mrs. Free- 
man are highly esteemed as old settlers, and are in- 
fluential and enterprising citizens. The following 
extract from the Beatrice Daily and Weekly Ex- 
press descriljes the manner in which our subject 
secured bis homestead in this county: "One of the 
events connected with the early settlement of Gage 
County, which will eventuall}^ form a page of na- 
tional history, is the taking up of the homestead of 
Daniel Freeman, the first under the Homestead Act. 
The securing of the first homestead, or the filing of 
the first application by Mr. Freeman, was more by 
accident than design. The ''Homestead Act" was 
approved on the 20th of May. 1862, and took efl'ect 
Jan. 1, 1863. In July, 1862, Mr. Freeman pur- 
chased a "squatter's right," which he held until the 
31st day of December following. The rights of a 
squatter consisted in his possession of the land b}' 
actual settlement thereon, and whatever improve- 
ments be bad made, in this case the improvements 
being a log cabin, a log stable and a little breaking. 
The Government land-office was located at Brown- 
ville, and on December 31 Mr. Freeman went to 
that place to make an entr}' and file his application 
under the homestead laws. At this time be bad 
been regul.arlj' enlisted in the United States Army, 
and was in Nebr.aska upon special duty. He was 
under orders to report to headquarters, and was 
therefore in some baste to file his application, for 
which purpose be had gone to Brownville. At the 
hotel where Mr. Freeman put u|) there was a ball, 
and upon invitation he joined the party. Balls at 
that time were not as frequent as now, and places 



■ ^^ 11 <• 



-€^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



523 ,i 



large enough to hold a ball in were still scarcer 
than balls. During the evening's entertainment 
Mr. Freeman was introduced to a ^oung man wlio 
was to be clerk or assistant to the land-ofliee r6- 
ceiver. By this 3'onng man Mr. Freeman was in- 
formed that tiie next day being New Year's, and 
consequently a holiday, the office would not be 
open. Mr. Freeman stated the urgency of his busi- 
ness, and that he was ordered to report to the army 
headquarters without delaj\ and said it would be a 
great accommodation to him if he could file his ap- 
plication before leaving for the army. Upon this 
representation of the state of affairs, the clerk sent 
for the Register, and at midnight the office was 
opened, and before 12 :05 o'clock on the morning of 
Januar}' 1, Mr. Freeman had made his filing upon 
the first homestead ever taken under the Homestead 
Act. Herewith is a verbatim copy of the record, so 
far as it relates to the homestead in question : 

The United Slates of America to Daniel Freeman. 
Homestead Certificate No. 1, Application No. 1. 

The United States of America., to all whom these 
presents shall come. Greeting: Whereas — There 
has been deposited in the General Land Office of 
the United States a certificate of the Register of 
the Land Office at Brownville, Nebraska, whereby 
it appears that pursuant to the Act of Congress ap- 
proved the 20th of May, A. D., 1862, "to secuKe 
homesteads to actual settlers on the public domain," 
and the acts supplemental thereto, the claim of 
Daniel Freeman has been established and duly con- 
summated in conformity to the law for the south 
half of the northeast quarter, and the northeast quar- 
ter of the northwest quarter, and the southwest 
quarter of the northeast quarter, of section twenty- 
six, in township 4, north of range 5 e.ast, iu the dis- 
trict of lands formerly subject to sale at Brownville 
(now Beatrice, Neb.), containing one hundred and 
sixty (160) acres, according to the official plat of 
the survey of the said land returned to the General 
Land Office by the Survej'or General; 

Now Know Ye : That there is therefore granted by 
the United States unto the said Daniel Freeman the 
tracts of land above described, to have and to hold 
the said tracts of land with the appurtenances there- 
of, unto the said Daniel Freeman and his heirs and 
assigns forevei. 



In Testimony Wliereof: I, Ulysses S. Grant, Presi- 
dent of the United States of America, have caused 
these letters to be made Patent and the Seal of the 
General Land Office to be hereunto affixed. 

Given under my hand at the citj- of Washington 
the first day of September, in the year of our Lord 
one thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine, and of 
the Independence of the United States, the ninety- 
fourth. 

U. S. Grant, President. 
< '^'-^ J I. Barrett, Secretary. 

I SEAL. ^ J ^^ Granger, Recorder of the 
General Land Office. 

Recorded Volume 1, Page 1. 

Filed for record at the office of the County Clerk. 
January ,5th, A. D., 1870, at 4 o'clock P. M., and 
recorded in Deed Record "F." at Page 114. Re- 
corded January 6th. A. D., 1870. 

Mrs. W. C. Strohni, of this city, is now painting 
a large picture of the old homestead, and the new 
and comfortable mansion in which Mr. Freeman 
now resides, which will be forwarded to Mrs. John 
A. Logan, at her request, and placed among her 
great collection of antiquities and relics. Mr. Free- 
man has certainly com[)lied with the spirit and let- 
ter of the law in taking this piece of land, having 
made it his continuous home ever since his dis- 
charge from the army. It is located just four miles 
from this city. A view of it, engraved from a pho- 
tograph, is presented in this volume. VV^e are the 
more gratified, however, to present to our readers 
the portrait of the distinguished owner of this prop- 
erty. This may be found on an adjOiniug page. 

Jlr. Freeman has been prominently identifieil 
with the public affairs of this count}-, having been 
Sheriff and Coroner of the county, and Justice of 
the Peace of his township for twelve years, and he 
justly merits a commendatory notice in this work. 



kAWRENCE SHEEN, who is oper.ating the 
farm of his father in Grant Township, has 
been a resident of this county only since 
the spring of 1 887, but has alreadj' established him- 
self as an enterprising and industrious citizen, emi- 
nently fitted to rank among the members of a 



T 



«► ir^ 



624 



GAGE COUNTY. 



commutiit}- more than oixlinaiih* intelligent. He 
is the youngest son and cliild of Peter and Melissa 
(Robinson) Sbeen, who aie now living retired in 
Peoria Count}', 111., wiicre thej' settled during its 
pioneer daj's. The elder Sheen, it is believed, 
represents property to the amount of $100,000. 
He was for a time a lesident of this eountj', and 
purchased a section of land in Grant Township, of 
which he still retains ownership. 

The faflier of our subject is a native of Ireland, 
but crossed the Atlantic with hisparents when a mere 
child, the latter settling in Peoria County. 111., where 
Peter was reared to manhood. There also his son, 
our subject, was born, Nov. 14, 1869. The pa- 
rental household included fifteen children, and one 
of the sisters married J. R. Higgins, of Grant 
Township, this count}', a sketch of whom appears 
elsewhere in this volume, and in which mention is 
made more fullj' of the parents. Mr. Sheen is a 
3'oung man energetic and capable, takes pride in 
his farming, and is a general favorite among the 
peojile of his community, who during his brief so- 
journ here have learned to value him at his true 
worth. He operates 160 acres on section 26. 



--.w/v ^\*jZiZ^2/©'^^ 



^.gJ»OTT*V> -V^y^-. 




ON. SOLON M. IIAZEN, late a member of 
the Nebraska Legislature, is now engaged 
as a general merchant, and also gives a 
large share of his attention to farming and 
stock-raising. He is a man of means and promi- 
nence, and one who has contributed materiall}' to 
the business and agricultural interests of South- 
ern Nebraska. His farm lies just outside the cor- 
poration, on Mud Creek, in Rockford Township, 
and comprises 160 acres of fertile land, which has 
been brought to a fine state of cultivation. Within 
the city also he owns quite a number of unim- 
proved building lots, which will in due time un- 
doubtedly realize for him a snug sum of money. 
He is industrious, energetic and enterprising, just 
such a man as is needed in the progress and ad- 
vancement of a growing town. 

The subject of this sketch is the son of Suel 
Hazen, who was a native of Fonda Count}-, Vt., 
whence he removed early in life to Little Falls, 



N. Y. There he completed his cducaticm. His 
falhoi- having died when he was but a little lad 
two years of age, he was taken into the home of 
his brothers, with whom he lived until fifteen. He 
then went up into the Black River Country, in 
the Empire State. 

Solon IL Hazen was born in Denmark, N. Y., 
Aug. 11, 1829, and continued there under the pa- 
rental roof until reaching manhood. He received 
a common-school education, and when of suitable 
years and attainments adopted the profession of a 
teacher, and thereafter for some years taught and 
studied alternately until approaching the thirtieth 
year of his age. Then, desirous of a change of 
scene and occupation, he migrated across the Mis- 
sissippi in 1857 to Brown County, Kan., where he 
spent one winter, and whence the following April 
he came to this county. 

Mr. Hazen. upon taking up his abode in Southern 
Nebraska, found himself among the earliest pio- 
neers, there being then but a few families in this 
region, viz: that of Mr. Marlin, Henry Elliot, 
three other families, Jacob Toff, the son-in-law of 
Elliot James, and a Mr. Johnson and family. There 
were also Rankin Johnson and Pjit Geary, who oc- 
cupied log houses north of the present site of Blue 
Springs. They had settled upon wild land, and 
were doing their best to make a living and culti- 
vate the soil. Of those early settlers only Mrs. 
James M. Johnson and our subject are living, be- 
sides some of the children of the former. Mr. 
H.azen found a log house on the land he purchased 
containing three rooms, and occupied his claim 
until the fall of 1861. Then, returning to Lewis 
County, N. Y., he engaged in teaching until 1867. 
A few months later he purchased the Journal and 
Republican at Lowville, which he conducted three 
years. In 1 868 he removed with his family to the 
West, taking up his abode at Blue Springs, this 
county, and has since been a resident of this lo- 
cality. 

The marriage of our subject and Miss Prissa A. 
Vary, of Harrisburg, N. 1'., w'as celebrated at the 
home of the bride. Dee. 24, 1863. This lady is 
the daughter of Deacon Willett Vary, and was born 
Oct. 27, 1837, in New Y'ork. Mr. and Mrs. Hazen 
became the parents of eight children, seven of whom 



n 



t 



■<^ 






!t 



GAGE COUNTY. 



are living, viz: Nellie, Anna. Grant and Grace 
(twins), Bessie, Lulu P. and George. Clarence 
died when six j'ears 61d ; Nellie, the eldest daugh- 
ter, is the wife of Omer J. Deland, and Anna tlie 
wife of James Shields, both of Blue Springs. The 
other children arc at home with their parents. The 
family residence is pleasantly located just outside 
the cit}'. and in all its appointments is indicative of 
tine taste and ample means. 

Mr. Hazen in 1884 was elected to the Nebraska 
Legislature, on the Republican ticket, and was 
soon placed on various important committees, in- 
cluding that of Ways and Means, and Cities and 
Villages, and was also Chairman of the Peniten- 
tiary Committee. In this position, as in all others 
which he has been called on to fill, Mr. Hazen 
exhibited the same industry and efflniency which 
have been the most leading traits of his character. 
Among other good works which have been placed 
to his credit was the introduction of the bill per- 
fecting the title to propert^^ in the city of Wyraore, 
which he engineered safel^^ through until it be- 
came law. He also entered a bill to compel rail- 
roads to establish depots in towns of 500 population. 
His vote was alwa^-s recorded on the side of the 
people and in behalf of their best interests. 

Besides his legislative labors Mr. Hazen has held 
the office of County Comrai.ssioner, two 3-ears at 
one time and one year at another time. He was 
Justice of the Peace at Blue Springs, and incum- 
bent of the post-office at Blue Springs from 1869 
to 1878, there having been very few holding this 
office previously at this point. He was the second 
Surveyor of Gage County, an<l has been one of its 
most industrious and efficient men. 

The genealogy of the Hazen familj- is found to 
be as follows: Suel H.azen was born at Denniston, 
Vt., Ai)ril 25, 1793, and married Betsey' Graves, of 
Copenhagen, N. Y., Jan. 7, 1815. They resided at 
Denmark, and became the parents of seven chil- 
dren. Suel, the son of Edward, was born at Gro- 
ton, Mass., May 21, 1738, and was twice married, 
first to Sarah Willard, of Lancaster, Jan. 10, 1758. 
After her death he was united in marriage to Mrs. 
Bathrick, of Lunenburg. Mr. Hazen resided in 
Shirley until 1790, then moved to Swansea, and 
from there, in 1794, to Little F:dls, N. Y., where 



his death took place in 1796. Samuel Hazen, his 
father, was born July 20, 1699, and married Sarah 
Harriraan, of Rowley, Oct. 1, 1723. They lived 
there until 1730, and removed thence to Groton in 
1749, when he purchased a farm. Afterward this 
w.as annexed to Shirley, forming its entire southern 
boundary' line. The estate remained in the family 
for five generations. He was Selectman of Sterling 
in 1753, when the town was organized, and after- 
ward held the same office several j'ears. Says the 
Record of Shirley: '-Few families pass through four 
generations like the Hazens, of Shirley, maintaining 
such a general good character, and sustaining such 
invariable thrift." His father was the Rev. Edward 
Hazen, the immediate ancestor of the family who 
first represented it on this side the Atlantic. He 
was born in 1660, and died in 1748. He married 
Jane Prichard. His father, Edward, was born Sept. 
18, 1649, and also came to Rowlej". 



v 



<^ |)ILLIAM TOWNSEND has for a number 
of j'ears creditably served in the employ- 
ment of the Government as Postmaster in 
Hanover Township, the post-office having been lo- 
cated at his residence in 1874. He was one of the 
appraisers of the land when securing a right of way 
for the Union Pacific Railroad, and has been prom- 
inently identified in public affairs in this county- 
since 1870. He was born on the 1st of February, 
1829, in Delaware County, N. Y., and is a son of 
Moorehouse and Anna (Johnson) Townsend, who 
were natives of Fairfield Countv, Conn., and New 
York State, respectively. The father was a bo^' 
nine years old when, in 1812, his family moved from 
Connecticut to New York, and having all his life 
lived in close proximitj' to the great ocean, he grew 
up with a desire to tr^' his fortune on the water. 
He became a sailor and followed the life of a ''jolly 
tar" until he was about thirty years old, when he 
quit his roving life and engaged in farming. 

The father of our subject resided in his native 
State until the j'ear 1864, when he went to LaSalle 
County', III., and remained until the time of his 
coming to Nebraska in 1870. He settled on a farm 
in Hanover Township, on which he lived for eight 



* 



r 



]^ 



52G 



GAGE COUNTY. 



years, his floath occiiniiig in 1S7S. The mother of 
our siiliject is still living, .■iiid although she is eighty- 
three years old she enjoys gooil health, and is in 
jiossession of all her faculties. !She makes her home 
with her children, who are glad to have with them 
the mother who has done so much for them, and 
besides our subject they are: P^unice, the wife of 
D.aniel Griffin; Caroline, the wife of William Bar- 
rett, and Wallace. 

Our subject was early initiated into the duties of 
farm life, of which he was expected to assume his 
share, and he received his education from the com- 
mon schools under some disadvantages, the greatest 
of which was the distance which he was compelled 
to walk in order to reach the school-house. The 
nearest school was held .at a distance of four miles 
from his home, in order to reach which he had to 
cross a mountain. We can imagine that the jour- 
ney to and fro was not altogether devoid of pleas- 
ure, since our subject had presented to him the 
varied beautiful scenery of a mountainous c(mntry, 
and inhaled the fresh, invigorating air. 

On the 24th of November, lH51,our subject w.as 
married in Bradford County, Pa., to Miss Mary 
iJenton, who was a native of Delaware County, N. 
Y., and in about the year 18.30 had removed with 
her parents to the first-named State, whither our 
subject went to claim her as his wife. Our subject 
sold his property for $5,500, and invested the 
amount of $5,000 in land in Connecticut, Trhither 
he went in 18(54, to Fairfield Count}'. He subse- 
quently found that other parties had a life lease on 
the same land, and he was obliged to vacate it, but 
still holds the deed, and will come into possession of 
the land upon the death of the present occupants. 
In 1866 he went to Illinois and rented some hand in 
La.Salle County, and while living there his house 
was destroyed b}' fire. He concluded to go further 
West, and thus came to Nebraska, and purchased 
1 60 acres of raw prairie land at $7 per acre, and 
has .added to that amount until now he is the owner 
of 320 acres of land devoted to farming and stock- 
raising. 

On the 11th of March, 1874, our subject was 

called to mourn the death of his wife, who left eight 

children to his care, namely: Robert, Paulina, 

D:iniel (deceased;, Duvvane, Emma, James, John 

4» 



and IMary E. Two years later our subject married 
Mrs. Mary .Jane Post, nee Shearer, who was a native 
of Pennsylvania, and was born in Perry Count}' on 
the 6th of October, 1842. By this marriage they 
have one child, named Cora Belle. Mr. Townsend is 
an able advocate of the Republican party, and has 
taken an active part in the public affairs of his 
township, having served as Justice of the Peace for 
several years. He is a public-spirited and enter- 
prising citizen, and for many years has been an 
honored and influential member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. 

-««/---e^i2i.■'.»!g-^^■^^&-.*^^S;^r^r^>-'w^ 

eHARLES E. VAN PELT, whose beautiful 
farm is situated on section 7 of Sherman 
Township, has brought into his daily farm 
occupations and duties all th.at vim, enterprise, 
nervous energy, ambitious progressiveness and 
shrewd common sense which are the characteristics 
by which the Western American is chiefly endowed 
in the mind of the foreigner, who reads or speaks 
about him. His father, R. H. Van Pelt, was born 
in New Jersey, in 1808. He left that State when 
twenty two years of age, and went to Jersey County, 
III., and entered heartily into agricultural work, 
continuing in the same until the year 1858, when 
he died. 

The maiden name of the mother of our subject 
was Penelope Stout, who was born in New Jersey, 
in the year 1810. She married Mr. Xaa Pelt pre- 
vious to his removal from their native State to 
Illinois. Their family came to include seven chil- 
dren, all of whom were bright, naturally healthy 
sons. Of these five attained man's estate and en- 
tered the ranks of honorable citizenship. The 
names borne by them are as here appended : Alex- 
ander, a farmer of Jersey County, 111. ; Clark, a resi- 
dent of Macon County, Mo., and the proprietor 
of a flrst-class harness-making establishment; Win- 
field S., of Jersey County, III, who is following the 
trade of a carpenter; our subject, and Wilbur F., a 
furrier of Macon County, Mo. 

The subject of this sketch was born upon the 
Jersey County homestead, on the 22d of December, 
1846, and continued to reside with his parents un- 



■^^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 






l~ 



til he nttained his majority. There was little room 
in his life, filled as it was with farm duties and labor 
from lioyiiood, for the edncationnl process, although 
this miglit have been changed had the opportunity 
for obtaining an education been more complete, but 
there was ver}' little chance for such profitable in- 
vestment of time and mental ixjwer, and tiie result 
was that his education, by force of circumstances, 
was somewhat neglected ; but upon the more pr.ac- 
tical subjects of labor he was more at home, and 
entered the years of manhood full^- equipped for 
the conflict. 

The removal of our subject to Nebraska occurred 
in 1869, when he came to this county and purchased 
f\ quarter-section of land at the rate of ^2 per acre. 
It w,as, of course, in a virgin state, and he iramedi- 
atelj' set to work to bring about a more complete 
and useful order of things, bestowing much thought 
and labor upon it. It was not long before smiling 
fields, waving grain and tasseled corn took the place 
of the tall, waving, why prairie grass. His claim 
shanty was removed after the lapse of a few j-ears, 
and a more commodious and beautiful residence 
took its place, but it lacked attr.active power and 
comfort to him. Sept. 27, 1877, he supplied the 
"one thing needful" to transform the house into a 
home. That year he entered into wedlock with Car- 
rie Linscott, the attractive and accomplished d.augh- 
ter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeremiah Linscott, natives of 
Indiana, but subsequently residents of Ohio, where, 
in Greene County, their daughter Carrie was born 
upon the 1st of October, 1852. Her father still 
resides at the old home, which was sanctified to him 
bj' the birth of his child, and made more sacred in 
subsequent years as the scene of the last hours of 
his wife, who died Oct. 8, 1881, aged fifty -eight 
years and six months. The' home of our subject 
and his, wife has been illuminated, and its felicitj- 
enhanced, h}' the birth of five children, to whom 
have been given the following names: Linscott 8., 
Wilbur F., Fannie L., Richard F. and Carrie. 

Mr. Van Pelt was among the early pioneers of 
this State, and settled when neighbors were few and 
far between, when Nebraska City was the depot of 
import and export, and the only market. He ex- 
perienced all the trials, difliculties, hardships, pri- 
vations and pleasures of pioneer life, and has 

4* 



watched with keen interest the phenomenal develop- 
mentand brilliant advance of this State, that has just 
passed the point in number of j^ears between minor- 
ity and majority. Our subject's political sympa- 
thies are with the Republican party, and always 
have been. He has held with much honor and 
credit the most important offices of the township, 
including that of Justice of the Peace for a term 
of four years, of Assessor for ten years in succces- 
sion,and member of the School Board for six years. 
Socially, he is connected with the ancient fraternity 
of Free Masonr3', and is a true and faithful frater 
of the lodge at Beatrice. His working tools are 
not allowed to lie b\' in idleness, but each and every 
one are used after their own order and in their sev- 
eral works, with the result, necessary and natural, 
that he is honored and respected, not merely within 
the m3'stic circle of his Masonic home, but also 
wherever true manhood and high character are ad- 
mired and esteemed. This sentiment is likewise 
shared in by his wife and family. 



LBRIDGE H. BURINGTON, real-estate 
f-j agent. Notary Public and Police Magistrate 
_' — ^ for the city of Blue .Springs, is numbered 
among its prominent and well-to-do citizens. He 
is the owner of a fine home on Washington street, 
between Broad and Main, and has other improved 
real estate in this citj-. 

Our subject is the offspring of an excellent fam- 
ily who trace their ancestry b.ack to the early set- 
tlers of Vermont and New Hampshire. His father, 
Rensselaer Bnrington, was born in the State 
of Vermont, in 1812, where he was reared and 
educated, and learned the trades of carpenter and 
millwright. These trades he followed until about 
twenty-five years of age, then leaving New En- 
gland, established himself as a boot and shoe manu- 
facturer in Springfield, Pa. He operated thus 
successfully for a period of fifteen 3'ears, then dis- 
posing of his interests in the Keystone State, mi- 
grated to Lee County, 111., and purchasing a tract of 
land, built up a fine farm. He sojourned there also 
fifteen 3-ears, then crossed the Mississippi into Tama 
County, Iowa, where he kept a confectionery store. 




GAGE COUNTY. 



-^ 



Later he retiiriierl to Illinf)is, ostaMishing a similar 
store and adding to it a stocit of groceries. In 1879 
he sold ont, and coming to lliis eonnt\' tf)ok up his 
residence in Blue Springs, where he spent the re- 
mainder of his life. 

The father of our subject was a ver_y industrious 
ami enterprising man, and during his early man- 
hood greatly interested in pulilic affairs, and served 
as a Captain of Militia until the repeal of the law 
i-elating to military affairs. Religiously, he was first 
connected with the Christian Cliurch, and later vvith 
the First-Day Adventists. lie was married, in Ver- 
mont, in 1833, to Miss Lucy Pike, a native of New 
Hampshire, and tliej' became the parents of six 
children, all of whom lived to mature years, and of 
whom four still survive. Mrs. B. was the daughter 
of .John and Clarissa (Parker) Pike, and was born 
April 12, 1<S13. She continued at home during her 
childhood and youth, and is still living, making her 
home with her son, our suliject. Rensselaer Bur- 
ington departed this life Jan. 17, 1881. 

Tlie paternal grandfather of our subject, Ami 
Burington by name, and a native of Connecticut, 
was a millwright by trade, and also carried on farm- 
ing. Upon removing from his native State he 
located first in Vermont, and thence removed to 
Erie Countj', Pa., where he s|)ent the remainder of 
his life. Elbridge II., the subject of this sketch, was 
born in Springfield, Erie Co., Pa., Feb. 8, 1837, 
where he remained with his parents until reaching 
his majority. He w.as educated in the common 
schools and worked with his father on the farm un- 
til leaving Pennsylvania in 1859, and settling in 
Lee County, 111. He preceded the family to the 
latter place, they following the next year. He was 
a resident there for a period of twenty-seven years, 
working on his farm in Amboy and also engaging 
in carpentering. 

In 1863 Mr. Burington, who had always given 
much attention to religious subjects, and who un- 
questionably possessed fine talents as a speaker, 
entered the ministry and thus labored in the Mas- 
ter's vineyard for a period of ten 3'ears. In the 
meantime he was also employed at his trade and 
carried on his farm. At the expiration of this time 
he abandoned manual labor and accepted the pasto- 
rate of both the Advent and Christian Churches at 



different points, continuing in the ministry there- 
after, and being located six 3'ears in Genoa. De 
Knib County. Subsequent!}- he spent one year as 
an evangelist, and then returned to his former 
charge, remaining another 3-ear. lie was held in 
high esteem by the people among whom he labored, 
and withdrew from the ministr}' only when failing 
health eom[)elle(l the step. 

Mr. Burington came to this county in the spring 
of 1880, and after a season of rest and quietude 
resumed his trade of carpentering, and finallj' o|)er- 
ateil as a contractor and builder. He assisted in 
the erection of many of the important buildings of 
Blue Springs, including Rice Bros.' Block, the Bar- 
inger Block, and indeed most of the brick lilocks 
now standing. He also purchased ground which he 
built upon, and is now the possessor of valuable 
property. He worked industriously during a sea- 
son when many others, discour.aged, left the place. 
He was flnall}' compelled to abandon his contract 
business and take up something less laborious; giv- 
ing his attention wholly to re.al estate, he is now in 
the enjo3'ment of a handsome income. 

The marriage of Elbridge H. Burington and 
Miss Mary A. Aldrich was celebrated at Inlet, Lee 
Co., 111., M.ay 1, 1858. This union resulted in the 
birth of four children, one of whom died in infanc}'. 
Those surviving are: Orin E., Eva M. and Alice B. 
Mrs. B. is the daughter of Joseph and Zilpha Aid- 
rich, and w.as born in the State of Vermont, on 
the ■27th of November, 1836. AVhile she was still a 
child her parents removed to Pennsjdvania, where 
they lived eighteen years, then migrated to Illinois, 
settling in Lee Count}', where the mother died in 
the spring of 1858. She vvas a lad}' possessing all 
the womanly virtues, and was regarded with the 
utmost affection by her children and all who knew 
her. 

Mr. Burington is a man positive in his ideas, 
well educated and liberal minded, and while differ- 
ing with many upon the importaut questions of the 
day, possesses that high-bred courtesy which is care- 
ful not to give offense. TVhile warmly and consci- 
entiously attached to the principles of his peculiar 
faith, he still treats with respect the opinions of 
others, and his rare conversational powers make him 
a most interesting companion. He is deeply at- 



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GAGE COUNTY. 



0.31 



tachcd to his home nnd faniil^y. a man whoso exam- 
ple is worthj' of imitation. 

Orin E. Bmington is a young man of fine nat- 
ural abilities and good education, and is prosecuting 
!t successful business in books and stationery at 
Blue Sfjrings; he was inari'ied, June 2, 1S88, to 
Miss Rosa Jones, of this citj', and the}' occupy' a 
snug home not far from the father's. Eva M. is 
the wife of John Itumbaugh, a well-to-do farmer of 
Sicily Township, and they are the parents of one 
child, a son, Loy E. ; Alice B. married Mr. W. J. 
Harris, a prosperous farmer of Harlem County, 
this State, and they are the parents of two children 
— May Pearl and William E. 

Mr. Buringlon is Vice President of the Board of 
Trade in Blue Springs, and has held the various 
minor offices of his township, including that of Jus- 
tice of the Peace. 



'Tw' OHN E. CLARK. Among the subjects of Her 
Brittannic Majest\', Queen Victoria.who have 
left the protection of the standard and trans- 
ferred their vows of fealty and lo^'alty to 
the flag of the great Republic, have made their 
home in the United States, and have learned to 
love tire stars and stripes, is the gentleman whose 
name appears at the head of this sketch, who was 
born in Lower Canada. 

Our subject is the son of Samuel and Rebecca 
(^Ewart) Clark, both natives of the Dominion, but 
at present residing in Jefferson County, Neb. 
Our subject was the third of twelve children born 
to his parents. When he was about one year old 
his parents removed to Scott County. Iowa, and 
there our subject received his education and was 
reared to manhood, his father having there set- 
tled upon a farm. Not until he was twenty-three 
years of age did our subject remove from that 
home, and in that period he had proved his ability 
in the common school where he was educated, 
graduated to the more active pursuits of the farm, 
and subsequently worked in all the strength of his 
j'oung manhood. 

About the year 1 8«0 our -subject removed from 
Scott County to Kellugg, in Jasi)cr County, Iowa, 



where he remained farming for about four years,, 
and then, in December of 1884, came to this 
county and settled in Glenwood Township, taking 
uii a farm on section 8, upon vvhich he has since 
resided. Since that time he has brought his farm 
to a high state of agricultural efficiency, and is 
continually' planning and executing some addi- 
tional improvement. Mr. Clark has recently erected 
excellent out-buildings and dwelling, and has the 
entire property' well fenced and everything in a 
good state of repair. Adjacent to his house are 
some 1,200 shade tr-ees of various kinds, and a fine 
orchard containing not less than 200 excellent fruit 
trees of various kinds. His sole attention, so far 
as his farm is concerned, is given to stock-raising 
and general grain production. 

Mr. Clark became the husband of Miss Nancy 
Roul on the 22d of January, 1881, at Kellogg, 
who has since presented him with four children, 
three of whom are living. Their names are herein 
subjoined as follows: William E. (deceased), Sam- 
uel. Eva Slay and Willis II. Mrs. Clark was born 
in the North of Ireland, on the 22d of Januaiy, 
1861, and accompanied her parents to this country 
when four years of age. She is the daughter of 
William J. and Martha Roul. Mr. Clark is strongly' 
attached to the Democratic partj', and is inclined 
to be quite energetic in its interests. He is a man 
of considerable mental power, reserve force and 
energy, and since his settlement has gained many 
friends by his manl}' bearing and high character. 



•i- 



^ SAAC L. FISKE, member of the well-known 
firm of LaSelle, Fiske <fe Co., and son-in-law of 
the senior partner, is a gentleman of excellent 
business capacities and a favorite in the financial 
circles of the thriving city of Beatrice. A native 
of New York State, he was born near the village of 
Lebanon, in Madison County, July 3, 1856, and 
was the second of the three sons born to Luman 
and Angeline (Close) Fiske. The parents of our 
sultject were natives of New York. The paternal 
grandfather, John Fiske, a native of Massachusetts, 
emigrated to New York State at an earl}' day, and 
was for manj' j'ears engaged in farming in IMadisou 



lt J¥ '^* 



-4^ 



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.-)32 



GAGE COUNTY. 



^County, where he spent the last years of his life. 
The Fiske fainilj- is of English descent, as also was 
the Close family, and the motiier traces her fore- 
fathers among the earl}' settlers of Connecticut, 
where the}' located probably during the Colonial 
days. 

The father of our subject was a farmer by oc- 
cupation, and Isaac L. early in life became familiar 
with rural pursuits. After leaving the district 
school he became a student first of Whitesboro 
Universit}' and then of Clinton University, spend- 
ing one year in the latter institution; at the age of 
sixteen 3ears he began teaching. He otliciated as 
teacher three terms in the district school, and sub- 
sequentl}' taught two j'ears in the village school 
at Lebanon, besides two terms of a select .school. 
Later he became Principal of the High School at 
Smyrna, N. Y.. where he remained until 1878. 

Tiie mercantile career of Mr. Fiske began when 
he was seventeen j'ears of age, prior to attending 
the university. He then engaged in farming one 
year, and in the spring of 1880 sought tiie West, 
coming to Beatrice, Neb., and entering the es- 
tablishment of H. A. LaSelle as clerk. Here he 
remained six months, and was then employed with 
the firm (;f Hastings & Scott three and one-half 
j-ears. In July, 1884, he formed a partnership 
with W. M. LaSelle in the grocery business at Cort- 
land, the half of winch business the firm still owns. 
In July, 1888, he returned to Beatrice, and in com- 
panj- with his partners purchased the grocery stock 
of George R. Scott, which also included boots and 
shoes. The firm is now in the enjoyment of a 
generous patronage, the several members being men 
of probity, and carrying on their business in a 
manner which has commended them to Lhe esteem 
and confidence of their fellow-citizens. 

On the 26th of May, 1876, our subject was united 
in marriage with Miss Addie M., daughter of W. 
M. LaSelle, his present partner. Mrs. Fiske was 
also born in Madison County, N. Y., in August, 
1857. She has been well educated, and received 
careful home training from her excellent parents. 
Of this union there has been born one child—Flor- 
ence M. Mr. Fiske votes the Republican ticket, 
and, although not ambitious of office for himself, 
always takes a generous interest in the political 



preferment of his friends. Socially, he belongs to 
the Modern Woodmen. The firm of La,Selle. Fiske 
& Co. is considerably interested in lands, owning 
several tracts in both Kansas and Nebraska. 



\T:0HN B. McGLAUGIILIN is a prosperous 
farmer of Rockford Township, where he has 
160 acres of splendiil lan<l on section 1. He 
is a son of David and Hannah (Brad}') Mc- 
Glaughlin, both of whom were born in Westmore- 
land County, Pa. The paternal grandfather, John 
McGlaughlin, came from Scotland when he was 
sixteen years old, and made his home in Northum- 
berland County, Pa. Samuel Brady, the great In- 
dian hunter, w.as a cousin of grandfather Brady. 
After their marriage the parents of our subject 
m.ade their home in McKeysport. Pa., and the father 
was a pilot on the Ohio River for twentj'-five 
years. In 1857, with his family, he moved to Illi- 
nois, and bought a farm in Rock Island County, on 
which he prospered well. He was a member of the 
old Whig party, and died in 1870, at the age of 
fifty-seven j'ears. The mother resides on the home- 
stead in Rock Island County, 111., and is sixty-five 
years old, having seen her children become useful 
men and women. There were eight in the family, 
two of whom, named Jacob and Artemus, died in 
infancy, .ind the remaining six bear the names of 
James B., Joseph, John Marks, William, Abraham 
and Barbara. 

Our subject, the oldest of his father's family, was 
born on the 5th of Januaiy, 1841, in McKej'sport, 
AUeghenj- Co., Pa. He enjoyed very good educa- 
tional advantages in his Eastern home, and was six- 
teen years old when he moved to Illinois, afterward 
attending the common schools for several winters 
and securing a thorough education. There he ap- 
plied himself to farm work until the time of the 
breaking out of the war. when he enlisted as a pri- 
vate for the three-months service in 1862. He en- 
tered Company F, 69tli Illinois Infantry, and was 
mustered into service at Camp Douglass in Chicago, 
where he did guard duty over 10.000 rebel prisoners. 
In the fall of 1862 he took them to Vicksburg to 
have them exchanged, and was disch.arged at Camp 



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u 



GAGE COUNTY. 



.533 



4- 



f 



Douglass after having- served six months instead of 
three. 

Our subject tlien returned home, and for two 
years applied himself diligently to the management 
of his farm affairs, but in 1865, when more troops 
were needed for the service of the countr\% he again 
enlisted for one year, or during the continuance of 
the war. He was mustered into service at Camp 
Butler and departed for New Orleans, thence to Mo- 
bile; Spanish Fort and Ft. Blakely had been taken 
three days before their arrival. Our subject then 
went to Montgomery, Ala., engaged in guard duty, 
and was taken ill with fever, with which he laj- in 
the hospital for about two months, and was then 
discharged on account of physical disability, reach- 
ing home about the month of September. He came 
to Nebraska in 1867, and went as far west as the 
mountains, making an extensive tour through Kan- 
sas, Missouri and Nebraska, finally choosing Gage 
County as the place he would rather make his home. 
He located a homestead of 160 acres, and entered 
200 acres besides in Sherman Township. 

In the fall of the same year our subject returned 
to Illinois, where he was married, in March, 1 868, 
to Miss Phoibe King, a daughter of James and 
Charlotte King, who were natives of Manchester, 
England. They were married in that city, the 
father being an overseer in a large cotton factory, 
and in 1840 with their four children they came to 
America, making their home near Troy, N. Y. The 
father became connected with some of the leading 
cotton factories of the East, and was very prosper- 
ous. Of his family- there are now five living, all of 
whom were born in America, and whose names are 
Phoebe, Eiliza, Jennie, Nellie and Vinnie. Mrs. 
McGlaughlin was born in New York City in Au- 
gust, 1843, and was a babe when her parents moved 
to Lowell. She enjoyed very good educational 
advantages, and became an accomplished musician, 
going to Illinois when she was twenty-one years 
old, and engaging as a music teacher. 

In the spring of 1868 our subject and his wife 
came to the homestead, and resided in Sherman 
Township for several 3'ears, but in 1881 they sold 
out with the intention of going to California; after 
making a visit to Rock Island County- thej' con- 
cluded to remain in this State, and purchased their 



present farm of 160 acres on section 1. When our 
subject bought it. in 1882, it was raw prairie land, 
and he now has 100 acres under cultivation, with 
groves of box-elder and cottonwood trees, and has 
erected a splendid one and a half story frame 
dwelling. Since his coming to his present place 
the Rock Island Railroad has been constructed, and 
the new village of Rockford is laid out onl3' a few 
rods from his residence. 

Our subject has taken an active interest in the 
political affairs of his township, and being an ardent 
Republican he has been sent as a delegate to the 
County Convention. His honorable war career en- 
titles him to a membership in the Rollins Post No. 
3.T, G. A. R., at Beatrice. He has several times 
served on the jury, and in various ways he has distin- 
guished himself as a good and law-abiding citizen, 
and is socially connected with the A. F. <fe A. M. 
Mr. and Mrs. McGlaughlin are highlj' respected and 
influential members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and as one of the prosperous families are 
well known in the leading society' circles. 



»-^^- 



JONATHAN CARPENTER. The subject of 
this notice, a retired farmer in comfortable 
circumstances, after many j'ears of active 
labor is now enjoying the fruits thereof in a 
comfortable home in the city of Beatrice, surrounded 
by all that is needful for his well-being and happi- 
ness. His has been a varied experience, in wuich 
he has seen much of life, and learned many valu- 
able lessons. As a soldier of the Union Army 
during the late war, he traveled over a goodl}' 
portion of the South, and endured in common with 
his comrades the hardships and privations insepa- 
rable from the life of the patriot, doing battle for 
the land which gave him birth. After returning to 
the arts of peace he entered upon the quiet labors 
of the agriculturist, and meeting with success, is now 
numbered among the retired farmers of this county 
who have been enabled to secure for themselves the 
wherewithal which shall insure them against want 
in their declining years. 

The subject of our sketch was born near H.igers- 
town, in Washington Countj', Md., July 31, 1841, 




534 



GAGE COUKTY. 






and was the second of nine children, seven sons and 
two daughters, the offspring of Jeremiali and Su- 
sannah (Cross) Carpenter, the former born and 
reared in Lancaster County, Pa., and the hitter a 
native of Buonesboro, Md. Of their children eight 
are still living. The maternal grandfather, Robert 
Cross, was a marble cutter by trade, and carried on 
a prosperous business. He spent his last days in 
]Mar3'liuid. The parents of our subject emigrated 
to Illinois, and from there in 1884 to Nebraska, 
settling in this county, where they still live. 

Jonathan Carpenter of this sketch was reared to 
manhood on the farm of his father, and attended 
the common school during his boyiiood. He was 
still a resident of his native State upon the out- 
break of the late war, and enlisted in Company B, 
1st Maryland Cavalry, which was sent first to Web- 
ster, Va. , and then down the Shenandoah Valley to 
Lynchburg, participating in the meantime in the 
battles of that campaign. Mr. Carpenter was with 
Sheridan in the memorable battle of Winchester, 
witnessing the defeat of Gilroy after the week's 
fighting, and later assisted iu the battle of Gettys- 
burg. At Mt. Jackson the Union boys captured 
380 head of cattle, twelve wagons, and a quantity of 
car wheels from which to manufacture shells. At 
one time Mr. Carpenter was thrown from a horse 
upon a pile of railroad iron, near Flagg's Mills, Va., 
sustaining serious injuries, having four ribs broken, 
and his foot and head also badly hurt. Later a 
shell bursting near his head completed the sum of 
his afflictions, and for a time destroyed his hearing. 
This, however, he recovered from, but such was the 
shock to his system that he was glad to receive his 
honorable discharge, which was given him in Sep- 
tember, 1864. 

Mr. Carpenter now returned to liis native county, 
and from there went to Lancaster County, Pa. He 
subsequently returned to Hagerstown, Md., and 
engaged in teaming in the employ of the Govern- 
ment about four months. His next location was 
Chambersburg, where he served an apprenticeship 
to the trades of stonemason and bricklayer, and 
where he spent two years. In the meantime, Jan. 
o, 1866, he was united in marriage with Miss Maria 
Baughman. This lady was born in Franklin 
County, Pa., Jan. 14, J 840, and is the daugliter of 



Jacob and Eliza Baughman, who were natives of 
Greencastle, Franklin Co., Pa. 

After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter settled in 
Greencastle, Pa., where our subject engaged in 
farming, and where tliey lived until October of 
1870. They then moved to Ogle County, 111., 
settling on a farm, where the3- labored for a period 
of nine 3-ears. Mr. Carpenter, then desirous of 
seeking his fortune on the other side of the Missis- 
sippi, came to this count}', and purchased 160 acres 
of land in Highland Township, about sixteen miles 
north of the city of Beatrice. Here he erected 
good buildings and brought about the improve- 
ments necessary to his comfort and convenience, 
and in 1880, feeling that he was entitled to retire, 
sold his farm and took up his residence in the citj'. 
He is a quiet, unobtrusive man, a peaceable and 
law-abiding citizen, rejoicing in tlie prosperity of 
his adopted State, and interested in the enterprises 
which will cause her to continue in her. onward 
course. Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter had born to them 
three children, viz: Henry L., a resident of Bea- 
trice; Elizabeth and Jeremiah, the two latter de- 
ceased. 



LLET G. DRAKE, of Beatrice, owns a 
good property' and has been largely instru- 
■/j mental in the advancement of the various 
interests tending to the growth and prosperity of 
the city. Upon coming here he purchased tiie drug 
stock of Dr. R. S. Albright, and continued the 
business at the old stand until June, 1888. He 
then sold, and since that time has found ample em- 
ployment in looking after his property interests. 

Our subject was born near the then modest town 
of Bradford, in McKean County, Pa., March 20, 
1863, and was there reared to manhood. His par- 
ents, Joshua J. and Elizabeth (Hayter) Drake, were 
also natives of the Keystone State, and the father 
a farmer by occupation. He spent his entire life 
upon his native soil, and departed hence in the year 
1875. The mother died in 1880. The parental 
family included onl}' our subject. 

The boyhood and youth of Mr. Drake were spent 
in a manner similar to that of most farmers' sons, 
his services being utilized about the homestead 



^ 



-^•- 



GAGE COUNTY. 



535 ^ 



during the seasons of sowing and reaping, while in 
winter he pursued his studies in the district school. 
When further advanced he became a student of 
Chamberlain Institute at Chamberlain, N. Y., and 
subsequently attended a commercial course in 
Eastman's Business College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. 
Upon leaving college, his father having died, he 
was engaged in the settling up of the estate. 

Mr. Drake entered upon his business career in 
the oil regions of Pennsjivania, where he oi)erated 
to good advantage until Ma}' of 1886. Resolved 
now upon a change of residence and occupation, 
he sold out, and coming to this State, located in 
Beatrice, of which he li.as since been a resident. 
In the meantime lie has invested large sums of 
money in western lands in Nebraska and Kansas, 
besides considerable city property in Beatrice. He 
has a fine residence on the corner of Lincoln and 
Sixth streets. His family consists of his wife and one 
child only, the latter a son, Ellet B., who was born 
Aug. 20, 188G. 

The marriage of our subject with Miss Nellie 
Bradley, of Friendship, N. Y., was celebrated at 
the home of the bride, June 11, 1884. Mrs. Drake ' 
is a native of the Empire State, having been born 
in Allegany Count}-, in 1862. Her parents, Solo- 
mon J. and Elizabeth Bradley, were natives of 
Singland. Her father is deceased ; her mother is liv- 
ing in Beatrice. Mr. Drake identified himself with 
the Masonic fraternit}', and is a member of Beatrice 
Lodge No. 26, of Livingston Chapter, and Mt. 
Hernion Lodge No. 7. In polities he is a stanch 
Republican. 

' LVAH H. BRUBAKER. The firm of Bru- 
baker & Remaly, merchants and bankers, 
occupies a leading position among the 
business interests of Lanham, where these 
gentlemen have been established together since 
March, 1888. The subject of our sketch bears the 
reputation of an energetic, reliable business man, 
one who is ambitious for the prosperity of his 
adopted town, and whose efforts to increase its pres- 
tige and standing have earned for him well-merited 
praise. 

Mr. Brubaker is a native of Howard County, Ind., 

4* 




his birth taking place at the homestead of his par- 
ents, on tiic IGth of October, 1846. He is conse- 
quently in the prime of life, with a prospect of 
many j-ears of usefulness and i)rosperit}'. He was 
reared as a farmer's boy, and acquired those habits 
of thrift and industry which have been the secret of 
his success in most of his undertakings. "When 
about eight years of age his parents removed from 
Howard to Cass County, Ind., where Alvah so- 
journed until a youth of nineteen. Thence he 
changed his i-esidence to Bourbon, and a year later 
we find him in Warren Count}', 111., where he en- 
gaged as a carpenter and joiner, and where he 
operated for a period of six years. From Warren 
he next proceeded to Lee County in the same State, 
and securing a tract of land in the vicinity of Dixon, 
carried on farming until the spring of 1886. 

The attention of Mr. Brubaker now being turned 
toward the young and rapidly growing Slate of 
Nebraska, he crossed the Father of Waters, and 
coming to this county, located in Lanham, which 
has since been the scene of his operations. He first 
embarked in general merchandising in partnership 
with !Mr. H. M. Smethers, but three months later 
purchased the interest of his partner, and carried 
on the business alone until the spring of 1888, 
when he associated himself with Mr. Remaly. 
They carry a full stock of everything pertaining to 
their line of trade, and in their banking o[K'rations 
enjoy the patronage of the leading business men of 
this part of the county. The Lanham Exchange 
Bank is superseded by no institution of its age 
in the whole county. 

Our subject occupies, with an interesting family, 
a handsome and well-appointed home in the northern 
part of the town. He was married in Lee County, 
111., Dec. 24, 1871, to Miss Anna M. Hill, a daughter 
of Nathan Hill. Mrs. Brubaker was born in Luzerne 
County, Pa., Feb. 28, 1850. and was reared to 
womanhood under the parental roof. Her mother 
was Miss Billhimer, and is now living in Lee 
County, 111. 

To our suiiject and his estimable lady there have 
been born eight children, two of whom are deceased, 
namely : Blanche, who died when two years old, 
and a babe who died unnamed. Those living 
are Nathan A.. Lulu E., John L., Harlow E., Em- 




i 



GAGE COUNTY. 



met and Imogene. Mr. Brubaker. although having 
little time to devote to political matters, keeps 
himself posted in regard to matters of general in- 
terest, and uniformh' supports Republican princi- 
ples. He is a man whose opinions, deliberatel}' 
formed, are held in general respect. 

JOHN W. WITH, one of the pioneer settlers 
of Paddock Township, with whose agricult- 
ural interests he is prominently identified, 
owning and occupying a farm on section 
11, is honored and esteemed by all in the com- 
munity as a thoroughly upright citizen, and as a 
man whose moral character and private life are ir- 
reproachable. He w.as born in Maryland, Caroline 
County, Jan. 29, 1827, his parents lieing George 
and Mary "With. He was reared in his native 
State to a strong and noble manhood, and when 
about twenty-four years of age he went to Dela- 
ware, and in that State the succeeding eighteen 
years of his life were jiassed. There he secured a 
good and capable wife, who has actively assisted 
him in acquiring his property. She was a Miss 
Sarah E. Clark, of that State, and to her he was 
united in marriage June 3, 18.52. Of tiiis union 
six children have been born, as follows: William 
D., who married Miss Carrie Kear; Mary A., who 
married James Coigrove, whose biography appears 
in this volume; John H., who married Ella Col- 
grove, a sister of James; Martha J., who married 
George T. Mitchell; Charles F. and Charles H., who 
died in Delaware in 1865, at the age of three 
yejirs. 

In 1859 Mr. With removed with his family to 
Bureau County, 111., but after living there a few 
years he returned to Delaware in 18(13. In 1872 
!>e again took up his residence in Illinois, whence 
he removed in the year 1876 to Cass Countj', 
Iowa. In 1880 he sought with his family a new 
home in Gage County, Neb., having decided to 
avail himself of the marvelous .agricultural resources 
of this county. P.addock Township was not organ- 
ized until the fall of the year in which he took up 
his residence in it, and the farm of eightj^ acres on 
section 1 1, on which he then located, was in a com- 



plete state of nature, forming a part of the unbroken 
prairie. With persistent and well-directed industry 
he has since toiled to get it under cultivation, and 
to make the numerous improvements that have so 
increased its value and added to the neatness and 
thrift of the pl.ace, the abundant harvests that re- 
sult from his labors showing him to be a sagacious, 
practical man, emploj'ing none but the best meth- 
ods in conducting his agricultural pursuits. 

Mr. With is one of the most whole-souled and 
kind-hearted men in existence, and his frank, genial 
qualities, combined with true courtesy and tact, 
have gained him hosts of warm friends wherever 
he has lived. His home is in the center of that true 
hospitality wherein host and hostess vie with each 
other in entertaining and making comfortable the 
stranger who m.a}' happen within their gates. Mrs. 
With is a devoted member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, and shares with her husband the re- 
spect in which he is held. Mr. With is a solid 
Republican in his political opinions, and uses his 
influence to promote the interests of his partj^. 



^^ OL. JAMES H. ODEN, formerly an officer 
(l( _ of the Union Army, and late prominent 
^^^' among the farmers and stock-raisers of this 
eount}^ retired in March of 1888 to his home 
in the city of Beatrice, where he is now numbered 
among its most highly esteemed citizens. He has 
for man3' years been identified with the most im- 
portant interests of Southern Nebraska, and is a 
man whose worth and efficiency in the community 
are most properly appreciated by the people of this 
region. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Nicholas 
Count}-, Ky., Feb. 15, 1831, and is the son of 
W'illiam C. and Elizabeth (Darrel) Oden, the father 
a native of the southern part of Kentuck}-, and the 
mother of Tennessee. The parental family in- 
cluded nine children. James, the eldest of the 
famil}', was reared on the '• old plantation," and at- 
tended school in Carlisle, making good use of his 
time, so that he eventually developed into a country 
school teacher, and was thus employed three terms. 
He, however, preferred farming as actual business. 



-•►■ 



*► l l "^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



537 



4- 



and followed this mostly- thereafter until the out- 
lirciilv of Uu' \v;ir. Ik' then considered it bis dut3' 
to laj' aside his personal [jlans and interests, and en- 
listed in Company I. 7th Kentucky Cavalry, with 
which he did valiant service under the command of 
Gen. Nelson. 

Young Oden participated with his comrades in 
manj' of the important Ijattles of the w.ar, being 
present at the scige and capture of Richmond, the 
battle of Big Hill, and shared in the fight at 
Donelson. On account of cold and exposure he 
suffered greatly in health, and was seized with 
rheumatism. He was taken to the hospital at 
Cynthiana, K}'., where he was confined until the fall 
of 1863, and then returned to his home. His father 
being County Clerk of Nicholas Count}-, James re- 
ceived the appointment of Deputy, but on account 
of the Union sentiments of the elder Oden, he was 
ordered to leave the countrj'. The famih' then 
fled to Monroe County, 111., settling near .Salem, 
where the father engaged in farming, which he fol- 
lowed in that section for a period of four years. 

James H. Oden determined upon another change 
of residence, and removed to Knox County, 111., 
and from there to AVarren County in the same State, 
where he remained for a period of ten 3-ears, still 
continuing engaged in agricultural pursuits. In the 
spring of 187iS he crossed the Mississippi into this 
State, and settled on a farm four miles north of the 
citj' of Beatrice, in Logan Township. There he 
secured 160 acres of land, upon which he operated 
until in March, 1888, when he abandoned active 
labor and took up his abode in the city. He has 
always been a lover of fine horses, and is now con- 
siderably interested in stock, owning a very fast 
pacer which has made a good reconl among the 
roadsters of this countj*. He put up a neat and 
commodious residence in 1887, and is surrounded 
by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of 
life. 

Our subject, under the tutelage of his honored 
father, became thoroughly inibued with Union 
principles, and after the outbreak of the Rel)ellion 
enlisted as a private. He was promoted to the rank 
of Major, and given charge of a wagon and am- 
bulance department. Later he was permitted to 
return home and raise a company, of which he was 



made Captain, and which was constituted a home 
guard. Me thus stood in readiness for action if 
called upon, but iiai)pi!y the emergency did not 
arise. 

Upon reaching his majority Mr. Oden was united 
in marriage with Miss Sar.ah A. Berry, who l)ecame 
the mother of five sons, and departed this life at her 
home in Kentuckj' in 18G0. Mr. Oden w.as married 
the second time, to Mrs. Sarah F. Hardwick, a native 
of Kentucky, and at that time a resident of Abing- 
don, 111. Of this union there has been born one child, 
a son, Charles V., who is now twenty-four j-ears 
of age. There had been born to Mr. and Mrs. 
William Hardwick one child, a daughter, Mary J., 
who is now the wife of Silas Estes, of Beatrice. Mr. 
Hardwick died in 1857. 

Mr. Oden, politically, is a solid Republican, and 
has been elected to the tjffice of Justice of tlie Pe.'icc, 
but having no [jolitical aspirations refused to 
qualify. He has served .as Clerk and Judge of 
Elections several times, and is always willing to give 
his services to the interests of his party. He has 
been uniformly prosperous in his business and 
farming transactions, although not escaping the 
common lot of man in meeting with some reverses. 
On the 17th of April, 1885, his dwelling was de- 
stroj'ed by fire, involving a total loss with all its 
contents, as he had no insurance. The clothing and 
personal effects of the family shared the same fate, 
and Mr. Oden had not even a coat to his back. 
The house was rebuilt, and from the proceeds of 
the farm he realizes a handsome income. 




ylLLIAM M. YOUNG, Postmaster of Blue 
Springs, and also following the profession 
of an auctioneer, operates likewise as ''mine 
host" of the Central Hotel, which he owns, together 
with residence property, and other real estate in the 
city. He has built up the record of an honest man 
and a good citizen, and is widely and favorably 
known as one of the most useful and worthy resi- 
dents of this county. 




4 



r)38 



f 



GAGE COUNTY. 



Our subject is of excellent Pennsylvania stock, 
his fatlier, Josepii Young;, having been born in that 
State in 1800. lie removed with his brother at 
an early age to Trumbull County, Ohio, where he 
was educated and reared to manhood. Upon 
reaching his raajorit}' he took up his residence in 
Brown County, and followed boating on the river 
for a time, after which he engaged in farming. In 
the fall of 1828 he was united in mariiage with 
Miss Mary Moore, and they removed to Johnson 
County, Ind., settling upon a tract of Govrn- 
ment land. After some iiBprovements the father 
sold out, secured other land, and repeated the ex- 
periment of buying, improving and selling, until he 
became owner of one of the best farms in that re- 
gion, and where he lived until 1853. 

The father of our subject in the year mentioned 
crossed the Mississippi, and purchased an improved 
farm of 220 acres, upon which he laliored, adding 
to its value, until 18G2. Then selling out once 
more he returned to his place in Indiana, of whjch 
he regained possession, and there spent the remain- 
der of his life, passing away on the 8th of Ai)ril, 
1871. He was prominent and [lopular among the 
people of that region, an honest, hard-working man, 
ever ready to perform his dut}', whether at home in 
his family or among his neighbors. A member of 
the Presbyterian Church at Shiloh since its organi- 
zation, he continued its liberal supporter until the 
close of his life, and was foremost in the enterprises 
calculated to built up morality and religion. The 
jiarcntal household included ten children, nine of 
whom are still living, and residents mostly of the 
United States. 

Mrs. Mary Young, the mother of our subject, 
was born in Brown County, Ohio, in 1807. and 
lived there until her marriage. She was a devoted 
wife, a tender mother and faithful friend. After a 
life spent in doing good she passed from earth at 
her home, Aug. 25, 1866. She was the daughter 
of Jonathan Moore, of Brown County, Ohio, where 
he settled in the pioneer da3's, engaged in farming 
and freighting, and from the uncultivated soil built 
up a good farm and provided a comfortable home 
for his family, which included sixteen children. 
The great-grandfather of William M. "1 ouiig was one 
of three brothers who emigrated from Ireland, proba- 



bly during the Colonial days. One went South and 
one settled in Maryland. The other settled in 
Pennsylvania, and from him sprang this branch of 
the family. 

The subject of this sketch was born on the old 
Young homestead in Johnson County, Ind., Nov. 
2, 1833, and there lived with his parents until 
reaching manhood. After the removal of the 
family to losva, William M. taught school winters, 
and farmed in summer, and when prepared to es- 
tablish a home of his own was united in marriage 
with Miss Sarah E. Kiikiiatrick, Jan. 5, 1855. 
This union was lilessed 1)3' the birth of seven chil- 
dren, of whom onl^- three are living — Alma Belle, 
George W. and Edgar H. Mr. Young continued 
farming upon a large tract of land which he pur- 
chased in Iowa, and where he lived until 1875. 
He was then em[)loyed in a hardware store a' year, 
after which he went back to his farm and lived un- 
til 1881. In the winter of that year he sold out, 
and purchased 160 acres of land in Sicil^y Town- 
ship, Gage County, which he began to improve and 
later sold, investing a portion of his capital in 
real estate in Blue S|)rings. 

One strong motive for the removal of Mr. Young 
to the town was that he might give to his children 
the advantages not to be olttained in the country. 
He kept hotel and was variously occupied until 
the spring of 1886, when he received the appoint- 
ment of Postmaster, and assumed charge of the 
office on the 6th of Februaiy. He has discharged 
the duties connected therewith in a creditable and 
satisfactorj" manner, and manifested his usual cour- 
tes.v of demeanor in his dealings with the public. 

Mr. Young, jjoliticall}', is a stanch Democrat, 
and in the Hawke3'e State officiated as Deputy 
Sheriff. He has served as School Director twelve 
3-ears in succession, and with his famil3- belongs to 
the Presbyterian Church, of which he has been a 
member since a youth of eighteen years. 

Mrs. Sarah Young was born in Decatur County, 
Ind., Aug. 29, 1833, and lived there with her 
parents until a young lad3' of twent3' 3'ears. Thence 
she removed with them to Jefferson County', lona, 
where they settled on a farm and where she 
was married. She departed this life Sept. 25, 1875. 
She was a woman of many amiable qualities, be- 





X 



Wi 



Ai 



1 




'-'%.. 







^.a-^ 




(^04^qJ&U^, Jv^, 



,t 



GAGE COUNTY. 



541 



\ 



loved by her famil}- and respected by all who knew 
her. 

John K. Kiik|)atrifk, the father of Mrs. Young, 
^vas a native of Kentucky, whence he removed 
to Indiana. He there married Miss Frances Tack- 
ett, and engaged in farming, continuing a resi- 
dent of the Hoosier State until the fall of 1853. 
The household circle was completed by the birth 
of eight children, and the mother passed away at 
the homestead in Iowa, in 1862. The parents 
were members of the Presbyterian Church, in which 
the father officiated as Elder for many years. 

The eldest daughter of our subject. Alma Belle, 
became the wife of J. M. Hinkle, a practicing 
attornej- of Fairfield, Iowa, and is the mother of 
one child, a daughter Clara Dell. George Washing- 
ton is a conductor on the Burlington <fe Missouri 
River Railroad, and makes his home at W3'more, 
this count3"; he married Miss Jennie Snook, of Fair- 
field, Iowa, and the^' have one child, a daughter, 
Vida. Edgar H., a conductor on the same road as 
his brother, married Miss Alice Bacon, of Blue 
Springs, and they are living at Wymore. 

On the 17th of September, 1880, Mr. Y'oung was 
the second time married, to Miss Elizabeth Job, 
then a resident of Fairfield, Iowa. She was born 
in Guilford County, N. C, Aug. 18, 1835, and 
lived there until the fall of 1878, when she re- 
moved alone to Iowa. Her father, Thomas Job, a 
ver^- intelligent and capable man, was a farmer by 
occupation, and also taught school during his 
younger years. He died at his home 'n North 
Carolina, in March, 1881. Tiie mother is still liv- 
ing, and makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. 
Y'oung. 



I EY. THOMAS QUICK, Rector of St. Joseph's 
Church at Beatrice, and whose portrait is 
(ii ^\ on the opposite page, was born in the county 
^of Lancashire, England, Nov. 17, 1833. 
His education, begun in his native shire, was com- 
pleted in one of the best schools of Belgium. 
Father Quick is the founder of the Boys' and Girls' 
Orphan Industrial School. This institution is lo- 
cated in Manchester, England ; it is one of the 
largest schools of the kind in England, and is very 



popular, and the means of furnishing homes to 
thousands of orphans, giving to them that moral 
and religious training by which thej' grow up to be 
useful and worthj^ citizens. 

Owing to excessive labor for a period of twenty 
j-ears the health of Father (Juiek became seriously 
impaired, and he was advised by his friends and 
physician to seek the climate of the country on 
this side of the Atlantic. He reached New York 
City in the fall of 1885, and thence proceeded 
South to Georgia, whence, after a sojourn of three 
months, he came to this State bj' invitation of the 
Bishop of Omaha, and while in that city decided to 
settle in Beatrice. To the latter town he came in 
May, 1886, and assumed charge of St. Joseph's 
Church. This religious body now comprises about 
180 families, and under the administration of the 
present pastor the church building has lieen en- 
larged to twice its former size, and a school has 
been opened numbering 100 pupils. In the mean- 
time also Father Quick completed n church in Cort- 
land twenty miles distant, and presented it to the 
Bishop free of debt. He is honored and revered 
by the Irish generall}', on account of having been 
confessor to the three Manchester martyrs, Allen, 
Larkin and O'Brien, and stood on the scaffold with 
them when they died. His sj'mpathies are warmlj' 
with the Irish cause, and when we say this it is 
sufficient recommendation of the broad and catholic 
spirit characteristic of the man. Not onl}' in his 
own parish does be possess the universal friendship 
of his people, but in the community at large he is 
highly- respected for his erudition and the higher 
traits of character which he has uniformly exhibited. 



<^-^!^-^ 



4^K- 



<«»«?-• 



ERRY WALKER, the well-known Super- 
ill visor of Paddock Township, is the son of 
Peter Walker, who was born in Somerset 
County, Pa., in 1776. The maiden name 
of his mother was Charlotte Roamsperk, a native 
of Frederick County, Md. The}' settled in Somer- 
set Count}', Pa., and there continued to make their 




•• ^ w ^ ' 



« ► i r^ 



t 



542 



GAGE CUINTY. 



4 



home until their death. They were the parents of 
ten children, all of whom lived to years of maturity. 
Our f^ubject was the youngest child, and was born 
in Brothers Valley, now Summit Township, Somer- 
set Co., Pa., on the 23d of January, 1817. 

From his earliest years oiir suliject was intrusted 
with little tasks and duties, which were increased as 
he advanced in years and experience, and later 
supplemented b^' the lessons of the school. After 
completing his education in the usual institution 
he continued upon the old homestead until he was 
twenty-seven years of age. He tlien took a farm 
of his own, and operated the same successfull}' until 
he was about thirty, when he was elected Superin- 
tendent of the County Poor House, and held the 
same for eight years. He was also engaged in 
mercantile pursuits for some years, and in the year 
1858 was elected Sheriff of his native countj-, served 
three years, and for one other term served as 
Deputy- Sheriff in the absence of the gentleman 
elected. 

In the year 1864 Mr. Walker removed to Dixon, 
111., and engaged in superintending the work of his 
farm, which was situated not far from the city. 
While there he served two years upon the Board 
of Aldermen, and for two j-ears as Street Commis- 
sioner. He was also elected and served two terms 
as Marshal. He made his home in Dixon for a lit- 
tle over thirteen years, but in the fall of 1887 re- 
moved to this county, and settled upon the site of 
what is now tiiecity of Odell. During the Garfield 
administration he was appointed Postmaster, and 
held the office for about three years. In 1887 he 
was elected Supervisor of Paddock Township, and 
has continued to hold that office. He has also 
served upon the City Councmand has t.aken deep 
interest in matters of schools and education. 

While still resident in his native county our 
subject was united in marriage, on the 11th of No- 
vember, 1838, with Miss Lydia Miller, born in 
the same district, Sept. 22, 1817, and a daughter 
of Abram and Mar3' Miller, both of whom lived 
and died in Somerset Count}'. The home of our 
subject has been rendered more completely attract- 
ive and happy by the birth of a son, who h.as 
been named Charles, and is now a prosperous manu- 
facturer and resident in Sedalia, Mo. 



-♦• 




Our subject is the owner of several pieces of 
valuable property- in Odell. In 1887 he was chosen 
Postmaster in the State Senate, during the 1887 
session. He has been a lifelong member of the 
Republican party, and always votes its ticket. As 
a citizen and officer our subject is very highlj' es- 
teemed by the community at large, as well as by 
those who are more intimately acquainted with him. 



R. CIIARI.es C, GAFFORD is a leading 
and prominent physician and surgeon in 
Wymore. His father, Joseph Gafford, was 
born in Baltimore, Md.. in 1822. He re- 
ceived a commcm-school education in the city of 
his birth, and while still a young man he went to 
LaFayette, Ind., where he was for mauj' years en- 
gaged in the furniture business. In 1873 he re- 
moved with his family to Wliite Cloud, Kan., 
where he continued in the same business until about 
1880. when he bought a farm eight miles north of 
Hiawatha, Kan., on which he still lives. He mar- 
ried Miss Dorcas Sherwoo<l, and to them have been 
born eleven children, ten of whom are still living, 
viz: William, Delia, Anna, Alvin, Charles C. (our 
subject), Elizabeth, John, George, James and Daniel. 
Dr. Gafford was born on the 3d of April, 1860, 
in Des Moines, Iowa, and when he was a small child 
his parents moved to Rensselaer, Ind., thence to 
Burlington, Kan,, and .again, to AVhite Cloud. In 
Burlington our subject began the pursuit of his 
education, supplementing it with a High School 
course at White Cloud, after which he began the 
study of medicine in the year 1877 with Dr. J. 
Bussing, of Hiawatha, Kan. He took a course of 
lectures in 1879-80, and another course in 1880-81, 
at Keokuk, Iowa, being graduated on the 3d of 
March in the class of '81. 

Immediatelj' after his graduation our subject 
came to Wymore and began the practice of his 
profession, where he continued for two years, when 
he completed his professional knowledge by a 
course at the New York Polyclinic in the spring of 
1883. Then he returned to Wjmorc, and has con- 
tinued his practice up to tlie present time, having 
become a prominent surgeon in this vicinity, also 

m^ 



.f 



GAGE COUNTY. 



543 



being the surgeon for the Biir]ington & Missouri 
River Railroad, and examiner for all the old-tiiue 
insurance companies doing business in Wymore. 

Dr. Gafford was elected to the State Legislature 
in 1886, on the Republican ticket, serving as Chair- 
man of the Committee on Asylums, also on the 
Committee of Labor, his term as yet unexpired. 
He is quite a j'oung man, and has an excellent 
beginning for a life of prominence and usefulness. 
Mrs. Gafford was formerly Miss Mary Fenton, of 
Randolph, N. Y. 




j|/_^ ENRY WILLLVMSON has for five ye.irs 
been Justice of the Peace iu Glenwood 
Township. He is a son of John William- 
son, who was born in Ireland, and Margaret 
(Uhl) Williamson, who was a native of Pennsyl- 
vania. His father emigrated to America a number 
of years ago, and at the time of the Civil War he 
enlitsted in Company A, 75th Illinois Infantry. In 
the battle of Mission Ridge he was taken prisoner 
and thrown into Libb\' Prison, in which place he 
died in November, 18(53. The mother died in Car- 
roll. Carroll Co., Iowa, on the 31st of January, 
1887. The3' had a family of six children. 

Our subject was born in Dixon, Lee Co., 111., on 
the 6th of December, 185.5. He spent his early 
life in the town of his nativity-, and was about 
eight years old when his father died, after which 
gad event he went to live with his uncle on a farm, 
a little distance from the city. He remained with 
his uncle until he became twenty-one years of age, 
and then took a course of instruction in Baylies 
Business College, at Keokuk, Iowa. He again re- 
turned to Dixon and remained for about six months, 
and he. then went to Carroll, in Iowa, at which 
place he was eng.iged in buying grain and selling 
coal. For two years he engaged in that busi- 
ness, and in the spring of 1 880 he came to this 
county and settled on section 30, Glenwood Town- 
ship, where he owns 160 acres of land. He h:is 
erected good and comfortable buildings, and is well 
supplied with modern conveniences in the way of 
agricultural implements and articles of general 
utility which so much facilitate the work on a farm. 



He h.is improved the land until it is in a fine state 
of cultivation, and it is devoted to the purposes of 
general farming and stock-raising. 

On the 1st of April, 1881, our subject was mar- 
ried in this township to Miss Nellie A. Faxon, a 
daughter of John W. and Asenath (Olds) Faxon, 
who are old and esteemed citizens here. She was 
born in Whiteside County, III., on the 21st of Feb- 
ruary, 1859, and is the mother of two children — 
George F. and John H. Our subject was first 
elected Justice of the Peace in the fall of 1883, 
and he has so admirably discharged the duties of 
that office that he has continued in the same ca- 
pacity until the present time. He is among the 
number of enterprising men who realize the ad- 
vantage of learning in all the walks of life, and 
has been prominently connected with the manage- 
ment of the schools in his township, having served 
as Director. He is a member of Jasper Lodge, A. 
F. & A. M., of Odell. and is heartily in favor of 
the administration of the Republican party. His 
family are well situated and enjoy the respect of 
all the residents of the community. 

^ ^3^ — 



<^ I^ILLIAM TATGE, dece.ased. This gen- 



¥ 



tleman was one of those who came from 
beyond the seas to this freer country, with 
its larger opportunities, more promising outlook 
and happier institutions. He was born upon the 
9th of April, 1839, in Germany, and spent the 
years prior to his manhood in his native countrj', 
where also he received his education and instruc- 
tion in his chosen occupation. He was about twenty- 
seven years of age when he determined to take his 
journey to the great country of which he had 
heard so much, and which seemed to be a very 
Eldorado. 
1 Upon landing in the New World our subject 
went at once to Bremer County, Iowa, and speedilj' 
found work as a laborer, by which he was enabled 
to save sufficient to begin farming upon his own 
account after about eighteen months. Upon the 
26th of Januar}'. 1868, in the same count\% he was 
united in marriage with Mi.ss Emma Meier, who 
was, like himself, a native of Germany, in which 



■«► i <• 



« ► i r^ 



" ^ ► ^ 1 1 < • 



544, 



GAGE COUNTY. 



country she was born on the 10th of December, 
1848. She was seventeen years of age when she 
came to the United States. It was her misfortune 
and sorrow to be bereaved of her mother while 3'et 
in her seventh year, and when she came to this 
country she did so alone, leaving her father and 
step-mother in the old home. She came believing 
that in America she could make a better success of 
life than by remaining on the other side. Upon 
landing she proceeded at once to Iowa, and it was 
not long before she made the acquaintance of our 
subject, with the above-mentioned result. They 
concluded to trj' their fortune in Nebraska, and re- 
moved hither in the year 1873. purchasing 240 
acres in Blakeh' Township, and lived upon it for 
about seven years, improving it and bringing it to 
a high state of cultivation. He then sold out, and 
purchased 320 acres of new land, and set to work 
to bring it to as perfect a state of cultivation as pos- 
sible. This is the place of residence of Mrs. Tatge 
and her family. It was not long before this farm 
began to sliow signs that tliere was back of the 
activities at work upon it u mind and strength 
determined to achieve the conquest of the original 
condition of things and the institution of a higher 
cultivation. A very pleasant home and beautiful 
farm are the result, for our subject was a si)lendid 
farmer, and, withal, a hard worker, and as a result, 
as his high moral character and genial, liberal spirit 
became known by his new neighbors, he was 
greatly admired and respected. His last sickness 
and death resulted from rheumatic trouble con- 
tracted in the old country', and which led him down 
into the -'Valley of Death" on the 25th of .January, 
1885. 

Since the death of her husband Mrs. Tatge has 
taken the reins of government of both farm and 
household into her own hands, and has relied 
entirely upon her own resources, with tlie gratify- 
ing result that there are few farms better managed 
or more successfully operated than that upon sec- 
tion 8 of Blakely Township, a fact wliich speaks 
volumes regarding her mental powers, intelligence 
and ability. She is the mother of seven children, 
two of whom, William and Henry, are deceased. 
Those who are still living are: Caroline, the wife of 
Mr. Fred Vieselmeyer, a farmer in Colorado; John, 



Frederick, Emma and Ida. Mrs. Tatge and her 
famil_v are members in good standing in the Luth- 
eran Church, into which they were introduced, and 
in which tiiej' have continued, since the earliest days 
of life. 

This deeply' interesting family have received the 
most hearty sympatlij^ and esteem of the commu- 
nity, and are in every way worthy thereof. They 
have exhibited a brave and noble spirit in all that 
has been undertaken and effected since the death 
of our subject, which affliction was borne with the 
utmost patience and resignation. 



%->!*■ ^- 



-^ 



^^EORGE B. REYNOLDS, one of the most 
III g— , successful general farmers of Lincoln Town- 
^^^ ship, is pleasantly located on section 15, 
where he owns and oper.ates 160 'acres of good 
land. He came to Lincoln Township from Beatrice 
in the spring of 1883, locating upon a farm which 
had no improvements, and has since Industriously 
em|)loyed his time cultivating the soil, putting up 
the necessarj^ buildings, and effecting the improve- 
ments which have transformed it into one of the 
most desirable homesteads of this region. With 
genuine enterprise and good taste he has planted a 
grove of maple trees adjacent to his dwelling, 
which in due time will add greatly to the beauty 
and value of the property. His stock and farm 
machinery are highly creditable to his enterprise 
and good judgment, and as a business man and 
citizen he is looked upon as one of the important 
factors of his community. 

Prior to settling upon this farm Mr. Reyno'ds 
had been engaged in mercantile business at Bea- 
trice for a period of fourteen years. During that 
time he dealt in general merchandise, carrying a 
large stock of the articles most generallj' in use at 
the farm and in the village household. His straight- 
forward methods of doing business gained for him 
a large patronage, and he there laid the founda- 
tions of the success which has uniformly attended 
liim. He became a resident of this State in the 
fall of 1868, emigrating across the Mississippi from 
Sullivan County, N. Y'., where his birth took place on 
the 19th of August, 1834. There his boj'hood and 



t 



I 



-<•- 




GAGE COUNTY. 



bio 



i~ 



j-outli were passed upon a farm, and he became 
familiar with agricultural pursuits, which he fol- 
lowed during his early manhood. 

Andrew Reynolds, the father of our subject, also 
a native of the Empire State, was born in Orange 
County, where he lived until twenty years of age. 
Then starting out for himself, he cast his lot among 
tlie pioneers of Sullivan Count}', that State, taking 
ui) a tract of land in the woods, and building 
thereon a comfortable homestead. In that county 
he was also married to Miss Catherine Van Ben- 
schoten. This lady was of German ancestry, but 
a native of New York State, and the daughter of 
Garrett Van Beuschoten, who had served as a sol- 
dier in the Revolutionar}' War, and spent his last 
days in New York. 

The parents of our subject began life together 
among the early settlers of Sullivan County, N. Y., 
which continued their home until they departed 
hence. The father engaged in farming his entire 
life. The homestead is located in Fallsburg Town- 
ship, and there the parents passed from earth, the 
father in 187G, at the age of eight\'-four years, and 
the mother in 1877, aged eighty-three. They were 
most excellent and worthy people, and members in 
good standing of the Baptist Church. The house- 
hold circle included live sons and three daughters, 
three of whom are living, and of whom George B., 
our subject, was the youngest son. 

!Mr. Reynolds attended the pioneer schools of his 
native county when a boj", and later became a 
student of the institute at Bethany, Pa. He was a 
j-outh of more than ordinary intelligence, fond of 
his books, and at the earl}' age of eighteen j'ears 
began teaching, at which he was engaged several 
years during the winter seasons. At the age of 
twenty-four years he was married in the county of 
his birth, Dec. 28, 1858, to Miss Stella B. Sherwood. 
This lady was born in Liberty, Sullivan Co., N. Y., 
Aug. 22, 1837, and is the eldest daughter of 
Bradley B. and Eliza (Burr) Sherwood, who were 
natives of Counecticut, and who came to this State 
about 1^80. The mother died in Beatrice in the 
fall of 1887, when past seventy years of age. The 
father, aged nearly eighty, is still living, and makes 
bis home with his daughter, Mrs. Henry Randall, 
of Beatrice. The parents unitetl with the Trcsby- 

4* 



terian Cluirch early iu life, and as members of tlie 
community performed well their part. 

Mrs. Reynolds was reared in Liberty Township, 
Sullivan Co., N. Y., where she pursued her first 
lessons in the district school, and later became a 
student of a higher school at Pleasant Mount, Wayne 
Co., Pa. Like her husband she possesses rare in- 
telligence, and as a member of society and the 
mother of a family is fully equal to the duties of 
her high position. Jlr. and Mrs. Reynolds con- 
tinued residents of their native county in New 
Y''ork State until 1868, when they came with their 
sou to Nebraska, and settling in Beatrice, remained 
there until after the birth of two children. Thence 
they removed to their present home iu Lincoln 
Townsliip. The}' have now but three children liv- 
ing. The eldest, Nathan, married Miss Emma Per- 
kins, and is now editor and proprietor of the 
Tecumseh Republican, having been connected with 
the State Journal at Lincoln for some time; Gil- 
bert and Stella are at home. The latter is teach- 
ing, and the former managing the farm. William 
died at the age of four years. Mr. and Mrs. Rey- 
nolds are connected with the Presbyterian Church at 
Beatrice. Mr. R. is a stanch Republican ijolitically, 
takes an active part in local politics, and has served 
as Chairman of the Countj' Central Committee for 
some time. While a resident of Beatrice he was 
elected City Treasurer, serving creditably, and since 
coming to Lincoln Township has also served as 
Township Treasurer. As an efficient and capable 
man, he has fulfilled all the duties of life in the 
most praiseworthy manner, and enjoys the esteem 
and confidence of all who know him. 



'*^. 



■^^^^i^^k^^^T^^f^^--^ 



DWARD G. WALTHER, City Clerk of Blue 

E Springs, also conducts a prosperous saddlery 
and harness business, doing his own manu- 
facturing, ajid enjoying a good patronage. He 
came to this city on the Sth of July, 1881, and for 
four years was employed at his trade in diflfcrent 
places. He established in business on his own 
account in December, 1885, and enjoys a monopoly, 
having the only harness store in tlie i)lace. He is 
straightforward and methodical in his business trans- 






546 



GAGE COUNTY. 



actions, nnd a man in wluin the people Lave 
abundant confidence. 

Ricliard "Waltlier, the father of our subject, was 
born on the otlier side of the Atlantic in Saxonj', 
Germany, on the -27th of August. 1839, and left 
the Fatherland with his father when a lad ten j-ears 
of age. The family settled near AVatertown, Wis., 
where the father first occupied himself in farming, 
but later engaged in mercantile l)usiness. There 
our subject pursued his first studies, and upon ap- 
proaching manhood served an apprenticeship at the 
harness trade. Later he established himself in busi- 
ness at Hustisford, where he operated until 1868. 
In the meantime he had been married, and now 
crossing the Mississippi came to this State, settling 
first in Plattsmouth. where he lived until 1870. He 
then changed his residence to Franklin County, 
taking up 1 60 acres of land. There he engaged 
extensively in hunting and trapping, which was at 
that time a very lucrative employment. In time, 
however, the tide of immigration served to reduce 
the number of fur-bearing animals, and in 1873 
Mr. Walther abandoned his business as a trapper, 
and engaged in farming and the milling business. 
In 1880, with his son, he lemoved to Cedar Rapids, 
Iowa, and resumed harness-making. From there, a 
3'ear later, he came to Blue Springs, establishing 
the shop which he conducted until 188.'i, when he 
sold out to his son, E. G., our subject, and went to 
Florida, and engaged in fruit-growing and general 
farming. In 1888 he returned, and located in 
Brunswick, Mo., and is engaged in the harness 
business. 

While a resident of Wisconsin Mr. Richard Wal- 
ther was united in marriage with one of his own 
countrywomen, Miss Antonio Yahr, and they be- 
came the parents of five children, Edward G. being 
the only son. Two of his sisters are now in Gage 
County, Neb., and two in Wisconsin. The mother 
died at her home in Hustisford in 18G9, and the 
father married again. He was a man prominent in 
the affairs of his community, serving as Justice of 
the Peace, and after coming to Nebraska was 
greatly interested in its advancement and progress. 
As one of its pioneer settlers, and a man in all 
respects worth}', he was held in the highest esteem. 
He was the incumbent of the various school offices 



of his township, and gave his support and encour- 
agement to those projects calculated for its advance- 
ment and prosperit}-. ■ 

The subject of this sketch was born in Hustisford, 
Wis., July 10, 1862, and was a little lad of seven 
j-ears when he came with his sister to Plattsmouth, 
Neb. He was cared for by strangers until the sec- 
ond marriage of his father, in 1872, when he went 
to live with him in Franklin County. There he 
remained until he was nineteen jears old, serving 
an apprenticeship at the harness business, and upon 
leaving home was employed at different places until 
188o. He then purchased the business of his father 
in Blue Springs, where ho has since been established, 
and is now on the highway to prosperity. He is 
popular among his townsmen, and a member in 
good standing of the I. O. O. F. 

The mother of our subject was born in Germany, 
and was the daughter of Ernest Yahr, a n.itive of 
the same locality, and of pure German ancestrj'. 
The family crossed the Atlantic when their daugh- 
ter Antonio was a child of eleven 3'ears, and set- 
tling on a farm in Dodge County, Wis., remained 
there with them until her marriage. In the Father- 
land Ernest Yahr was employed as a woolen manu- 
facturer, but upon coming to this country' engaged 
in farm pursuits. He departed this life about 1882. 
His excellent wife had preceded him to the silent 
land in about 1 844. They were most worthy peo- 
ple, and members in good standing of the German 
Lutheran Church. The father and his sons im- 
proved a fine farm from the wilderness of Dodge 
County, Wis., and the latter .are now numbered 
among its best citizens. Politically, Mr. Walther 
atliliates with the Republican party. 



^ l*;ILLIAM G. WASHBURN, Secretary and 
\rJ// Treasurer of the Beatrice Sewer Pipe 
^/^ Company, is a native of Maine, and was 
born in Calais, Washington County, May 26, 1851. 
He lived there with his parents, George and Eliza 
(Gilmor) Washburn, until a lad of thirteen years. 
George Washburn, father of William G., was Cap- 
tain of Company K, 12lh Maine Regiment, and 
served during the late war, mostl}' under command 

•^ 



I 



-4^ 




GAGE COUNTY. 



547 



of Gen. Butler. He died at Honlton. Me.. April 15. 
1883; the mother is still living, making her home 
with our subject. Their famil}' consisted of six 
children, three sons and three daughters. The eld- 
est daughter, Emily W., died Feb. 24, 1884; two 
brothers, Charles Fremont and George A., reside in 
Gage Countj-, this Slate: Marj- E., single, and Julia 
C, the wife of Horace Waite, are residents of Boston. 
The father was a native of Kennebec County, Me., 
and the mother of Belfast, Ireland. 

When William G. was thirteen his p.arents changed 
their residence to Honlton, Aroostook County. There 
our subject attended school and continued until a 
3'outh of nineteen years, being occupied when not 
at his studies as the assistant of his father in his 
flouring-mill and on his farm. He completed his 
studies at Houlton Academy Jn Maine, and then 
leaving his native State went to the town of Holy- 
oke, Mass., where he was employed bj' the lumber 
firm of Wiggin & Flagg, with whom he remained 
five and one-half years. In Maj', 1872, we find 
him in Chicago, 111., and the employe of S. K. Mar- 
tin, a lumber dealer, as traveling agent; he was 
thus occupied until 1876. Then, returning to Mas- 
sachusetts, he engaged with a Boston lumber firm, 
handling their material on commission, and was 
connected with the lumber trade at the Hub until 
in December, 1878. 

In Januarj', 1879, Mr. Washburn formed a part- 
nership vvith S. K. Martin, of Chicago, and they 
established a lumber business in Beatrice, where they 
operated together until January, 1888; at tiiat time 
they closed out the j-ard at Beatrice and Mr. Wash- 
burn disposed of his lumber interests. In the mean- 
time they established branch yards at Wymore and 
Libertj' ; the two latter are being managed by the 
brothers of Mr. Washburn for S. K. Martin & Co. 
The Beatrice Sewer Pipe Company was incorpo- 
rated in 1884 and began business in 1885, and our 
subject was one of the original stockholders. On 
the 25th of May, 1887, he was elected Secretary, 
and in 1888 Treasurer, which position he holds at 
the present time. The factory is located half a 
mile south of the citj', although within the corpo- 
rate limits. It furnishes employment to fort3'men. 
Mr. Washburn devotes his entire time to the busi- 
ness, and is considered the proper man for the place 




he occupies. They have built up a large and grow- 
ing trade and the output is of a superior quality. 

One of the most important events in the life of 
our subject was his marriage, April 15, 1881, his 
bride being Miss Flora E., daughter of D. O. and 
Julia A. (Peabody) Wight, of Boston, Mass. Of 
this union there have been born four children, 
namely: Edward Wight, Jessie Beatrice, Arthur 
Wendell and Edna Gilmor. Mr. Washburn repre- 
sented the First Ward as Alderman for a period of 
four years, and is an ex-President of the Board of 
Trade. Politically, he is an uncompromising Dem- 
ocrat. 

"' ' % ' ^ *t L ' 1 ' %" '" 

UGUST VONDERFECHT. The subject of 
this sketch, a man in the prime of life and 
midst of his usefulness, occupies a promi- 
nent position as a leading farmer and stock- 
raiser of Ciatonia Township, where he has lived for 
the last twelve years. He has built up from a tract 
of wild land a valuable farm, and is numbered 
among the well-to-do citizens who have made their 
mark in Gage County as men of industry and intel- 
ligence. 

Our subject first opened his ej'cs on the other 
side of the Atlantic, in the Province of Hanover, 
Germany, March 24, 1847. His parents were John 
and Sophia (Long) Vonderfecht, and he was their 
youngest son. Their famih' included nine children, 
three of whom are living; two are residents of G.age 
County and one of Germany. The father died 
about 1886; the mother is in Germanj\ 

Young Vonderfecht received a practical educa- 
tion in his native countr}', and early in life became 
familiar with agricultural pursuits. In the early 
part of 1866, determining to seek his fortunes on 
the Western Continent, he embarked on a sailing- 
vessel from the port of Bremen, and after a tedious 
voyage of eleven weeks and one day, he set foot 
upon American soil in tl\e city of New York. Dur- 
ing the voyage they had run out of provisions and 
about a third of the piissengers were thrown over- 
board, and the balance were half starved upon 
their arrival at their journey's end. Our subject 
proceeded directly to Tazewell County, 111., where 
he was employed three years as a fann laborer, and 



i 



f 



i 



-^- 



-•► 



548 



GAGE COUNTY. 



with a small amount of money which he had man- 
aged to save, now started for Nebraska. He first 
homesteaded eighty acres of land on section 34 in 
Buda Precinct. Lancaster County, upon which he 
resided six years. Not being quite satisfied with 
the result of his labors there, he resolved to change 
his residence, and accordingly settled on the land 
which he now occupies, and which is pleasantly lo- 
cated on section 20. Here he now has 240 acres, 
all of which he has brought to a productive condi- 
tion. He has also erected substantial buildings and 
surrounded himself and family with those comforts 
and conveniences indispensable to the happiness of 
the modern .igriculturist. 

Our subject, while a resident of Tazewell County, 
111., was united in marriage with Miss Maggie Hel- 
ler, and they are now the parents of five interesting 
children, three sons and two daughters; they are 
all living and named respectively: William H.; 
Emma Sophia, born Jan. 1, 1872; Lena, April 13, 
1873; Edward, July 31, 1877, and Ernst. April 3, 
1884. Mr. Vonderfecht is Democratic is politics, 
and a member in good standing of the Lutheran 
Church. He occupies the position of Moderator in 
bis school district, is quite prominent in local affairs, 
and a man whose opinions are uniformly respected. 



-^tS^OSc-i- 



# 




4 



\^^ ANIEL MOSCHEL, a leading German 
farmer of Lincoln Township, owns and oc- 
cupies 160 acres of land, which he has 
brought to a good state of cultivation, and 
upon which he has erected a substantial set of frame 
buildings. A view of the homeste.ad is presented 
on an adjoining page. In addition to general agri- 
culture he gives considerable attention to stock-rais- 
ing, keeping a goodly assortment of cattle, horses and 
swine. He possesses the true thrift and industry 
which are national characteristics of his race, and is 
one of the most peaceable and law-abiding citizens 
in this community. 

Our subject came to this township in 1882, re- 
moving from the vicinitj- of Beatrice, where he had 
a farm of eighty acres which he impioved from the 
raw prairie, lie first set foot upon the soil of Ne- 
4« 



braska in 1876, and the greater part of that time 
has been a resident of Gage Count3-. A native of 
the Kingdom of Bavaria, Germ.any, he was born on 
the 17th of March, 1854, and came to the United 
States with his mother, Marg.Tret (Shantz) Moschel, 
his father. Christian Moschel, having died in his 
native Germany when Daniel was a child of eight- 
een months. The widowed mother brought all her 
children with her, and the}' located first in Tazewell 
County, 111., where they maintained themselves by 
farming, and where the}- lived until crossing the 
Mississippi. 

The mother of our subject died near the city of 
Beatrice at the age of seventj'-four years, Oct. 
4, 1876. Both parents belonged to the Protestant 
Church. Daniel is the youngest of seven living 
children, and acquired his education chiefly in the 
schools of Tazewell Countj-, 111. He was earlj' in 
life made acquainted with hard labor, and thus 
formed those habits of industry which have re- 
sulted in his ultimate success. After coming to this 
county he was married in Lincoln Township, Oct. 
0, 1878, to Miss Sophia Knoche. Mrs. Moschel 
was born in Illinois, Jan. 5, 1860, and is the daugh- 
ter of Christopher Knoche, a sketch of whom 
appears elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Knoche left 
Illinois in 1870, and taking up his abode in this 
county eng.iged in farming. The parents are now 
residents of Gage County. 

Mr. Moschel and his wife began the journey of 
life together in Midland Township, and worked in 
harmony to build up a homestead. Their union has 
been blessed by the birth of sis children, one of whom 
died in infancy, and another, whom they named 
Clara, when two months old. The survivors are 
Christian, Carolme, Minnie and Elmer. The eldest 
is nine years of age and the youngest one year. Mr. 
Moschel as the native of an Etnpire having among 
its laws the admirable one of compulsory education, 
believes in securing to the young those advantages 
which will make of them worthy and intelligent 
citizens, and accordingl}' will give to his children 
the education which his means and station will jus- 
tify. He cast his first Presidential vote for Tilden, 
identifying himself with the Democratic part}', of 
which he still reuiains a firm supporter. The home- 
stead which he has built up, adding greatly to its 



•^ M ^9 







r-r?itir^'- -r-f^-''^-' 



■fc^qfcSSfci:^fe-.x>v^'-i^ -..■.--■-^ '^^'.-.irr^^^^^i^^^i^aM^y:-: 



Residence OF W. J. Burge5S,Sec.27 Grant Township 







'^■^.■>.^'«,-^->XrK^^*y^:riJ<'*^^»a-.^.-~iMr»'^-t~-'.^^^ 



Residence OF Daniel Moschel,Sec 2 . Lincoln Township. 



■^•- 



GAGE COUNTY. 




551 



value since lie came into possession of it, is recog- 
nized ns tliat of an inihislrious ami intelligent 
citizen, who is liiglilj' worthy of representation in 
this worl\. 

^ .^^ ^ 



*' 



y^ILLIAM .T. BURGESS, a general farmer 
and stock-raiser of Grant Township, owns 
W^ real estate on section 27 to the extent of 
, IGO acres of good land, which he homsteaded dur- 
ing the early settlement of Nebraska. Making his 
purcl'.ase directly from Uncle Sam, the spring of 
1867 found him located where he has since lived, 
and where his most industrious efforts have been 
exerted in the building np of a homestead which 
will be for him a snug haven during his declining 
years. 

Mr. Burgess came direct to this section of the 
countrj' fro'u Racine County, Wis., which was the 
home of his bojhood and youth, and where his 
birth took place in Dover Township, March 14, 
1846. His parents were Nchemiah and Sophia 
(Woodman) Burgess, and he was their second son 
and child. Nehemiah Burgess was born in Ver- 
mont, and emigrated to AVisconsin while a single 
man. Securing a tract of land in the wilds of 
Dover Township, he transformed the uncultivated 
soil to a productive condition, and erected the build- 
ings necessary for the comfort of his family'. Pre- 
vious to this, however, he had been united in mar- 
riage with one of the most estimable young women 
of that section. Miss Sophia Woodman, ivho was 
born in Palm}'ra, N. Y., and migrated with her 
parents to Wisconsin after attaining mature years. 

The parents of our subject began life together in 
the most primitive fashion, making it a point to 
live within their income, and experienced all the 
hardships and difficulties of life in a new settle- 
ment. They continued residents of the Badger 
Suite until 1867, then crossing the Father of Waters, 
came to this county, and the father departed hence 
in the fall of 1877. The mother is still living, and 
makes her home with her children in Grant Town- 
ship. 

Our subject was reared to manhood in his native 
county, and acquired his education in the district 

<^« 



! schools. He came to Ncbr.iska a single man, and 
was married in Grant Township to Miss Alice A. 
Kinzie, who was born near Elkhart, Ind., Oct. 19. 
1854. Her parents, Daniel and Marv (Anderson) 
Kinzie, were natives of Virginia and Oliio respect- 
ively, and were married in Elkhart County, Ind. 
After the birth of several children they emigrated 
to Iowa County, Wis., their daughter, Alice A., 
being then a little child three years of age and the 
fourth in the farailj". The father had learned the 
miller's trade in early manhood, and followed it 
mostlj' until coming to Nebraska. Here they lo- 
cated in Grant Township about 1874, where the 
death of both pai-ents occurred when thej' were ripe 
in 3'ears. Mrs. Kinzie was a most estimable ladv, 
and a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. Mr. K., politically, was a stanch Democrat. 

Mrs. Burgess received an excellent education in 
her native county, where she continued at home 
with her parents, and accompanied them to Ne- 
braska when a young woman. Of her union with 
our subject there have been born four children — 
Dora M., Cora A., William E. and Maude. The 
home and its surroundings present a pleasant pic- 
ture of rural life in the midst of |)eace and plent}-, 
and surrounded by a comraunit3' where the inmates 
are held in the highest respect. Mr. Burgess cast his 
first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, and uni- 
formly supports the Republican party. He has al- 
ways taken a warm interest in local affairs, and 
under the new law was elected second Supervisor 
of Grant Township, the duties of which ofBce he 
discharged in a manner highly creditable to himself 
and satisfactory to the people. During the late 
war he served as a soldier in the Union Arm3', en- 
listing in Company G, 2d Wisconsin Cavalry, his 
regiment being assigned to the Western and South- 
western divisions of the arnij-. 

After twenty-one months of honorable service, 
during which time our subject met the enemy in 
various skirmishes and endured manj' hardships 
and privations, he received his honorable discharge, 
returning home unharmed, with the exception of 
the natural results of privation and exposure. There 
were times when the soldiers suffered severely for 
the want of wholesome food and water, and thej' 
were often obliged to go long periods without any- 



1^^:*^ 



,t 



-4^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



thing at all to eat or drink. Mr. B., socially, be- 
longs to the G. A. R. Post, at DeWitt. Among the 
views of many of the excellent farms presented in 
this volume may be found that of Mr. Burgess' 
place. 



ellARLKS E. TUCK. Logan Township con- 
tains few citizens more enterprising, honor- 
able and patriotic to the institutions of the 
State and country than the subject of this sketch. 
In earlier life he traveled the I'ough road of ex- 
perience, to reach the position of his present suc- 
cess in life, and has often found in the compan- 
ionship which it has been his privilege to enjoy, 
the stimulus, inspiration and help to prosecute his 
journey toward this most-to-be-desired goal. His 
beautiful farm, which, thanks to his intimate knowl- 
edge of agriculture and his physical abilitj' to util- 
ize the same, has been brought to an almost perfect 
state of agricultural efficiency, is 160 acres in ex- 
tent, and contains within its borders some of the 
most fertile and tillable land in the county. 

Our suliject is the son of Edward and Mary A. 
(Fry) Tuck, natives of New Hampshire and Massa- 
chusetts respectively. His father, whose chosen 
occupation in life was that of a farmer and drover, 
was born in the year 1817. In 1856 he went to 
Henderson County, 111., where he continued in hus- 
bandry until he died, in 1864. His wife was born 
in 1827. and is at present residing in Woodland, 
Cal. Their union was completed by the birth Of 
eight children, whose names areas follows: Lyman 
P.; Charles E., our subject; EllaT., Elma A., Mary 
E., Mercy A., Harold W. S. and Albert F. The 
grandfather of our subject on his father's side was 
Col. Edward Tuck, of the United States Army in 
1812. Mr. Tuck's great-grandfather was a soldier 
in the Revolution, and died in the mountains while 
returning from the war. 

Grafton, N. H., is the place of the birth of our 
subject, which took place upon the 31st of Decem- 
ber, 1849. His education was that common to the 
times, and was the best the schools of the district 
afforded. At the age of seventeen he began farm- 
ing for himself. 

In 1880 our subject removed to Logan Township, 
Gage County, and settled upon the farm at present 



occupied by him, which, however, owes all its i'l^- 
provements, everything that distinguishes it from 
its primitive condition, to his intelligent efforts. His 
house occupies one of the best sites on the farm, is 
substantially built and well designed ; although not 
what would be called a grand house, it is to our 
subject grander than the grandest; better than the 
best could be, were the faces of those who make 
this home what it is absent. Besides the residence 
he has put up a good barn and windmill, has put 
out groves and orchard, and his well-tilled fields 
are all well fenced or hedged. In 1885 our subject 
went to California, but not being satisfied with the 
outlook he returned here the same year. 

Upon the 8th of October, 1875, in Washington 
County, Iowa, our subject was united in marriage 
with Phebe Walker. This lady was born in Vinton 
Count}', Ohio, on the 23d of September, 1850. She is 
well educated, attended the Washington County 
(Iowa) High School, and has taught school for three 
terms, in which she manifested an abilit}' and power 
not usual excepting among older and far more ex- 
perienced educators. Her father, John Walker, 
was born in England, in the sixth year of the present 
century, and was brought to the United States in 
1818, when his parents removed hither. His first 
home in the New World was near Muskingum, 
Ohio, in the days when the State was first being 
opened up, and when it was in the beginning of its 
pioneer experience. He removed to Washington 
County, Iowa, in 1867, and there made his home 
until his death, in 1883. Her mother, whose 
maiden name was Susan Ellis, was born in Ohio in 
1809, and now resides with her son. Mrs. Tuck has 
become the mother of three children : Minnie A., 
who was born on the 18th of Jul}', 1877; also Susan 
Stella and Mary Ella, twins, who were born on the 
25th of July, 1881. 

The farailj' of which the wife of our subject was 
a member comprised besides the parents thirteen 
children, whose names are here appended: Edward, 
William M., Thomas, Naomi, Anna and Elizabeth 
(both of whom are deceased), George W., Fletcher, 
Samuel, Leonard, Mary, Phebe and James W. 
Edward enlisted in the 18th Ohio Infantry, in the 
year 1861, for a term of three years, and served 
throughout that period, and not without commenda- 



• ► fjV : 



; 



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GAGE COUNTY. 



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553 



tion for distinguished conduct; William M. en- 
listed as a 100-days man in the Ohio Home Guards, 
in 1 864 ; he was slightly affected in his leg. but not 
sufficient to hinder such service as might be de- 
manded of him in this connection, but he was taken 
into actual service in the South at a time when 
there was special demand for men ; there he be- 
came rapid!}' worse, and is now helpless and de- 
pendent. Fletcher enlisted in the 43d Ohio Infantry- 
in 1861. was taken sick, and died at Corinth; 
George enlisted in the 118th Illinois Infantry, and 
during his service contracted disease from which he 
has never recovered; he received au honorable 
discharge and returned to his home. Thomas en- 
listed in the Home Guards and was taken into 
actual service, and served his full term ; Leonard 
enlisted in 1863 in the 114th Ohio Infantry; he 
received a wound in the head, and while in the hos- 
pital was taken sick with measles and died. 

The wife of our subject is a very devout member 
of the Methodist Church, and attends at Prairie 
Chapel ; she is looked upon as one of the most de- 
vout and earnest of its members, and is universally 
respected. Mr. Tuck is at present Treasurer and 
one of the Trustees of the said church. He is 
also now in his third consecutive term as Township 
Treasurer, besides which he has been School Treas- 
urer for one term. In each of these offices the 
manner of his conduct of affairs has been most sat- 
isfactory in every regard. Socially, he is promi- 
nently connected with the Masonic fraternity, and 
has been adjudged worthy of being raised to the 
sublime degree of a Master Mason, and of being 
advanced to the eminent degree of a Knight 
Templar. He is affiliated with the order in Beatrice, 
where he holds his membership in lodge. Chapter 
and Commandery. The politics of our subject are 
along the line of the principles of the Republican 
party, of which he is an old member, and has al- 
ways been considered a firm friend and supporter. 



•i- 



#-# 



EVAN J. RODERICK, Treasurer of Gage 
County, was born in the Principality- of 
Wales, at the modest home of his parents in 
the little village of Taliesiu, on the 21st of June, 



1856. When a lad twelve years of age, his parents, 
Evan and Ann (Jones) Roderick, who were of the 
same nativity and: nationality as their^son, emi- 
grated to America, settling first in Wdkesbarre, 
Luzerne Co.. Pa. There his father engaged in the 
boot and shoe business, and there botli parents 
spent the remainder of their lives. 

To the parents of our subject there were born 
four cliildren, three sons and one daughter, of 
whom Evan was the youngest. His brother Ed- 
ward is in partnership with him, the firm name 
being Roderick Bros., dealers in general merchan- 
dise, at Blue Springs; his sister is deceased; the 
other brother, George, is a farmer in .Sicily Town- 
ship, this county. Evan completed his education in 
the commercial department of Wyoming Seminary, 
at Kingston, Pa., and began his business experi- 
ence as a clerk in a drj'-goods store at Wilkesbarre, 
with John Roderick. His next engagement was 
with the firm of Schofield and Riley, of whose busi- 
ness he assumed the management until the year 
1876. Thence he migrated to New York City, and 
engaged as traveling salesman for the commission 
firm of Mooretingue <fe Co., dealers in dry -goods, 
principally dress fabrics. He was next located in 
Utica, N. Y., and emplo3'ed as head salesman with 
the firm of Shepherd <fe Co., with whom he remained 
two and one-half years. 

At the expiration of this time Mr. Roderick es- 
tablished himself in business on his own account in 
a store of general merchandise at Floyd Corners, 
Oneida Co., N. Y. ; later he formed a partnership 
with his brother, and they continued together until 
our subject came to the West. Upon his arrival in 
this county he located in Blue .Springs, where he 
still crirries on mercantile business in partnership 
with his brother. They have built up a good busi- 
ness, and as the result of a liberal patronage put 
up a neat storehouse covering an area of 24x90 
feet, built of brick and two stories in height. In 
1885 he became interested in the breeding of 
horses, including both fast trotting stock and draft 
animals. He had previously to this secured a 
tract of land which is now devoted to his stock 

operations. 

In the fall of 1885 Mr. Roderick, who had long 
been recognized as a valued addition to both the 



f 



-4^ 



554 



GAGE COUNTY. 



business and social circles of tliis county, was 
chosen as tlie nominee of the Reijubiican party for 
Treasurer of Gage County, and soon after his elec- 
tion assumed the duties of his office, in January, 
1886. The result of the election was one of which 
he has reason to be proud, as his opponent was a 
prominent member of the communit3', as well as of 
the Democratic party. Mr. R. was the first Repub- 
lican candidate elected to any iuiportant ofHce 
outside of the city of Beatrice, and such was the effi- 
ciency vvith which he fulfilled his duties that he was 
re-elected to the same office in November, 1887, 
and is now (i888) approaching the completion of 
the first 3'ear of his second term. He was re- 
elected by a much larger majority than at first, and 
appears to be in all respects the right man in the 
right place. 

Mr. Roderick was married in Princeton, Bureau 
Co., 111., in October, 1885, to Miss Mollie B. 
Crossley, who was of Princeton, 111., and is the 
daughter of Dr. George W. and Mary C. (Sbugart) 
Crosslej'. Dr. Crossley was a native of Princeton, 
111., and was one of the most prominent and popu- 
lar physicians of that part of the Prairie State. He 
and his wife are both deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Roderick there has been born one child, a daughter, 
Gwendolen. The farm of Mr. Roderick embraces 
160 acres of valuable land, adjacent to the town of 
Blue Springs. It is hardly necessary to state that 
he is an active Republican. Sociallj', he belongs to 
the Masonic fraternity, being a member of Blue 
Lodge, at Blue Springs. He is also a Knight Tem- 
plar, a member of Mt. Herman Commandery, at 
Beatrice. 



\T/ AMES TAYLOR is a son of Jacob and Alice 
I Taylor, whose biography appears in this 
^-^1 work. He was born on the 15th of Febru- 
l^K^ ary, 1853, in England, and when a child he 
was brought by his parents to America. He was 
reared in Illinois, receiving his education in the 
district schools, and afterward he took a course of 
study in the Davenport (Iowa) Business College. 

On the 23d of Januar3% 1881, our subject was 
united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Massey, of 
this county, she having conic from England, her 



native country, in the spring of 1880. Her parents, 
George and Selina Massey, are natives of England, 
in which country the father still lives. 

To brighten their home and add a charm to their 
lives, there have been given four children to our 
subject and his wife, viz: Charles E., Arthur G., 
Lillian M. and John Sherman. Mrs. Taj'lor is a 
member of the Church of England. 

Mr. Taylor is the owner of a fine farm of 160 
acres, located on section 24, Sicily Township, on 
which he lives. He has his farm in a good state 
of cultivation and splendidly improved. Besides 
giving particular attention to the growing of grain, 
he has been interested in the raising of livestock, of 
which he raises enough to use all the grain grown 
on his farm. He is also the owner of another farm 
consisting of 142 acres on section 28. He is an 
energetic and enterprising young farmer, and has 
met with success, as his present prosperous condi- 
tion indicates. He is a Republican in politics, and 
is interested in the advancement of all educational, 
business and social movements. He enjoj's the 
confidence and esteem of his neighbors, and is al- 
ways pleased to knovv of their success. 

EUBEN CAVETT. Upon section 26 of 
if Rockford Township is the farm of our sub- 
V, ject, which is some 200 acres in extent, and 
^^P) exhibits in every department most unmis- 
takable signs of enterprise, thrift, progress, success 
and ability, all the more praiseworthj' because Mr. 
Cavett is even now only in the full vigor of his 
manhood. He is the son of James and Lucy A. 
(Barnes) Cavett, who were born, the father in 
Pennsylvania, the mother in Ohio. James Cavett, 
the grandfather of our subject, came from Scotland 
and settled in the Ke^'stone State in an early da3'. 
As a young man the father of our subject settled 
in Ohio. Thence, in 1846, he migrated to Ogle 
County, 111., and died there at the age of thirty- 
eight years, in 1855, having for several years by 
his industry been in quite easy circumstances. His 
wife, who is sevent^'-one j'ears of age, resides with 
our subject. The family circle included four chil- 
dren, two of whom survive. Their names are lie 



n 




•«» 



GAGE COUNTY. 



colder! as follows : C3'nthia A., who died in cliild- 
liuod, as did also her brother, John I). Besides 
these are Reuben, our subject, and his sister Eliza- 
beth, who is now Mrs. H. C. Colburn, and lives 
at Blue Springs, this county. 

On r subject was born Sept. 21, 1841, upon the 
old farm in Van Wert Countj-, Ohio. He was five 
years of age when the faniilj' removed to Illinois, 
and fourteen when lie lost his father. Owing to the 
newness of the country- his education was received 
in a private school, and in consequence of his 
father's death was confined within far narrower 
limits than had been designed. From a youth 
until the year 1862 he took charge of and managed 
the farm, but in response to the call for men in that 
year he enlisted for a term of 100 days in Company 
I, 140th Illinois Infantiy, was mustered into the 
service at Springfield, III., and almost immediately 
departed for Memphis, where the regiment was em- 
ployed in guarding the Memphis & Charleston 
Railroad. At the expiration of the 100 d.ays, he 
received an honorable discharge at Chicago, and 
returned home and resumed farming. 

In 1865 Mr. Cavett was hap|)il}' wedded to Miss 
Calesta Todd, a daughter of Wilkenson and Aletha 
Todd, a lady whose home .and school education has 
both tended to fit her for a position in either 
domestic or social circle whenever she should be 
called upon to occupy them. She has without 
doubt brought into the life and home of our sub- 
ject influences that have given to it tone, color and 
completeness. She is the youngest of a family of 
six children, and was born at Findla}', Ohio, on the 
IGth of September, 1844. When but three j-ears 
of age she was left fatherless, and was just prepared 
to enter into her teens when her mother also was re- 
moved by death, and she was left in the most awful 
loneliness, that of the orphan. A cousin, Mrs. J. 
Bixby. of Findlay, was deeply moved b}' this sad be- 
reavement, and adopted, her into her family, which 
was her home until her marriage. 

After their union our subject and his wife con- 
tinued upon the farm in Ogle County-, year by year 
increasing in prosperity. In 1880 this property 
was sold, and they removed to Nebraska, and in 
the fall of the following year their present farm 
w.as purchased. If a well-built, roomy house. 



^ 



beautifullj- furnished and pleasantly' situated, make 
a home, then our subject has a home; but without 
doubt these things, however beautiful, and much to 
be desired, would lose their attraction were it not 
for those who are its brightness, the famil}- circle, 
wiiich. besides the wife and mother, includes three 
children, whose names are here given, viz: Luc}', 
Charles H. and Nettie A. Besides these there is one 
little one, Wilbur, who was laid awjiy to sleep until 
the great awakening, having departed this life at the 
tender age of four years. 

For several years our subject has ably filled the 
office of School Director, a position eminently 
congenial to him. since his interest in educational 
matters has alw.ays been great. Our subject never 
has been what would be called a politician, but has 
at the same time ever been mindful of his duty as a 
citizen, and usually votes with the Republican 
part}-, which looks upon him as a faithful friend and 
supporter. This deeply interesting and intelligent 
family- are held in universall}- high regard by the 
comraunitj' in which thej' reside, and there are none 
who more appreciate such sentiments than they. 



l]|^^ OBERT J. CULLY is a prosperous farmer 
jlts*^ and stock-raiser residing on sections 31 and 
/*i'* 32, Elm Township. He is the son of Samp- 
^^son and Elizabeth (.lohnson) Cully, the 
former a native of Ohio and the latter of Pennsyl- 
vania. They were married in Fayette County, Ind., 
where the father was engaged in farming until the 
time of his death, at the age of seventy -one years. 
The mother departed this life when she was sixty 
years old. Our subject was born in Faj-ette Count}', 
Ind., on the 29th of November, 1830, and was the 
eldest of fourteen children born to his parents. He 
attended the common schools in the district and 
spent most of his early life on his father's farm. 

When our subject was twent^'-five years old he 
went to Morgan Count}', III., and engaged in farm- 
ing for two j'ears, subsequentlj' moving to Marion 
County. Iowa, where he purch.ased 150 acres of land, 
on which he made his home for twent\-two years. 
During his residence in Marion County he was 
Deputy Sheriff one year. At the end of that time 



*► 1 1 ^ ' 



• ^M <• 



J^ 



^ 



Oi>b 



gagp: county. 



be moved to this State and began the work of cul- 
tivating a farm of 480 acres in Elm Township, 
which was originally a part of the Otoe and Missouri 
Reservations. Much hard work and constant dili- 
gence were necessary in order to bring the farm to 
its present condition, and it is now the source of a 
lucrative income. Our subject has made many 
improvements, and has beautified and adorned his 
home with groves of trees and rows of beautiful 
hedge fences, which are kept well trimmed and add 
very much to the attractiveness of the place. He 
is engaged in general fanning and stock-raising, and 
of the grains he makes a specialty of raising corn 
extensively. 

Mr. Cully was married in Marion County, Iowa, 
on the 4th of April, 1850, to Miss Ellen Ives, 
a daughter of Josiah and Mary (Coughlin) Ives, 
the former of whom was a native of New Jersej' 
and the latter of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Cully was 
born in Plymouth, Pa., on the 23d of December, 
1833, and when she was but a child her parents 
moved to Sunbury, Ohio; from there they moved 
to Meudota, 111. After residing there a few years 
they went to Marion County, Iowa, and about 
1874 to Des Moines, the same State, where the 
father is now living a retired life; the mother died 
Jan. 26, 1878. 

Mr. Cully made the acquaintance of the lady 
whom he made his wife in Iowa, and by their mar- 
riage they have had a family of ten children, five of 
whom are deceased. The surviving members are: 
James P., John A., William S., Charles T. and Jo- 
siah S. James P. married Miss Florence Pickering, 
and they now live in Elm Township, and have two 
children in their home, whose names are Ralph H. 
and Inez; William S. married Miss Lora Brandt, 
and thej' also live in Elm Township, and have one 
child, Clarence; John A. married Ada Gear; they 
also live in this township. The other two children 
are living at home on the farm. 

The gentleman of whom we write has served as 
School Treasurer for five years, and has been at the 
head of many of the important improvements in 
the educational advantages of this township. He 
was elected Justice of the Peace in 1881, and after 
serving for four j-ears he was re-elected. He 
has been a member of the I. 0. O. F., and he and 



his wife are honored members of the Baptist 
Church, at LSteele City. Our subject has no small 
amount of inventive genius, of which he makes use 
in facilitating the labor on the farm, as an illustra- 
tion of whicli he has had made a large force mill 
about 1,250 feet from the house, which forces water 
to the kitchen for general purposes, having to 
make a rise of thirty-five feet. 

Mr. Cully has reached the age at which he can 
afford to cease his arduous labors, and as he has 
been prosperous in his vocation, and has a pleasant 
home with conveniencies and luxuries abounding, 
he is well situated to enjoy tiie remainder of his life 
in happy contentment. He is a Republican in poli- 
tics, though originally a Whig; his first vote for 
President was' for Gen. Fremont, and during the 
war he was a stanch Union man. He has lived long 
enough to see the evil effects of the use of spiritu- 
ous liquors, therefore he is a strong temperance 
advocate. Mrs. Cully is a very hospitable and 
estimable lady, and unsurpassed in domestic virtues. 



<S|OEL C. WILLIAMS, President of the Blue 
Springs Bank, and ex-Mayor of the city, is 
a gentleman widely and favorably known 
throughout this region, having been closely 
identified with its business interests for the last nine 
j'ears. He represents valuable property, owning a 
fine residence with handsome grounds, and other 
real estate in the city. He transacts a general bank- 
ing business, and from his prompt and straightfor- 
ward methods has gained the esteem and confidence 
of a large circle of friends and patrons. The Blue 
Springs Bank was established in 1880, and has be- 
come one of the indispensable institutions of the 
county. 

The main points in the parental history- of C)ur 
suljject are substantially as follows: His father, 
John Williams by name, was born in New Jersey 
about 1823, and was there reared to manhood. 
There also he was married to Miss Elmira Ran- 
dolph, who became the mother of our subject, and 
who died when he was a small child. He was then 
taken into the home of his grandparents, bj' whom 
he was reared until eighteen j^ears of age. 



■•► 



■^•- 



GAGE COUNTY. 



"^T* 



Joel C Williams was born in Jerseyville, III., 
Oct. 6, 1H48, anil is conseqnpnlly a man in llic 
l)rinio of life and liic midst of his usefulness. He 
remained a resident of his native city until reaching 
liis majority, receiving a good education, and em- 
ploying liimself when not in school at farming. In 
April of 1 809, desirous of trying his fortune in 
one of the rising communities of the West, he 
came to thi.s county, and purchased an unimproved 
farm on section 20, in Sherman Townsiiip, which 
lie lived upon and cultivated for a period of ten 
years. In the meantime he effected the various 
improvements suggested to the modern and pro- 
gressive farmer, putting up a dwelling, and erecting 
the other buildings necessarj' for his comfort and 
convenience. He planted an orchard, set out fruit 
and shade trees, enclosed tlie fields with hedge, and 
in fact built up one of tlie best farms in the county. 
He sold it in 1881, soon after coming to the city of 
Blue Springs. 

Mr. Williams is a man of more than ordinary 
ability, and has been uniformly successful in his 
business and farming operations. While having 
much to engross his mind besides the ordinary rou- 
tine of office cares, he has ever kejit in mind the 
matters pertaining to the general welfare vf his 
commuuitj', and lias signalized himself as a liberal- 
minded and public-spirited citizen, giving liis sub- 
stantial support to the entcrjjrises calculated to 
advance the common interest, and enhance the 
reputation of the citj^, both as a business point and 
a desirable jilace for residence. These qualities of 
his character have been generously recognized by 
the people of tliis county and city, by whom lie has 
been chosen to fill important offices. He was 
Treasurer of the city schools for a period of six 
years, and was elected to the Mayoralty on the 
Eepublican ticket in the spring of 1887. He has 
fulfilled the duties of his office in a manner credit- 
able to himself and acceptable to the people. He 
was a member of the School Board for several 
terms, and has been foremost in the establishment 
and maintenance of the institutions calculated to 
advance the rising generation in the manner which 
should make of them useful and worthy citizens. 

The marriage of Joel Williams and Miss Carrie 
IJonnalley was celebrated at the home of the bride 



in Jersey County, III., Jan. 29, 1870, .and the young 
|)eoplc began the journey of life together in Gage 
County, wiiere Mr. Williams was engaged in f.arra- 
ing. In due time they became the parents of two 
children, a daughter .-lud son, Nettie and Thomas, 
who are now att(Miding school. Mrs. Williams was 
born in Pennsylvania, Aug. 18, 1849, and is the 
daughter of Tliomas K. and Susan Donnalley, who 
were born and reared in the Keystone State. A 
few years after their marriage they immigrated to 
Illinois, locating near tlie then young town of 
Jersey ville, where Miss Carrie was reared to woman- 
hood, and acquired her education in the public 
schools. There also she became acfjuainted with 
her future husband. She continued a member of 
the parental household until her marriage. 

Thomas K. Donnalley w.as a farmer by occupa- 
tion, and with his excellent wife a member in good 
standing of the Presbyterian Church. They are 
still living at the homestead near Jerseyville. Mr. 
and Mrs. Williams upon coming to Nebraska found 
themselves compar.atively pioneer settlers, there 
being very few neighbors near them, and onl^- a 
small portion of the land around them under culti- 
vation. Mr. Williams first purchased a half-section, 
to which he ad<ledas his capital allowed, and finally 
became the owner of 400 acres, all of which he 
brought to a productive condition. 

John AVilliams. the father of our subject, was 
married to a Miss Randolph, daughter of Lewis 
Randolph, of Delhi, 111. She also was a native of 
New Jersey, where she lived with her parents until 
her marriage, and departed this life at her home 
near Verdon, in 1851. Lewis Randolph was born 
in New Jersey, where he was reared to manhood, 
and thence emigrated to Illinois during its pioneer 
days. He purchased a tract of wild land in Jersey 
County, and which now lies near the town of Delhi. 
From this he Iniilt up a fine farm, which is now 
valuable, and from which he receives an income 
amply sufficient for his declining j'ears. He has 
been prominent in the affairs of his community, 
and is a member in good standing of the Baptist 
Church. His birth having taken place in 1804, he 
has now arrived at the .advanced age of eighty-four 
years. His wife in her girlhood was Miss Marj'' 
Compton, also a native of New Jersey, and they 



I 



-4^ 



558 



GAGE COUNTY. 



became the parents of seven children, all of whom 
lived to years of maturity. Lewis Williams, the 
only living brother of our subject, is a resident of 
Fairmont, Nub, wliere he is engaged as engineer 
in the railroad shops of that place. Socially, Mr. 
Williams is a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 85, 
of Blue Springs. Politically, he is a stalwart Re- 
publican. 

'10^.' 

ON. OLIVER TOWNSEND, dealer in cloth- 
ing, hoots and shoes, at Beatrice, and enjoy- 
ing a prosperous trade, came to Beatrice in 
18G7, and is recognized as one of the lead- 
ing business men of the city. A native of LTlster 
County, N. Y., he was born Oct. 4, 1834, and was 
the youngest son of a family of nine children, born 
to .Joseph and Nancy (Tomkins) Townsend. The 
mother died when our subject was thirteen years 
old; the father died about 1867. 

.Tosepli Townsend was born in Connecticut, 
whence he emigrated early in life to Ulster County, 
N. Y., where he spent the remainder of his days en- 
gaged extensively in farming and stock-raising. 
He was one of the earliest pioneers of that region, 
and departed hence in 18G7. This branch of the 
Townsend family traces its ancestry back to En- 
gland, the first re|)resentatives crossing the Atlantic 
during the Colonial days. They were people gen- 
erally well-to-do, honest, industrious and upright, 
and uniformly held a good position in the com- 
munity where they settled. The mother of our 
subject was a native of the State of New York, and 
died at the old homestead in Ulster County, about 
1847. The household circle included seven sons 
and two daughteis, four of whom are living, three 
sons aiid one daughter. 

The subject of this sketch was reared as a farmer 
boy, and acquired his education in the district school 
of his neighborhood. Upon ai)proaching manhood 
he left the parental roof, and repaired to Knights- 
ton, N. Y., where he began his business career, 
first as a clerk in a hotel and afterward occupied 
the same position at Hudson in Columbia County; 
later he resumed his studies in the High School .at 
Chiverack, and afterward attended school at Eilen- 
villo, his native State. In the spring of 1856, be- 



ing a young man twenty-two years of age, and 
desirous of seeing something more of the world, he 
migrated west into Huron County, Ohio, where he 
was employed at farming until the winter season. 
In January' following he proceeded still farther 
westward to Sioux Citj', Iowa, and in the fall of 
1857 sought the region of Southern Nebraska, and 
was not long in making up his mind to remain 
here. 

In the fall of 1857 Mr. Townsend staked a claim 
of 160 acres, whicii land now forms part of the town 
site of Beatrice. Building a post and rail fence he 
commenced operations as an agriculturist, operating 
thus four 3'ears. Mr. Townsend h.as a very fine 
orchard of thirty acres adjoining the city limits on 
the northeast. In 1865 he formed a partnership 
in the merchandise business with H. M. Reynolds, 
and .at that time was located at the intersection of 
Court and Third streets, before the time of rail- 
roads. They operated together until 1867. Dur- 
ing that 3'ear Hon. Nathan Blakel^' was admitted 
into the firm, whicli then assumed the style of 
Blakely, Reynolds & Co. Four years later Mr. 
Blakely sold out his interest, and the firm of Rey- 
nolds & Townsend continued until 1872, when Mr. 
Reynolds purchased the entire stock and Mr. Town- 
send retired from the business. 

Mr. Townsend now became interested in the 
furniture business, and two years later in the cloth- 
ing trade. To the latter since 1877 he has devoted 
his entire time and attention, with most excellent 
results. He established himself at his present 
quarters. No. 41'.) Court street, in Noveml)er, 1887. 
He carries a full stock of clothing, hats, caps, boots, 
shoes, etc., and by the exercise of honesty and in- 
tegrity receives an extended patronage from the 
leading citizens of the county. Politically, he is 
a stanch Republican, and has served as a member 
of the School Board several terms. He had pre- 
viously' served under Mr. Blakely a short time as 
Deputy. In 1858 he was elected County Clerk, of 
which office he was the incumbent for a period of 
ten years, and at the same time officiated as Register 
of Deeds. In 1867 he was elected a member of 
the first session of the State Legislature, served 
acceptably two yeais, and took an .active part in the 
removal of the capital from Omaha to Lincoln. 



■<»■ 







" Pleasant-View- Farm" Residence of Joseph 




is.Sec's. 8. 9. 16 &.\X. Grant Township, Gage County, Neb 



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t 



GAGE COUNTY. 



yG3 '^ 



Mr. Townsenrl wns manied, in tlie spring of 1878, 
to Miss Kate Monce, who was born in Ohio in 1860, 
and is the daughter of Samuel Monce, Esq., one of 
the early residents of Nebraska City. Her father 
is deceased ; her mother, Mrs. Monce, is still living. 
Mr. and Mrs. Townseud have had born to them 
three children, only one girl now living, Jeane 
Beatrice. 





OBERT J. SMrrH, dealer in lumber, wood 
and coal at Beatrice, and having his head- 
<Sm\\ quarters on West Court street, is a native 
[^ of the Dominion of Canada, and w.as born 
near Woodstock, the county seat of Oxford County, 
Feb. 6, 1849. He was the fourth in a family 
of eight children, five sons and three daughters, the 
offspring of James W. and Margaret (McAvoy) 
Smith, the former born in the county- of Kent, En- 
gland, and the latter in Ireland. The parents were 
brought by their parents to Canada when children. 
The father of our subject w.as a farmer by occupa- 
tion, and carried on agriculture in the Dominion 
until coming to the States in the fall of 1866. At 
that time they located in the vicinity of Grand 
Rapids, Mich., upon a tract of land where the father 
labored until his death, which took place in Julv, 
1874. The mother is still living there. 

All of the brothers and sisters of our subject 
grew to mature }'e.i-.s. Robert J. spent his boy- 
hood d.ays in Canada, attending school and work- 
ing on bis father's farm. After the removal of the 
famil}' to Michigan he became interested in the 
lumber trade, and was for a period of seven years 
connected with the prominent business established 
b}^ David Fisher. Upon withdrawing from this he 
resumed farming, at which he was occupieil a num- 
ber of. years, and also worked considerably as a 
carpenter. 

The fall of 1882 found our subject making his 
way to this State, and after his arrival in Beatrice 
he engaged as a salesman for the extensive lumber 
firm of Washburn & Co., remaining with them 
four years. At the expiration of this time his large 
experience in this business seemed to justify him in 
establisliingon his own account and taking a partner, 
John R. McKim. He opened an office at No. 324 



West Court street, Beatrice, and they continued a few 
months. Mr. Smith then disposed of his interest in 
the Inisiness to his partner, and established a new 
yard, which he has since conducted with flattering 
success. He keeps a full stock of everj'thing in his 
line, sash, doors, blinds, and all the building mateiial 
required for the construction of both dwellings and 
business houses. His promptness in serving his 
patrons, and his correct methods of doing business, 
have secured for him an extensive patronage 
throughout Gage County. 

Robert J. Smith and Miss Addie Corbin, of Grand 
Rapids, were united iu marriage Aug. 2, 1 879, at 
the home of the bride in that city. Mrs. Smith is 
the daughter of Charles and Elsie (Inman) Corbin, 
who were natives of New York, and who went to 
Michigan in 1848. She was born in New York. 
Jan. 20, 1847. Her parents are now residents of 
Beatrice. Of this union there have been born seven 
children, viz: Jennie M., Mary E., Margaret E., 
Charles E., James W., Maude C. and Edna. Mr. 
Smith, politically, is quite conservative, but usually 
casts his vote in support of Democratic principles. 
The family residence, a neat and substantial struc- 
ture, is located in the western part of the city, and 
forms a home in keeping with the means and stand- 
ing of the proprietor. 



-«ai2a/!5^.«^^^,.®fa/ZrOT»v.-i 



ylLLIAM C. STROHM, manager of the firm 
of Kilpatrick Bros. & Collins, well known 
among the business interests of Beatrice, is 
a n.ative of Dauphin County. Pa., having been born 
near the city of Ilarrisburg, Oct. 8, 1854. He is 
the only son of Thomas and Mary (Hicks) Strohm. 
whose family consisted, besides himself, of five 
daughters. They also were natives of the Key- 
stone State, and the father during the younger 
years of bis life was occupied in agricultural pur- 
suits. Upon retiring from active labor he took up 
his abode with his excellent wife in the village of 
Linglestown, where they now live. 

The boyhood of our subject was passed in his 
native county, where he attended the common 
school. He began teaching at the age of fifteen 
years, and was thus employed several winters, at- 



-•► 



504 



GAGE COUNTY. 



tending school in the meantime during the summer 
season. In due lime lie hecamo a student of the 
State Normal School, at Millersville, Pa., and upon 
emerging from this, not yet satisfied with his store 
of knowledge, entered Heidelberg College, at Tif- 
fin, Ohio. Here he pursued his studies until in 
June, 1876, when he was graduated. 

In October of the 3'ear mentioned young Strohm 
made his way to Utah Territorj', and settling at 
Ogden was given a position with the banking firm 
of J. E. Dooly & Co., wiiich was afterward merged 
into the Utah National Bank. At the same time 
he was employed by the United States Govern- 
ment, as local agent for the post-office department. 
In 1878, returning to Ohio, he was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Augu.sta Randall, of Tiffin, who 
was born Sept. 10. 185(j, in Henry County, Ohio, 
and is the daughter of Edwin and Ellen (Palmer) 
Randall. Her parents were natives of Maine and 
New York respectively, and are now living in 
Seneca Count}', Ohio, on their farm. 

In October, 1881, Mr. Strohm entered the em- 
ploy of Collins & Stevens, who hel<l the contract 
for the construction of the Oregon Short Line Rail- 
way. With them he remained until the fall of 
1 88;"), then accepted a position with Kilpatriek 
Bros., large railroad contractors, with headquarters 
at Beatrice. Mr. Collins was subsequently made 
a partner in the business. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Strohm there have been born three children — 
p;dwin, Leah and Gusta. In politics Mr. Strohm 
is a stanch Republican of the old school. 

^¥( OHN H. REYNOLDS, of Wymore, is a mem- 
I ber of the firm of E. P. Reynolds & Co., 
! well known from ocean to ocean, and from 
' the Lakes to the Gulf, as railroad contract- 
ors and bridge builders. The firm comprises E. 
P. Reynolds, Sr., of Rock Island, our subject, and 
his brothers, Benjamin and E. P., Jr., all residing 
at Wymore. They have built over 1,000 miles 
of the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad, in- 
cluding that from Table Rock to Red Cloud and 
Beatrice; also from McCook to Denver. They have 
built about the same amount for the Rock Island 



i* 



system, besides a numljer of other railw.ays of les- 
ser e.xtent. There are quite a number of large 
bridges both for raihv.a}- and general traffic pur- 
poses, man}- of them across large and important 
streams, several of them being considered quite 
triumphs of engineering skill. The majority of 
their larger works have been constructed since 1880. 
The firm located its Wymore branch on the 1st of 
June, 1882, at a cost of 130,000. In 1885 they 
built ihe Wymore Street Railway, which extends 
out as far as Blue Springs. In this enterprise our 
subject and his brother Benjamin own two-thirds 
of the stock; E. P., Jr., Samuel Wymore, P. A. 
Managan, Alexander Stewart and I. Liberman carry 
the remainder. The line is built of the best steel 
rails on a rock ballast road-bed, and is traversed by 
modern cars of excellent construction, which are 
drawn by as fine horses as could be procured for 
the purpo.se. It is one of the best equipped and 
operated lines in the State. Our subject is its 
President, his brother Benjamin Vice-President and 
general manager, and E. P., Jr., Secretary and 
Treasurer. Our subject and his brother Benjamin 
are the owners of the Wymore Citizens' Bank, 
which has a paid-up capital of §30,000, and is one 
of the strongest banks in Gage County, and under 
the efficient management of Mr. J. K. Lee is doing 
a very large business. Its cashier is Mr. Lake 
Bridenthall. 

Another enterprise in which our subject is in- 
terested is the Tonzalin Hotel, being a member of 
the company which built and owns it. It is con- 
sidered by all its guests as the finest hotel, out- 
side of Omaha, in the State. It is owned by a 
stock company, of which the Re3'nolds Bros, are 
principal holders, and E. P., Jr., is President. It 
is a fine brick structure, covering about 160x150 
feet, and erected by the Reynolds Bros, at a cost of 
$60,000. They also erected the first hotel built in 
Wymore — the Potter House. Both J. H. and B. 
Reynolds own very fine residences in the city, and 
also considerable town property and land adjacent 
thereto, besides about sixty acres between Wy- 
more and Blue Springs, all of which will shortly 
be covered by surbnrban residences. 

Our subject takes great interest in his farm, 
which is situated on Indian Creek, seven miles west 



•Mh^: 




>^ 




^^-^jd-tldyO 



t 



GAGE COUNTY. 



oC.j 



of the cit^-, on the Burlington & Missouri River 
Railroad, with a private si<le trai.-k running ujwn 
it. Tlie farm comprises 1,440 .acres, well fenced 
and in excellent condition. It is supplied with 
first-class buihHngs of various kinds, and is well 
stocked with cattle, hogs and brood mares. The 
principal business in the line of stock-raising car- 
ried on at this farm by our subject is th.at of mule- 
raising. This farm is most excellently situated, 
and includes some of the finest land in the count)'. 
In addition to the above our subject is the owner 
of a quarter-section in Sherman County. 

E. P. Reynolds, Sr., the father of our subject, is 
a native of Vermont, and was born on the 13th of 
Februar}', 1817, and was there reared to manhood. 
In 1837 he went to Rock Island, 111., which has 
since continued to be his home, and where he has 
built up a large business as contractor, etc., as in- 
dicated in the opening paragraph. He has twice 
been elected Maj-or of Rock Island, and has the 
name of being, perhaps, the best Mayor Rock Isl- 
and has ever had. He was married to Miss Eliza 
Young, in Rock Island, 111., in 1 847 : she died after a 
happj' wedded life of eleven 3ears. Her children 
were four — our subject, Benjamin and two sisters. 
In 1859 Mr. Re^'uolds married a second time, his 
wife being Amanda Ogden, and to them w;is born 
one child, E. P.. Jr. His residence is one of the 
finest in Rock Islan<l, and his farm is likewise very 
fine. It is devoted to stock-raising of the higher 
and blooded grades. In addition to these he is 
the owner of several pieces of city property. So- 
cially, he is connected with the I. O. O. F., and 
politically, with the Republican i)art3'. 

Our subject, John H., was born in Rock Island, 
111., Feb. 9, 1848, and there remained until 1880. 
Upon his graduation from the High School he en- 
tered the emplo}- of his father, remaining with him 
until the fall of 1879. Upon the establishment of 
the Wymore branch about that time he look his 
present position in connection therewith, purchased 
his farm, and entered upon the life that has been in 
every waj' prosperous and successful since that 
time. 

Mr. Reynolds has, in the interests of business 
and sometimes of pleasure, traveled largelj- through- 
out the continent, and has covered the greater part 



of the ground between Portland, New Orleans, and 
the E.aslern seaboard. During the summer our 
subject is nearl)' always away from home, super- 
intending the execution of various contracts, but 
nominally- his home is in this city. The companion 
of his life is Miss Mary Claiborne, to whom he was 
united in marriage at Glenwood, Iowa, Dec. 25, 
1879, who has presented him with one daughter, 
Bessie. Mrs. Re^-nolds was born on the 12th of 
Januarj-, 1 853, in France, and is the daughter of 
C. B. E. and Mary Claiborne, of French and En- 
glish ancestrj'. The mother is deceased ; the father 
resides at Glenwood, Iowa. Mrs. Reynolds attends 
the Episcopal Church, but is not a member. Mr. 
Re3'nolds is liberal on the subject of religion, and 
gives his support to all churches. Socially', he is a 
Mason and Knight Templar; political!)-, a stalwart 
Republican. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Rej'nolds 
is the center of the best society in the city. 



■ -<JiC£;©^''^^^^»^^'OTrz»--i 



^^^iJEORGE P. MARVIN, editor and proprie- 
ill ,-— , tor of the Gage County Democrat, was born 
'^^S in ShuUsburg. LaFa^-ette Co., Wis . on the 
24th of March. 1851, and continued to reside there 
until the year 1859, when he removed to Richardson 
County, this .State, and until 1879 made his home 
in that and Nemaha Counties, during which time 
he learned the printer's trade. In 1865 he freighted 
on the plains. Then, returning to Falls City, he, 
in companj' with his father, entered upon the pub- 
lication of the Southern Nebraskan. In 1867 he 
returned \o the mountains, and was occupied in 
freighting and traveling until the spring of 1869. 
Afterward, re-establishing at Falls City, he worked 
at the printer's trade which he had learned, and 
also carried on the publication of the Press until 
selling out in 1876. 

In 1879 Mr. Marvin came to Beatrice and es- 
tablished the Gage County Democrat, which is now 
published both as a daily and weekl)'. It is a 
seven-column quarto of fifty-six columns, neatly 
printed and ably edited, and is acknowledged !is 
one of the leading Democratic journals of South- 
ern Nebraska. Mr. Marvin is a bold and fearless 
writer, sound on tariff reform, an<l warm in his 



T 



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i 



,t 



riGG 



GAGE COUNTY. 




support of the present administration. The Demo- 
crat is rc.id by men of botli. parties, and however 
much they may differ with it in political sentiment, 
thej' are compelled to acknowledge the force and 
candor of its arguments, and respect the sincerity 
of its principles. It has become one of the indis- 
pensable institutions of the county and Southern 
Kebraska. The office of the Democrat is equipped 
with a full complement of printing material for a 
general line of job pi'inting, including a good as- 
sortment of dii-play type, a fine steam power press, 
and the ordinary modern inventions cc)nnected with 
the "art preservative." lie has his share of the 
couiilj' printing as; well as a generous jiatronage 
from the business men of Beatrice. 

While a resident of Falls City, Mr. M.arvin was 
married to Miss Anna R. May. who was born in 
St. Louis, in January. 1855, and is the daughter of 
D. H. and Martha A. May, who were natives of 
Ohio, and are now residing in Kansas. Of this 
union tliere have been born five children — Frankie 
M., Julia A., George T., Earl M. and Paul. Julia 
A. and George T. are deceased. Mr. Marvin is 
an ardent supporter of Demociatic principles, and 
socially, belongs to Lodge Ko. 19, L O. O. F. 



i\ ARQULS SPENCER is an honored member 
of the farming community of Gage County, 
and his valuable farm in Paddock Town- 
ship, with its well-tilled acres, with the 
handsome residence and substantial out-buildings 
that adorn it, ranks with the best managed and 
finest looking places in this locality. Mr. Spencer 
is a native of Athens County. Ohio, where he was 
bom July 15, 18"28. His parents were Nehemiah 
and Emma (Lotiedge) Spencer, natives of New 
York .Slate and Ohio respectively. 

Our subject was reared in his native county, 
growing to a strong and vigorous manhood. In 
1847 he went to Lee County, Iowa, and in 1853 
took up his residence in Fremont County, the same 
Slate, where he was married, June 21, 1855, to Miss 
Catherine Davis. There were four children boru 
to them, of whom Margaret E. died Oct. 9, 1871 ; 
William I. was born March 24, 1868; Henry E., 




Oct. 1, 18G7; Hattie A., Oct. 2, 1870. Thishouse- 
iiold was sadly bereaved Jan. 2.3, 1 884. by the death 
of the loving mother and devoted wife. Mr. 
Spencer was married to his present wife, formerly 
Miss Margaret Davis, March 12, 1885. 

When the w-ar broke out in 1861 our subject was 
among the first to proffer his services to defend his 
countrj', but for physical reasons the examining 
surgeons rejected him. Again and again he made 
attempts to enlist, but he was not allowed to do so 
until 18G4, when he was drafted on the 5th of No- 
vember, and served faithfully until the close of the 
war as a member of Company E, 13th Iowa In- 
fantry. 

Mr. Spencer came to Gage County, Neb., in 
18G9, and located four miles south of Adams, in 
Adams Township, where he took up 120 acres of 
land under the provisions of the Homestead Act. 
When the reservation on which he lives was opened 
to settlement in 1878, he bought his present farm 
of IGO acres, and immediately moved onto it. It 
was then wild, uncultivated prairie, but he now has 
it ail well fenced and under tillage, except that 
part of it that he devotes to pasturage, and he has 
erected a commodious and conveniently arranged 
frame dwelling and other needed farm buildings. Mr. 
Si)encer has not acquired all of this flue property 
without years of hard labor, as a cool, clear head 
and a good practical knowledge of agriculture were 
his only capital when he went to Iowa to make his 
home. He obtained the means for properly carry- 
ing on farming by making rails, or in doing what- 
soever came to his hand that might bring him in a 
dollar, and by his able management of his funds he 
has now acquired a sufficient competency to enable 
him to pass his declining years free from the cares 
that infested his early days, in the exceedingly 
comfortable home that he has built up. He farms 
to both grain and stock, principally hogs and 
cattle. 

Mr. Spencer is a member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, to which his first wife also belonged. 
It will be seen from the date of his settlement that 
Mr. S. was numbered among tiie pioneers of 
Paddock Township, and he has been a prominent 
factor in promoting its growth, and his name is in- 
dissokibly connected with its history, which would 



1 ' 



u. 



gagp: county. 



567 



1)0 incomplete without mention of liim. In the 
course of a useful life Mr. Spencer has always borne 
the reputation of being a just, upright, God-feai'ing 
man, and lie has ahvaj's been true to the various re- 
sponsibilities resting on him as a husband, father 
and citizen. He takes an earnest interest in the 
political situation of the day, and his views are in 
acccird with the Republican party oa the important 
questions under discussion. 




?RANK COOK. Upon section 36 of Elm 



Township resides the subject of this sketch, 
who. in addition to being one of the pros- 
perous farmers of the county, has also been 
honored by his fellow-citizens by being elected to 
the office of Supervisor of his township. His father, 
William Cook, was a native of Georgia; his mother, 
whose maiden name was Mary A. Smith, was born 
in Pennsylvania. Upon their m.arriage they first 
settled in Cincinnati, subsequently removing to 
Missouri, making their home in Clinton Count}-, 
where they remained until their death. Their fam- 
ily included six children, our subject being the 
fifth. 

Upon the 3d of August, 1837, in the Queen City 
of the West, our subject was born, and when seven 
years Later his parents removed to Missouri he, of 
course, accompanied them. In that State he was 
reared to manhood, making it his home until 1863. 
His earl}' life was speut upon the farm, receiving 
also such education as was obtainable in the com- 
mon schools of that time in that western district. 
In 1865 our subject came to Otoe County, and made 
his home at Nebraska City for perhaps two years, 
then removed to Fremont County, Iowa, where he 
engaged in farming until 1878. At that time he 
returned to Otoe County, lived there for one year, 
and in the spring of 1879 established himself in 
Elm Township, of this county, which has been his 
home ever since. 

The farm of Mr. Cook includes 110 acres of 
prime, arable land, well suited for purposes of agri- 
culture or pastoral pursuits, and he has continued 
from the first day of his settlement to progress with 
the work of improvement. His farm buildings are 



good, being well built and conveniently arranged, 
and his home pleasant and comfortable. His land 
originally belonged to and was part of the reserva- 
tion. 

Upon the 2d of July, 1870, while residing iu 
Fremont County, Iowa, our suliject was united in 
marriage with Mrs. M. Cook, the widow of James 
P. Cook; her maiden name was Higginbotham. 
This lad}' was born in Kentucky, on the loth of 
March, 1837, and by her first marri.age became the 
mother of two children, who were named respect- 
ively: AVilliam M. and Alonzo. By her union with 
our subject there have been four children, whose 
names are as appended: Marvin, Elva, Louis B. 
and George Walter. 

Mr. and Mrs. Cook are members of the religious 
communion bearing the name the Church of God. 
After holding some of the minor offices in the town- 
ship, at the fall election in the year 1886 our sub- 
ject was elected to his present office of Township 
Supervisor, and re-elected the following year. He 
is a member of the A. O. U. W., and among its 
most efficient and enthusiastic members, and is 
therefore highly esteemed in that fraternity. 



lENJAMIN P. THOMAS is the editor and 
proprietor of the Wymore Union, a stirring 
and spicy Republican weekly paper pub- 
lished here every Thursd.ay. He was born 
in Livingston County, 111., on the 25th of March, 
1862, and there received his elementary education. 
When he was thirteen years old he came to Bea- 
trice, and finished his education at the Beatrice 
High School when he was eighteen years old. At 
that age he went into the composing-room of the 
Beatrice Demoerai office, giving some attention also 
to locals and soliciting. He remained in that office 
for four years, all the time improving and working 
up in position, until when he left he was the fore- 
man of the office. 

After leaving the Democrat, our subject, though 
still quite young, bought the Table Rock Argus, 
which he conducted successfully for about two 
years, when he sold out and went to Pawnee, at 
which place he soon traded for the Liberty Jour- 




•►Hi-^*- 



f 



■^^ 



yG8 



GAGE COUNTY. 



1= 



na!. He edited tliat jdiiinal for t^o niid a half 
years, when lie again sold out. aiul came to his pres- 
ent place and pajier on the 1st of March, ltSS8. He 
bought the Union, and in the short time that it has 
been under his nianagement he has increased the 
list of his subscribers and put his paper on a firmer 
foundation. 

On the 15th of November, 1887, our subject was 
united in marriage with Miss Louie Cams, of Sew- 
ard. She is the daughter of Mrs. M. E. Cams, and 
is the sister of ex-Lieut. Gov. E. C. Cams, of 
Seward, with whom she has made her home. She 
was born on the 18th of Ma_Vi 18C2, in Pennsyl- 
vania, and when quite j'oung she went to Illinois, 
where her father died in 1876, after which she 
came with her brother to Seward, and made her 
home with him until her marriage. Her mother 
is still living with a daughter in Liberty, having 
been born in Pennsylvania in tiie 3"ear 1820. 

While he was attending school our subject lived 
with Capt. J. E. Hill, State Treasurer, and he still 
calls Mr. Hill's house his home. He is a mem- 
ber of the orders of A. O. U. W. and M. W. A., 
and takes an active and prominent part in the 
politics of the Eepublican party. Bj' his industry 
and intelligence he has acquired all his possessions, 
and he has won the respect of all with whom he 
has come in contact in business or social life. Be- 
sides owning his newsjjaper, he is the owner of vil- 
lage j>roperty and a house and lot in Libert}'. Lie 
is but a young man, and the field of journalism is 
a broad one, and we predict for Mr. Thomas a very 
successful and honorable career. 

AVID W. ROYER resides on section 31, 
Hanover Township, and is numbered among 
the more prominent and well situated far- 
mers of this county. He is a native of 
Franidin County, I'a., having been born in that 
place on the 4th of January, 1 850, and is a son of 
John and Anna (Shank) Royer, who were also na- 
tives of the same place. They are of German an- 
cestry-, but the immediate ancestors for several 
generations have resided in Pennsj'lvania. The 
father of our subject is a farmer and still resides in 
4« 




his native State, where he owns a valual)le farm of 
over 200 acres, besides having assisted all of his 
childien to a start in life b}' giving them a mar- 
riage portion. The mother died in 1855, leaving 
six children, of whom we have the following rec- 
ord : Susan is the wife of Peter L. Eshelman ; Anna, 
the wife of Henry Laughlin; Mary, wife of David 
Smith; Catharine, wife of Jeremiah Frieze, all of 
whom reside in their native county of Franklin ; 
John C. resides in Abilene, Kan. The father mar- 
ried for his second wife Elizabeth McClannahan, 
and by this union nine children have been born to 
them. 

The earliest recollections of our subject are of 
the scenes of his country home, and as he grew 
older he assisted in the work of his father's farm, 
and experienced a life in common with all farmers' 
boys. He was educated in the common schools, 
and by his close application to the tasks assigned 
him he was enabled to secure a fair education, to 
which has been supplemented a practical knowledge 
of business life from his experience with the world. 
He resided in his native State until 1872, when he 
came West and stopped at Polo, Ogle Co., 111., 
where he engaged as a farm hand, and in the fall of 
1873 he took a trip to California for the purpose of 
seeing the Great West, on which tour he was absent 
for nine months. He then returned to Illinois, 
where he remained until 1876, in which 3'ear he 
came to Nebraska and engaged as a farm hand, 
afterward operating a farm for himself. 

In the fall of 1878 Mr. Royer was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Mary E. Gockley, who is a daughter 
of Isaac and Susan Gockley, and was born in Jo f^a- 
viess County, 111., on the 18th of March, 1862. Her 
parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and she had 
come to the West with her mother after the death 
of her father. She received her education in the 
district schools, and remained in her native county 
until the year 1874. After his marriage our sub- 
ject iHirehased the farm he now owns, paying §900 
for IGO acres, although it was then raw prairie land 
and not very inviting. He at once went to work 
to improve it, and has added greatly to its utility 
as well as its attractiveness, having erected a good 
residence and barn, and in various ways increased 
its value. He is engaged in general farming, at 



f- 



I 



GAGE COUNTY. 



5G9 



wliich he has been uniformly successful, and re- 
ceives a lucrative income from the produce. 

Bertha, Hattio. IMelvin and Celia are the names 
of the four children who have added a brightness 
to the home of our subject and his wife, and whose 
young hands are already beginning to lift a little 
of the burden from the hands of the devoted par- 
ents, and who in a few years more will be their 
mainstay and comfort.. Our subject is a member 
of the Republican organization, and is at present 
serving as Treasurer of his township, enjoying the 
confidence and esteem of his fellowmen and giving 
general satisfaction as a public ottice-holder. Mrs. 
Rover is a member of the Dunkard Church, and is 
in every respect a worthy and estimable lady. 



■^/OHN E. REMMERS has risen to his present 
prosperous and prominent position by the 
exercise of those sterling qualities of man- 
hood which surelj' bring success, sooner or 
later, to their possessor. He has surmounted diffi- 
cult barriers by the mere force of perseverance, and 
while his progress has not been extremely rapid, it 
h.as been perfectly sure and safe, as his business 
transactions have been conducted with the sti'ictest 
integrity and uprightness. His father, John, and 
mother, Catherine (Henrechs) Remmers, were na- 
tives of East Friesland, in the extreme northern part 
of Hanover, Germany. The father was engaged in 
farming, and also owned a brickyard, but becom- 
ing financiallj' embarrassed, he left his native coun- 
tr3' and came to America with his family in 18G8. 
His destination was Springfield, 111., and being com- 
pelled by force .of circumstances, which led him to 
cross the water in the hopes of bettering his fort- 
une, he and his sons engaged to work in a harvest 
field. The weather being extremely warm, and the 
labor arduous, the father of our subject unfortun- 
ately fell a victim to sunstroke, and thereby lost 
his life. His death was a great bereavement to his 
family, and it was because of this earl^- trouble that 
our subject was obliged to call into requisition all 
the force of character and will that he possessed, in 
order to sui>ply the place of the family protector. 
In the fall of 18G(S the mother of our subject 



and her children came to Nebraska, and settled on 
Bear Creek, close to Beatrice. There were eight 
children in the famil}'. whose names are: Anna, 
Thomas, Christopher, .John E., Dedrich and George 
(deceased); two died in Germany. The mother 
afterward married John Eilers, and died at Ster- 
ling, this State, in 188.3, at the age of fifty years. 
Our subject was born on the Gth of November, 1 8.50. 
in Friesland, Germany, much of which country is 
diked to exclude the water, and includes several 
islands in the North Sea. He began to attend 
school when he was six years old. and the oppor- 
tunities for acquiring an education being verj'good, 
he fitted himself by close application to his studies 
for the life work that Lay before him. When he 
came to this .State he was a boy seventeen years 
old, and he broke the prairie land and worked out 
by the month until he w.as twent3'-one 3'ears old, at 
which age he settled on a claim of eighty acres on 
section 10, Nemaha Township. In 1877 he ex- 
changed his claim for 160 acres, paying the differ- 
ence of price in cash. 

On the 10th of September, 1878, our subject was 
united in marriage with Miss Arena Steinmann, a 
daughter of Henry H. and Rachel (Yelken) Stein- 
mann. They were also natives of Friesland, Han- 
over, and were married in Menard County, III., 
coming to this State in 1864, and settling in Ne- 
maha County'. The father still lives on his farm in 
the above-named county, and is sixty-nine 3'ears 
old. He is one of the enterprising gentlemen who 
helped to locate the State capital at Lincoln, and 
in his count}' he has served as Commissioner many 
times, and is otherwise distinguished among promi- 
nent men. He is ver}' well situated financially, and 
owns a section of well-improved land. The mother 
is fifty-six j-ears old. and his shared her devotion 
among nine children, five of whom were born in 
Illinois, their names as follows: Henry, R.achel, 
Arena, John, Bunn, Minnie, Christopher, Annie 
and Am}', the three latter deceased. 

Mrs. Remmers was born on the 10th of February, 
18,59, and passed her early childhood d.ays until she 
reached the age of five j^ears in Illinois, when she 
came with her parents to this State. .She attended 
the public schools, which were ver}' good for that 
early time, and received a thorough training in the 



V 




u 



570 



GAGE COUNTY. 



common-school branches, and she is a lady of worth 
and nnusual ahility, no doubt inheriting mnch of 
her mental qualification from her father, who has 
won a distinguished name. She is the mother of 
two children, named Catherine and Henry, and in 
her devotion to her family she exemplifies her real 
character and worth. 

Mr. Remmers is one of the early settlers of this 
county, and he deserves much credit for having so 
successfully combated the circumstances surround- 
ing him in his earlier da3'S, because of the death of 
his father and his previous financialloss. He is the 
owner of 300 acres of good land on sections 12 and 
1. which he devotes to the purposes of farming and 
stock-raising, having now sixty head of cattle on 
his farm. He and his wife are members of the 
Lutheran Church, and are high in the esteem of 
their neighbors. His S3'mpathies are with the Re- 
])ublican party, and he is always pleased to note the 
improvement of the public in general as to morals 
and education. 

-^^ ^^ 



^=^E0RGP: R. SCOTT, one of the wealthy and 
[II __, prominent men of tlie city of Beatrice, repre- 
^^^5) sents a large amount of property, including 
three or four good farms and valuable real estate in 
the city. His business place is located at No. 119 
North Fifth street, where he carries a complete stock 
of dry-goods and carpets, and enjoys a liberal ])at- 
ronage from the solid i)eople of Gage and adjoin- 
ing counties. He established himself here in March, 
l.S.sO. and is numbered among the solid men of the 
city. 

Mr. Scott was born in Oneida County. N. Y., at 
the modest homestead of his parents, near the vil- 
lage of Little Falls, May 13, 1802. His parents 
were John A. and Keziah (Owens) Scott, and he 
was their eldest child, their family including three 
sons and two daugiiters. The mealier was a native 
of England, and crossed the Atlantic at an early age. 
John A. Scott was born in Oneida County, N. Y., 
and for many j^ears was engaged in mercantile busi- 
ness at Kaneville, 111. The family went to Illinois 
when George R. was a little child two j'ears of age, 
settling first in McHenry County. Thence they re- 

M» ; 



moved to Kaneville. in Kane County, where the 
father still followed general merchandising, and 
where his death took place Aug. 10. 1862. The 
mother was subsequently married again, ancl is now 
a resident of Hinckle}' 111. 

The subject of this sketch passed his early years in 
his native county, and attended the public school. 
Upon becoming further advanced in his studies, he 
repaired to Aurora, III., and became a student of 
the Jennings Seminary, where he took a two-years 
course. Upon returning to Kane County he taught 
school for a time, and afterward going toRochelle, 
was occupied as clerk in a dry-goods store for five 
years. We next find him in Waterman, 111., of 
which he was a resident eighteen months, established 
in business for himself. In the spring of 1880 he 
turned his steps westward, crossing the Father of 
Waters, and coming into this State. Shortly after- 
ward he took up his residence in Beatrice, of which 
city he has since been a resident. He established 
a store of general merchandise, .associating himself 
in partnership with Peter E. Hastings, and under the 
firm name of Hastings & Scott these gentlemen 
operated together three years. Mr. Scott then i)ur- 
chased the interest of his partner, and conducted the 
business alone until Jan. 1, 1888, when he took in 
his brother, W. W. Scott, the firm name becoming 
Scott Bros. They carry a full line of dry-goods 
and carpets, and occupj' a position at the head of 
the trade in this section. 

Mr. Scott, while a resident of Rochelle, was mar- 
ried, Feb. 13, 1878, to Miss Edith M. Boyce, the 
wedding taking place at tlie home of the bride in 
Rochelle. The career of Mr. Scott has been more 
than usually successful, and his propertj' is the ac- 
cumulation mainly of his own industry and good 
judgment. Politically, he is a Republican. The 
family residence is a handsome structure located on 
North Fifth street of the city, and with its adjacent 
grounds and surroundings forms one of its most 
attractive homes. His pLice of business was de- 
stroyed by fire on the 13th of September. 1886, on 
which, however, there was an insurance sufficiently 
ample to cover all loss. 

Scott Bros, own the fine building on Court street, 
a white brick front, put up in the winter of 1886- 
87, occupying an area of 50x100 feet, being two 



:^^h-^ 



u 



GAGE COUNTY. 



;j73 . , 



stories in height, built of brick, its finishings and 
furnishings being everytiiing required to make it 
attractive in appearance, and convenient for the 
jnirpose to which it is adapted. Scott Bros.' store 
is now located on North Sixth street, in the Spencer 
Block. Mr. Scott has invested largely of his sur- 
plus capital in Nebraska land, owning in Gage 
County alone 320 acres, which have been divided 
off into three good farms. He also has land in 
Kans.as and Colorado. 



^#^ 



OSEPH ELLIS. One of the most enterpris- 
ing. ])ros|)erous farmers and largest land- 
owners of Gage County, is the gentleman 
of whose life a brief sketch is here given. 
]\Ir. Ellis is the owner of 2,000 acres of land, and 
480 acres under lease; 1,500 acres of this land are 
situated in Grant Township, of which over 500 
acres have been brought to a high state of cultiva- 
tion. This is situated on section IG, where he re- 
sides. His farm is thoroughly well stocked with a 
ver^' high grade of cattle and thoroughbred Siiort- 
horns. From his ranch he ships generally about 
twenty cars of stock annually. His farm buildings 
are unsurpassed, and his residence such as is befitting 
a man of his social status and financial abilit}'. It 
is an elegant, two-story frame building with base- 
ment, and of some pretensions to scientific archi- 
tecture. The appreciative reader will turn with 
pleasure to the double-page illustration, showing 
this property, and also to the portrait of the owner 
thereof. 

Mr. Ellis is one of the Directors of the People's 
Bank, at Beatrice, his brother John being the 
President, Warren Cole, Vice-President, and H. L. 
Ewing, Cashier. Since 1872 our subject has been 
verj' active in every i)roject that promised advan- 
tage to the district, and has brought to bear upon 
every undertaking the same energy, push, common 
sense and business integrity that have marked his 
life and made him the successful man he is, for in 
his earlier days he was quite poor, and by no means 
rich when he came to this place. 

Our suliject was born in Yorkshire, England, 
April 3, ] «44, and is the son of .John and Mary 




(Nettleton) Ellis. His father was by occupation a 
farmer, and one of the most practical and enthusi- 
astic in his county. The family' on both sides is of 
what would be called good ancestry, and their his- 
tory can be traced without difficulty for many 
generations as natives of that district. The famil3' 
included six children, all of whom came with their 
i parents to the United States, and settled for a time 
in New ,Ierse3', afterward removing to Woodford 
Count}', 111., where Mr. Ellis, Sr., bought a new 
farm. In this country there have been two chil- 
dren (twins) born to them. The jiarents have since 
resided at that place, and the father, continuing his 
allegiance to the religious training of his j'outh. is 
identified with the Episcopal Church in the neigh- 
borhood. The mother belongs to the Methodist 
Episcopal communion. 

The education of our subject was received in the 
Woodford County schools, and his knowledge of 
farming was largely obtained in the same county. 
When he became seventeen j'ears of age he enlisted 
in August, 1861, in Company B, 47th Illinois In- 
fantry, Capt. Miles and Col. Rush commanding. 
The regiment was attached to the Army of the 
West, and in it our subject fought at New Madrid, 
Island No. 10, Ft. De Russey, Pleasant Hill, Hen- 
derson Hill. Clowtinsville, Marksville, Pittsburg 
Landing. Farmington (where Col. Miles was killed), 
luka. Miss., and shortly afterward the battle of Cor- 
inth, Oct. 3, 1862, where our subject was wounded 
in the right arm, with which he was confined in the 
hospital for some time; lejoining his regiment in 
time for the battle of Vicksburg, he was at its sur- 
render. He was also at the battles of Lake Chicot 
(Ark.), June 6, 1864; Tupelo (Miss.), July 14 and 
15, and Abbeville (Miss.), Aug. 23, 1864. In Oc- 
tober, 1864, he received an honorable discharge at 
Springfield, 111., after serving three years and two 
months. Our subject still feels at times the effects 
of a severe sunstroke received while guarding a 
batterj' at Rienzi, Miss. 

Upon return to Woodford Countj' our subject 
became the husband of Margaret Miller, a native 
of the Buckeye State. She was born in Butler 
County, in the year 1840, and went to Illinois with 
her parents while a child. She is the daughter of 
Alexander and Eliza Miller. She came to this State 



■•► 




'4— 
574 



GAGE COUNTY. 



4 



in 1872 with her luisbanri ; there have been six 
children Iiorn to them, and to them iiave been 
given the names here appended: F^mery S.. Frank 
O., Harry O., Otto and Lora E., all of whom are at 
home; also Edith M., now deceased. 

Mr. Ellis saw suftieient during the war to satisfy 
him that the onl}' political party he coiild affiliate 
with was the one for which he fought, and he has 
ever since continued consistently in his adherence 
to the same. He is recognized as a stanch and in- 
fluential friend of the party and an energetic worker 
in its interests. Bj' reason of his military experi- 
ence he is an enthusiastic member of the G. A. R. 
at DeWitt, and is held in high regard by his com- 
rades of the post. His name is and has been promi- 
nent liefore the people as one having the progress 
and advancement of the township and count}' at 
heart, and he has done much to this end. As a 
man and citizen he has been true, upright and loyal; 
in society at large he is received as a generous 
friend and gentleman, and in every relation has 
won for himself the respect and admiration of his 
compeers. 

Mr. Ellis is one of the representative men of the 
county, and his portrait is very appropriately given 
in connection with this outline sketch of his life. 

ENRY WAGNER, a pulilic-spirited and 
y wide-awake citizen of C'latonia Township, 
came to this section of country during the 
period of its early settlement, and 'is now in 
the enjoyment of a good home on section 15. His 
infant years were spent on the other side of the ocean, 
in Baden, Germany, where he was born Nov. 8, 1841. 
His parents were John and Catherine (Bence) Wag- 
ner, and they are now deceased. They emigrated to 
America with their family, and took up their abode 
in the city of Cincinnati, Ohio. After a year's 
residence there they migrated to Dearborn County, 
Ind., where the father engaged in farming, and 
where they lived seven years. Thej' then returned 
eastward as far as Lawrence County, Ohio, where 
our subject continued until reaching manhood. He 
received but a limited education, and at an early 
age entered the iron mines, where he labored for a 



number of years, then began farming. Subse- 
quently he worked in a coal mine, and after the 
outbreak of the war was in the employ of the 
United States Government in the building of tem- 
porar}' bridges for the use of the army, mostly in 
Tennessee and Alabama. He thus spent two sum- 
mers, while in the winter he staid with his par- 
ents in Ohio. We next find him in Washington 
Count}', Mo., where he was employed at the Irona- 
del furnace two years. From there he recrossed 
the Father of Waters, and took up his abode in 
Montgomery County, 111., where he carried on 
farming a period of five years. 

Our subject while a resident of Missouri was 
married, Dec. 3, 1868, to Miss Eliza Barron, who 
became the mother of two children: Eliza J., now 
deceased, and Freilerick V.. a resident of Nebraska. 
The wife and mother departed this life in 1872. 
Mr. Wagner was the second time married, Dec. 24, 
1874, to Miss M.aggie, daughter of Robert and 
Mary A. (Croflford) Lowry, who are natives of 
Ireland, and are now residing near Cortland, this 
State. Of this union there were born five chil- 
dren, namely: Robert H., William J.; John, who 
died when nineteen months old; Thomas E. and 
Lewis F. 

In the spring of 1 875 Mr. W.agner came to this 
county and made arrangements for future settle- 
ment, laboring here on a tract of land two years 
before bringing his family. He purchased a quarter- 
section of the Burlington & Missouri River Rail- 
road Company, in Clatonia Township, at $7 per 
acre, taking possession and commencing in earnest 
the cultivation of the virgin soil. Not a furrow 
had been turned, and there was no other sign of 
improvement. He labored amid many disadvan- 
tages after the manner of the early pioneer, and 
was in due time compensated in the possession of a 
farm and all the comforts of life. He was ap- 
pointed the third Postmaster of Clatonia post-office, 
which office, now, however, is extinct. Politically, 
he is an earnest supporter of Republican principles. 
He has labored intelligently, and been careful to 
encourage those enterprises which would aid in the 
progress and development of his adopted county. 
He is one of the worthiest representatives of the 
men who struck out boldly without other means 



u 



GAGE COUNTY. 



•«»- 



i)lO 



than their own resources, and by a course of rigid 
economy and untiring industry, built u|) from first 
principles a homestead which forms a nucleus from 
wiitcli their posteritj' will reap manj' advantages. 



-^ 



'.^^HOMAS R. ZIMiMERMANN. In the subject 
(//(^^ of this sketch we have an example of the 
^^^ progressive and aspiring qualities of man- 
hood which have enabled him to become one of the 
most successful and prosperous farmers of Logan 
Township, having worked his waj' up from a lowly 
))Osition to one of wealth and influence. He is the 
owner of 1,560 acres of well-improved land, de- 
voted to the purposes of farming and stock-raising. 
He is a son of Kankin and Anne Zimmermann, who 
were natives of Germany, the death of the former 
occurring in 1842 and th.at of the latter in 1835. 
There were five children of that household, who 
were named Tillie, Claus, Rachael, Fannie and 
Thomas. Our subject, the j-oungest of the family, 
was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1833, and suf- 
fered the loss of his mother when he was about two 
3'ears old, scarcelj' old enough to realize what a 
great loss it w.ns. 

Our subject remained in his native country until 
lie was twenty-two j'ears old, receiving but little 
instruction from text-books, l)iit having an experi- 
ence in the world which enabled him to cultivate 
shrewd and careful business habits. Thinking that 
in America there would be better opportunities for 
him to exercise his talents he embarked from Bre- 
merhaven in 1853, and lauded in New York City 
after a long voyage. He made a short visit to va- 
rious cities, including Cleveland, Ohio; Pittsburgh, 
Pa., and !St. Louis. Mo., stopping for one j'ear at 
Belleville, 111., and at Petersburg, 111., for three years. 
In 1861 he went to Ritzier County, Neb., and from 
there removed to this count}' and made his home 
on section 4, Logan Township, for eight years. He 
then sold his farm and bought another on section 7, 
consisting of 200 acres, on which he has made very 
many improvements and has been more than ordi- 
narily prosperous, as much so perhaps as any far- 
mer in the county. At dififerent times he purch.ased 
land, until now he is the owner of 1,560 acres, all 



of which he rents excepting the farm on which he 
makes his home. 

On the 28th of January, 1861, our subject was 
united in marri.ige. in Petersburg, 111., to Miss 
Catherine Miller, who was born in Hanover, Ger- 
many, on the 6lh of January, 1843. Her parents, 
Elliot and Abby (Johnson) Miller, were natives of 
Hanover, in which country the mother died, the 
father afterward coming to America, and departing 
this life in Lebanon, 111. There were four children 
in their family, whom they named Elliot. Mattie, 
Catharine and Albert. After their marriage our 
subject brought his wife to his attractive home, 
which she has graced bj- her charming and womanly 
presence, and, as she shares with her husband the 
desire to pi'ogress and improve, the}' have together 
labored toward the same end, and are now rewarded 
for their industry and careful management. Their 
buildings are all in excellent condition, and the 
farm being in a fine state of cultivation jMelds ex- 
cellent harvests of grain and general farm produce. 

The home of our subject and his wife has been 
the birthplace and shelter of five children, named 
Annie, Abby, Fannie. Elliot and Matilda, three of 
whom have already left the parental roof and are 
nicely established in their own homes. Annie mar- 
ried Herman Dorn, and with their three children, 
named Thomas, Rankin and Hannah, they live on 
a farm in Logan Township; Abby married Ilenr}' 
Mintz, and with their two children, named Criss and 
Tena, they live on a farm in Logan Township; 
Fannie is the wife of Edward Boughman, living in 
Hanover Township, also engaged in farming; they 
have two children deceased : Rachel, born April 10, 
1865, died Aug. 28, 1865, and Rankin, born Oct. 
1, 1875, died April 5, 1876. 

Part of the land belonging to our subject lies in 
Hanover and part in Logan Township, and from its 
abundant harvests he receives a large income, which 
enables him to rank with the wealthy farmers of the 
township. He takes an active interest in the pub- 
lic welfare, and has been for one year Road Over- 
seer, discharging the duties of that position with 
credit to himself and satisfaction to the public. 
Politically, he favors the Democratic partj-, and his 
religions sympathies are with the Evangelical Lu- 
theran Church, both he and his wife being esteemed 



k 576 



GAGE COUNTY. 




members of tliat church in Hanover. By their affa- 
ble anrl pleasing manners and kindly' courtesy they 
have won a large circle of admiring friends and 
acquaintances, who speak of them in terms of the 
highest respect, and they are well worthy of an 
honorable mention among the best citizens. 

<J¥)AMES RATHBUN, a well-to-do citizen of 
I Glen wood Township, and the owner of 320 
j acres of fine farming land, comprising the 
'^^Jj greater portion of section 12, is pursuing the 
even tenor of his way as a peaceable and law-abid- 
ing citizen, devoting his attention to agricultural 
pursuits and making a specialty of stock-raising. 
He came to this State from Henry County, 111., in 
the fall of 1881, settling where he now lives, and 
where l-.e has effected many iui|)rovements and is 
contrilniting his share toward advancing the inter- 
ests of one of the most progressive communities of 
the West. 

The Rathbun family have for several generations 
traced their ancestry among the people of New 
England, and the fatiier of our subject, Ebenezer 
Rathbun by name, was born in Vermont, where he 
was reared to manhood, and wlience he migrated to 
Washington County, Ohio; thence he removed to 
LaSalle County, 111., settling in Ottawa; afterward 
he lived in both Peoria and Henr}' Counties, and 
with his excellent wife spent his last days in the lat- 
ter, passing away about 1874. The mother of our 
subject was in her girlhood Miss Martha Hall; she 
was born in Ireland and crossed the Atlantic in her 
3-outh, settling with her parents in Ohio. She be- 
came the mother of ten children, and accompanied 
her faniilj' in their various removals until their final 
settlement in Henry Count\', III., where her deatii 
took place Oct. 5, 1878. 

Four of the brothers and sisters of our subject 
are yet living, mostly in Nebraska. James was born 
in Washington County, Ohio, Dec. 28, 1830, and 
was the seventh child of the family. He was reared 
to farm pursuits, educated in the district school, and 
continued under the home roof until twenty-six 
years of age; then, crossing the Mississippi in quest 
of a location for a home of his own, he selected 



Southern Nebraska as his abiding-place, locating 
upon his present farm in Glenwood Township. 
Here he has erected a good house and effected other 
improvements, indicating liim to be a man of per- 
severance and industrj', one who has a proper 
appreciation of those things which shall be for the 
comfort of his family and his own reputation as a 
member of the commuait}'. In addition to other 
pioneer labor he has set out a goodly assortment of 
fruit and other trees, cultivated the soil in a judi- 
cious manner, and lives independently and in a 
manner befitting a lord of the soil. 

Mr. Rathbun assumed matrimonial ties Feb. 25, 
1858, the lad}' of his choice being Miss Marj' Ann 
Wolf, born in Knox County, Ohio, June 24, 1836. 
Peter and Jane (Biggs) Wolf, the parents of Mrs. 
Rathbun, were natives of the same county as their 
daughter. They left the Buckeye State about 1839, 
and are now residents of Wasiiington Territory, 
where the father carried on farming. Their family 
consisted of ten children, all of whom are living. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Rathbun there have born eleven 
children, eight of whom are living, namely: Frank, 
George, Lewis, Charles, John, Alice, Carrie and 
Lizzie. The deceased children died in infancy. 

Mr. Rathbun cast his first vote in his native State 
for Pierce, and has since given his support to the 
Democratic party. 



-^ 




NDREW WALKER. The northwest quar- 
ter of section 24 in Clatonia Township, 
which is owned and operated by the sub- 
^1 ject of this sketch, is noticeable on account 

of the thoroughness with which it has been cul- 
tivated, its comfortable buildings, and the gen- 
eral air of thrift and industry which surrounds it. 
Mr. Walker was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Jan. 8, 
1859, and is the son of Herman and Sarah (Blum) 
Walker, the father deceased and the mother a resi- 
dent of Lincoln, Neb. 

Herman Walker was a native of Germany, whence 
he emigrated in early life, and his wife, Sarah, was 
born in Dayton, Ohio. Andrew was their only 
child, and in 1868 came with his parents to this 
county, they settling among the earliest pioneers 



i. 



••» 



GAGE COUNTY. 



f 



of Clatonia Township. The father only lived a 
few years thereafter, dying when comparatively a 
young man, in 1S59 or 1860. Tiie mother subse- 
quently married Lewis Brewing, and was .ignin left 
a widow, Mr. D. passing away on the 3d of Maj% 
1884. 

Andrew Walker was reared to manhood in this 
county and educated in the common schools. On the 
13lh of Novemlier, 1883, he was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Louisa Keller, who was born in 
Iowa, Aug. 20, 1857. Her parents were n.atives of 
Germany. The father is deceased and the mother 
lives with our subject. Mr. and Mrs. Walker are 
the parents of two children: Waldo W., born Feb. 
16, 1885, and Margaret S., Feb. 15, 1888. They 
are members in good standing of the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Walker, politically, 
is a Republican with Prohibition tendencies. He 
is serving as Moderator in his school district, was 
elected the first Clerk of Clatonia Township after 
its organization, and re-elected twice since. Dur- 
ing his younger years he attended school at Mt. 
Pleasant, Iowa, a year, and by the reading of the 
current literature of the day keeps himself w-ell 
posted upon matters of general interest. He is a 
man intelligent to C(jnverse with, straightforward 
and prompt in his business transactions, and in all 
respects a valued citizen. 



/^^v ILAS S. SPIER is a well-known and repre- 

^^^ sentative farmer residing on section 36, 

|fl£_Jl) Paddock Township. His father, Isaac Spier, 

was born in Columbia Countj', N. Y., and 

his mother, Laura (Spaulding) Spier, was born in 

Chester, Mass. After their marriage they settled in 

Canaan, Columbia Co., N. Y., in which place the 

husband died on the 26th of August, 1867. The 

wife died at the residence of her son, our subject, 

in Paddock Township, on the 8th of January, 1887. 

They had a familj* of three children, of whom 

Sarah A. became the wife of Joseph Bunnell, and 

BIdith M. became the wife of W. R. Kirk. 

The only son, our subject, was born in Canaan, 
Columbia Co., N. Y., on the 27th of April, 1846. 
He spent the early 3'ears of his life on a farm, and 



received the principal part of his education in the 
common schools. He lived at home until he was 
eighteenjyears old, when he came to Nebraska, and 
spent si.x months of the j-ear 1866 in Omaha. He 
afterward went to LaCrosse, Wis., at which place 
he remained about one and a half years, being em- 
ployed as a book-keeper in a fruit store. He then 
went to LaGrange County, Ind., and was engaged 
in farming from the fall of 1868 until the spring of 
1877, when he went to Black Hawk County, Iowa, 
and remained for one year. In the spring of 1878 
he came to Nebraska, and settled in Paddock 
Township, in which he bought 200 acres of land. 

Our subject has made improvements on his farm 
and has erected a number of necessary and con- 
venient buildings. He gives his attention to general 
farming, and makes a specialty of raising sheep and 
horses, keeping considerable live stock. He was 
married in Alden, Phue Co., N. V., on the 'Jth of 
November, 1 870, to Miss Lucinda L. Oaks, a daugh- 
ter of Samuel G. and Luana (Lewis) Oaks. The 
father of Mrs. Spier was born in Bridgewater, 
Oneiiia Co., N. Y., on the 1st of January, 1800, and 
her mother was born in Herkimer County, of the 
same State, on the i8th of Januarj', 1808. By that 
marriage they had a family of five children — Sa- 
mantha L., Abraham, Mary E., William G. and Lu- 
cinda L. The father died in the cit}' of his birth 
on the 24th of April, 1851, and the mother died 
in Allegany, Cattaraugus County, on the 25th of 
September, 1884. 

Mrs. Spier was born in Clarendon, Orleans Co., 
N. Y., on the 31st of Maj-, 1847. She is an ac- 
complished and excellent woman, a sympathizing 
wife, and a devoted mother to her children, of whom 
she has three, their names, Anna L., Marion W. and 
Isaac. They have enjoyed the advantages of re- 
ceiving a good education, making excellent use there- 
of, and are distinguished for their intelligence, 
genial dispositions and pleasing manners, and are 
ornaments to their home and the young society of 
the neighborhood. 

Our subject has taken an important part in the 
public affairs of his township, having served in an 
olHce most of the time since his removal to this 
county. He h.is been Assessor for two terms. Treas- 
urer for the same length of time, and is now the iu- 



.t 



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u7« 



GAGE COUNTY. 



cumbent of tbe latter oflice. He is a member of 
the A. O. U. W., and is a Republican in politics. 
He and his family are attendants on the services of 
the Presbyterian Church, and are well known as an 
estimable family. 



WILLIAM H.STOCKTON, who is operating a 
livery and sale stable at Beatrice, has his 
headquarters on West Court street, and 
is in the enjoyment of a generous patronage from 
the i)eople of the city. lie keeps a goodly assort- 
ment of horses and road vehicles, and conducts his 
business in tliat straightforward manner which com- 
mends him to his fellow-citizens as a man worthy to 
be numbered among those who liy their enterprise 
are contributing to the general advancement of its 
interests. This stable was established by Mr. 
Stockton in March, 1881, and is now numbered 
among the leading enterprises of the city. 

Our subject was born near the town of Green- 
bush, Warren Co., III.. April 14, 1850, and is the 
second child of James and Jane (White) Stockton, 
who were natives of Indiana and earl3' settlers of 
Warren County. The father was a farmer by occu- 
pation, and after manj' years' residence in Warreu 
County, removed across the line into Fulton, where 
his death took place in May, 18G5. The mother 
survived her husband but little over twelve months, 
passing awa}' in June of the following year. Their 
other children are residents of Nebraska and Iowa. 
William II. Stockton early in life became familiar 
with the various employments of the farm, and ac- 
quired his education mostly in the district school. 
He remained under the parental roof until a youth 
of nineteen years, then with very little capital 
started out on his own account. In 1873 he began 
operations as a stock-dealer, and six 3'ears later 
crossed the Jlississippi into Warren Count}', Iowa, 
and continued the shipping of cattle and swine to 
Chicago. He was thus occupied in that region 
until 1881, when he came to Beatrice and began 
trading in horses, soon afterward establishing his 
stables. In August, 1887, he put up the building 
which he now occupies, and which covers an area 
of 32x1 20 feet. He gives employment to four men. 



Mr. Stockton wdiile a resident of Warren County, 
Iowa, was united in marriage with Miss Mattie 
Evans, the wedding taking place in December, 1 879. 
This lady is the daughter of Charles and Bettie 
Evans, natives of Indiana, and now of Kansas. 
Their family' consisted of Ave children. Of this 
union there has been born one child, a daughter, 
Mabel, who is now eight j'cars old. Mr. Stockton is 
conservative in politics, usually giving his support 
to the Democratic party. 

The parents of our subject had each been married 
before uniting their fortunes, and the mother had 
three children by her first husband, Mr. White, one 
son and two daughters — Thomas, Sarah and Eliza. 
The father by his first marriage had two sons — 
Thomas and Aaron. These are now mostly resi- 
dents of Missouri. The paternal grandfather of our 
subject, Thomas Stockton b^- name, was a native of 
Indiana, and spent the last years of his life in 
Illinois. 



ijilSAAC N. YOTHER has been a resident of this 
county since the year 1872, and in the time of 
/li his residence here he has built up an enviable 
reputation for integrity and enterprise, and has 
taken an active interest in the public affairs of his 
township. His father is Henr^' Yother, who was 
born in Pennsjdvania in 1809, and has been a 
clergyman all his life, combining with that noble 
professi<jn the occupation of a farmer. He married 
Miss Catherine Myers, the mother of our subject, 
who died in Pennsylvania in the year 1861, and in 
1864 he left his native State, and moved to Living- 
ston County, 111. In 1871 he came to this county, 
and still makes his home here. 

Our suliject is the fourth child of a family of 
twelve, eight sons and four daughters, and was born 
in Fayette County. Pa., on the 29th of September, 
1842. He remained at home until he reached the 
age of twenty-one years, receiving his education 
from the schools of his native town, after which lie 
was engaged in farming. In 1872 he came to this 
county, and made his home near Blue Springs, re- 
maining there until 1883, at which time he bought 
a farm of 120 acres on section 13, Island Grove 
Township. The farm is now in a fine state of cul- 



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-! 



GAGE COUNTY. 



-=L» 



o71) 



tivalion. and presents an attractive appearance, with 
its nicclj' arranged cluster of convenient farm 
huildin<is. and its fields of waving green, separated 
by rows of substantial and well-kept fences. 

On the loth of December. 1870, Mr. Yolher was 
united in marriage with Miss Mary Loucks, a daugh- 
ter of Henry and Barbarj' Loucks, who were natives 
of Pennsylvania. She was born on the 18th of 
July, 1S3.5, in Westmoreland, Pa., and remained in 
her native State until the j-ear 1870. B\' her mar- 
riage with our subject she has become the mother 
of three children, one son and two daughters, to 
whom have been given the names of Henrj' L.. 
Carrie Elizabeth and Annie Winnifred. These chil- 
dren are now verging on j'oung manhood and 
womanhood, and are fitting themselves to relieve 
their kind parents of man}' of the burdens of 
domestic duties, and to become useful and honor- 
able members of society. Mr. Yother warml}' advo- 
cates the policj' of the Republican part}' in politics, 
and is gratified to hear of the public improvements 
in educational and religious matters, as well as of 
those relating to the government of the country. 
For five 3ears he has been an honorable member of 
the School Board, and has proved himself an enter- 
prising and loyal citizen. 

^ AMES KINZIE. Of Grant Township's vet- 
eran pioneer settlers, the subject of this 
sketch is one of the most worthy of intro- 

duction to the readers of this volume. Since 

his establishment in the count}' he has been unre- 
mitting in his efforts and most unwearied in his en- 
deavors to advance the interests thereof in every 
possible manner. His first entry of land dates from 
the year 1861. He is the owner of 280 acres of 
most excellently improved and cultivated land, and 
is certainly to be numbered among the best farmers 
of the county. His property and residence are 
situated upon section 8, his home being beautifully 
located, and affording the necessaries of comfort 
and convenience, and not a few luxuries of life. 
His property is well stocked with timber and well 
sui)plied with water. 

The father of our subject, William Kinzie, wel- 



comed his son to the present life on the "iid of 
iJecember, 1816, at his home in West Virginia. The 
grandfather of our subject, John H. Kinzie, was 
born of Scottish parents, in New Yoik City, and 
until this time the name had been prefixed by the 
syllable, Mac, represented in the usual manner. He 
was one of the heroes of the Kevolutionary Army, 
and also of the War of 1812. He saw much of 
military life and was a recognized able soldier and 
officer. He was one of the first to be in what is 
now Chicago, being Indian agent for that district, 
and making it his headquarters. 'Ihe well-known, 
important business thoroughf.are in that city, Kinzie 
street, received its name in his lionor. He died at 
a very advanced age, while that town was still 
known by the name of Ft. Dearborn, his death be- 
ing very sudden and caused by heart disease. 

William Kinzie, the father of our subject, was 
born in what is now Detroit, Mich. He grew to 
manhood in the State of Ohio, and served through 
the War of 1812. His chosen occupation in life 
was that of farming. The maiden name of his wife 
was Rebecca Martin, wliom he met and married in 
the southeastern part of the State. After this im- 
portant and interesting event they continued to" 
malve their home in Ohio until 1832. They then 
removed to Elkhart County, Ind., took up land and 
improved a new farm. His wife died in 1842, 
somewhat past middle life; somewhat later the 
widowed husband came to Nebraska, and in the 
year 1869 died at the home of our subject, vvhere 
he had been residing for some lime, in his seventy- 
eighth year. 

Our subject was the third child and first son of 
a family of ten children, four of whom were daugh- 
ters. One of the sons died from sickness during 
military service. The subject of our sketch was 
reared in Ohio and Indiana, and entered upon his 
majority in the latter State. There, also, in 1848, 
he became the husbai.d of Lydia E. Hatch, who 
was born in Pennsylvania, in the year 1831. She 
is the third daughter of Albert and Sally A. (Wood) 
Hatch, both of whom are now deceased. They de- 
parted this life at LaPorte. Ind. They were natives 
of New York State, and after their marriage made 
their home there until after the birth of two chil- 
dren, then removed to Pennsylvania. In 1837 they 



L ^ ^' 



i 



'4*- 



5«0 



GAGE COUNTY. 



went to the Iloosier State, making their home at 
Elkliart for a time, but the fatlier, who was liy trade 
a millwriu'bt and a skilled workman, not long after- 
ward removed to Chicago, and was employed in 
the carshops of that city. He finally removed to 
LaPorte, wiiere he established a foundry, and in- 
vented and brought out the first corn sheller in the 
countrj' for the use of Messrs. Peck & Co., the ex- 
tensive grain dealers in that cit}'. 

Lydia Kinzie, daughter of the above and wife of 
our subject, received a good education in the Indi- 
ana schools. This was subsequently supplemented 
by her own most laudable, ambitious efforts at self- 
improvement, whicii have made her a well-educated 
lady, and have also given her a perfect command 
over what she has learned, and made it possible for 
her to utilize the same at any time. Siie has be- 
come the mother of eleven children, and it is her 
happiness to have them all living; seven of them 
are married and have homes of their own, and fill 
honorable and responsible positions in life. They 
are as follows: Mary E., the wife of John Wehn, 
Jr., editor of the Opposition, at AViiber, Neb.; 
William, who is married to Sarah Barnhouse, and 
living upon a farm in Grant Township; Laura J., 
the wife of Calvin C. Goodhart, an engineei' on the 
Burlington & Missouri River Railroad, and resident 
at Wymore; John D., who is still at home; Sally 
A., now Mrs. James Clary, and living in Jefferson 
County, Neb.; Agnes, the widow of Peter Shawm, 
at present residing with her parents; Alice, happily 
married to Charles Morris, a farmer in Grant Town- 
ship; Emma R., wife of Tom Collister, of Frontier 
County; James E. and Erastus E. (twins), still at 
home; and Clarissa B., also still with her parents. 
Upon the roll of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
at DeWitt, are found the names of our subject, his 
wife, and several members of their family. They 
are among its most able supporters, stanch friends 
and consistent members, and as a result are very 
highly esteemed. The subject of our sketch is not 
in the front rank of politicians, but is ever ready to 
do his full duty as a citizen with all loyal eager- 
ness. He usually votes with the Democratic part}'. 
Although not much found in political circles, his 
bright, genial smile is seldom missed from any 
gathering, religious, social or otherwise, where pro- 

<■ 



jects and plans are to be perfected or carried out 
for the benefit of the community or even a more 
prescribed circle, if only the object be right, honor- 
able, charitable or beneficent. Both himself and 
wife have always been the true friends of such 
enterprises, and hold a very warm place in the 
hearts of those who know them. 

(^^ AMUEL E. RIGG, Postmaster at Beatrice, 
^^^ and also carrying on a flourishing drug 
(ll/_j) business, stands well among the citizens 
and business men of this part of the Stale, 
as one intimately identified with its most important 
interests. He comes of substantial German ances- 
try, who settled in the Keystone State during the 
Colonial days and engaged mostly in agricultural 
pursuits. He was born near the town of "Washing- 
ton, in Washington County, that .State, M.a}^ 20, 
1852, and his parents were Joseph and Catherine 
(Earhart) Rigg, descended from (Quaker stock, the 
former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of 
Athens County, Ohio. Jose|)h Rigg, in 18G7, mi- 
grated to Illinois, locating in Champaign County, 
where he operated as a miller, and where his death 
took place Sept. 22, 1882. The mother, after the 
death of her husband, joined her sons in Beatrice, 
Neb., where she now resides. 

To Joseph and Catherine Rigg there were born 
two children onl}', Charles M., and Samuel E., of 
our sketch. The elder is now engaged in the real- 
estate business in Beatrice. Samuel pursued his 
early studies in the common schools of Ohio and 
Illinois, and later was a student in the Illinois State 
Universitj' at Urbana. He began his business career 
as clerk in a drug-store at Champaign, III., and later, 
going South, was employed in the same capacit}' in 
a drug-store at Hot Springs, Ark., where he so- 
journed for a period of five years. He has also been 
a resident of the States of Georgia and Ohio, being 
in the ft)rmer at the outbreak of the late Civil War. 
He had been there about one and one-half years, 
and from there returned to Ohio. 

Mr. Rigg, in Ma^' of 1879, migrated to this 
county, and began clerking in the drug-store of 
Hinkle & Jackson, at Beatrice, with whom he re- 



^$.^ 




'^,^^: 









■<»■ 



,t 



GAGE COUNTY. 



583 



niained four years, and then secured an interest in 
the business, becoming associated with Mr. J. W. 
Hiniile, under the firm name of Hiniile & Rigg, 
whicii partnership continued five j'ears. Mr. Hin- 
kle, then retiring, disposed of his interest to Mr. 
Jackson, and the firm of Jackson & Rigg now com- 
mands a large proportion of the patronage extended 
to this line of merchandise in the city. They carry 
a full stock of everything pertaining to their line 
of trade, and by their strict business methods have 
built up a substantial and lucrative business. Mr. 
Rigg is a stanch Democrat politically, and received 
the appointment of Postmaster in March, 1886. He 
has hosts of friends in the community, his course 
having been that which commands respect and con- 
fidence. 

The marriage of Samuel E. Rigg and Miss Mary, 
eldest daughter of G. W. and Amanda E. (Jones) 
Hinkle, of Beatrice, was celebrated at the home of 
the bride in this city, Oct. 18, 1881. Mrs. Rigg 
was born Nov. 6, 1860, and was given the advantages 
of a common-school education. She was reared 
to womanhood in Beatrice, and remained at home 
until her marriage. Her father is a native of Ohio 
and the mother of Illinois; the latter died when 
Mrs. Rigg was about four years old. Mr. Hinkle 
resides in Beatrice. Their family consisted of four 
children. 

*°* "& ' ^ ' fl ' ^ * S" '" 




'^.RUMAN L. DAVIS, one of the largest 
sheep and stock i-aisers in the State, operates 
the ranch comprising the entire extent of 
sections 17 and 18 of Hooker Township. He is the 
son of John and Jane (Waters) Davis, natives of 
New York State. Our subject represents the sixth 
generation of his family in this country, and is of 
English and Scotch extraction. His grandfather, 
John Davis, served with distinction in the War of 
1812. Upon their marriage the parentsof our sub- 
ject settled in Saratoga County, N. Y., where his 
father owned a farm and followed his trade as a 
carpenter. Their marriage occurred in the j'ear 
1842, in Wayne County. In the year 1860 he 
purchased a farm in Warren Count}- and removed 
to it; they are still living and in comfortable cir- 



cumstances. Mr. Davis has reached the advanced 
age of sixty-two, and his wife the age of fifty-eight. 
Their family included five children, who received 
the names Howard, Harvey, Alpheus, Byron and 
Truman L. 

Our subject was born on the 25th of December. 
1854, at Millbrook, Warren Co., N. Y. At the age 
of about six 3'ears, iiis parents removed to Saratoga 
Count}', where he attended the common school for 
some time. When about fourteen years of age he 
left home to work, and eng.aged with Messrs Den- 
nison & Belden, contractors for the Erie and Wel- 
land Canals, working as a boy of all work. His 
disposition, intelligence, and rapidly developing 
ability, were marked by his employers, and at the 
age of fifteen, an opportunity occurring, he was 
given the preference and placed in charge of a 
gang of men, and in this position remained four 
years. This was the school in which he learned 
how to handle a body of men, and the many details 
thereof that have since been of such help to him upon 
his''ranch and elsewhere. 

Upon leaving the canal Truman, with his brother 
Howard, engaged in business in a meat-market in 
Saratoga, where he continued until 1877, when he 
came to Beatrice. Here for the first 3'ear he worked 
by the month, then rented the farm next to where 
he had worked, and continued upon it with increas- 
ing prosperity for five years. It was while here 
he became acquainted with Mr. J. B. Long, of 
Washington County, N. Y. This gentleman rented 
the Hooker farm, and converted it into a sheep 
ranch. He subleased the land to Mr. Davis, who 
has personal charge of the farm. 

On the 6th of August, 1885, our subject was 
united in marriage with Miss Lj-dia White, a 
daughter of William and Jennie White, who were 
natives of Tennessee, where the}' settled and con- 
tinued until after the war. Mr. White was by 
occupation a farmer and planter, but upon removal 
to Nebraska he was engaged in the hotel business. 
About two years were spent in Nebraska; then they 
removed to Burr Oak, Kan., and there Mr. White 
opened a hotel. At present he has a good farm, 
upon which he resides, situated in Butler Count}', 
that State. He is now forty-six years of age, and 
his wife thirty-six. Their three children have been 

■► 



-4^ 



;'>«4 



GAGE COUNTY. 






named Lyf'ia. Josephine and Ella. Their daughter 
Lydia, the wife of our subject, was born on the 4th 
of February, 1869. She remained at home with her 
parents until her marriage, and was well educated in 
the common and Normal schools at Peru. There 
have been two children born to our subject: Pearl, 
who was born May C, 1886, and Byron, who died 
in inf.incy. 

Mr. Davis has under his immediate supervision, 
control and management, 1,280 acres, being 960 
acres of Hooker and 320 acres of Scully land. 
There are ten teams kept continually at work in 
connection with the ranch, and a force of never 
less than twelve men. Besides his teams he usually 
has about forty bead of horses in his pastures, but 
aims chiefly to feed for the market. In 1884 there 
were fed 6,000 head of sheep, and in 1885 10.000; 
the following year 7.000, and in 1887 11,500; this 
year (1888) there will probablj' be fed about the 
same number. These figures tell something of the 
measure of his success, even far better than any 
merely complimentary sentence could do. About 
tlie 1st of November usually the sheep are brought 
in from the pasture and housed for the winter. 
This is the largest sheep ranch in Eastern Nebraska, 
and enjoys a widespread and favorable reputation. 

It is interesting to notice the amount required 
by our subject for feed purposes alone for a season. 
Tlie figures which are as follows are startling: Of 
oats he uses 2,000 l)ushels ; of corn 40,000 bushels ; 
of hay 2,000 tons; and of oil cake ninety tons. 
The ranch is fully supplied with the various sheds, 
yards and buildings requisite for its successful oper- 
ation, and all of them have been erected accord- 
ing to the most improved plans ; the place is also 
provided with a five-ton scale, which is in constant 
use, and three large and powerful windmills. There 
are twelve sheep yards, ten having a capacity of 
1,000 sheep, and two with a capacity of 500. By 
this means every grade of sheep can i)e kept sepa- 
rate, their feeding attended to better, and in shipping 
this arrangement saves much time and trouble. 
Shearing time is quite a busy season upon the ranch, 
there being usually from 6,000 to 7,000 sheep 
sheared annuall}'. 

Mr. Davis is heartily esteemed in the community, 
and is greatly admired because of his high personal 



character, business ability and success. In political 
matters he usually votes with the Republican party, 
but is careful to deposit his ballot where, in his 
belief, the best interests of the people will be served. 
The portrait of the enterprising gentleman whose 
life has been so briefly sketched here will be gladly 
received by the patrons of this work. As a fitting 
companion picture we present the jjortrait of his 
estimable wife. 



■\ll EFFERSON H. BROADY, Judge of the First 
Judicial District, having his residence at 
Beatrice, has for many years Ijeen recog- 
nized as one of the leading members of the 
bar of Southern Nebraska. He was born on a 
farm near Liberty, in Adams County, 111., April 
14, 1844, and is the son of John C. and Anna 
(Wigle) Broadj', the latter of Belgian ancestry. 
The mother was also born in the Prairie State, 
where she was reared to womanhood. Her fqther 
was John Wigle, a farmer, miller and pioneer tav- 
ern-keeper by occupation, and a man prominent in 
his community. His house was the stopping-place 
of the travelers, and a sort of headquarters for the 
settlers. 

John C. Broady was of Scotch descent, and a na- 
tive of Kentucky. His mother died when he was 
seven j-ears of age, and he was taken from Ken- 
tucky at an earlj' age to Knoxville, Tenn., and 
thence to Vienna. Ind., where he was bound out to 
an old-school Presbyterian preacher to learn the min- 
istry according to the old Scotch Covenantor's 
faith. This was too much for the exuberance of 
youth, and he fled from there to the frontier in 
Illinois, and enlisted in the Black Hawk War. 
John C. Broady continued a resident of Adams 
County, 111., where he followed farming and spent 
the remainder of his days, his death occurring in 
1878. The mother survived her husband one year, 
dying in 1879. Their family included seven liv- 
ing children, four sons and three daughters, who 
now reside in the States of Illinois, Nebraska, Mis- 
souri and Kansas. 

The subject of this sketch was the fourth child 
of the family, and passed his boyhood and youth 



- ► ^ ■1 <• 



.t 



GAGE COUNTY. 



585 



on the farm, becoming familiar with the various 
eniploj'ments of rural life. His eiirly studies were 
conducted in the district school, and later he be- 
came a student of Pa^'son High School, from which 
he was graduated with honors, and not long after 
engaged as a teacher. Being of a delicate constitu- 
tion, he was unfitted for the arduous labors of the 
farm, and devoted much of his time to reading 
upon the political topics of the day. He soon de- 
veloped excellent powers as an orator, and was es- 
pecially efHcient as a political organizer when a boy 
of twelve j'ears. During the memorable campaigns 
of Stephen A. Douglas, while yet a schoolboy, he 
was dubbed the "Little Giant" of his community, 
ou accouut of his active interest in promoting the 
success of the Democracy in organizing the boys 
of his acquaintance iuto a band of campaigners. 

As he advanced to maturity young liroady grew 
more healthy, but none the more inclined to farm- 
ing or manual labor. When near his majority he 
was incidentally drawn into newspaper discussions, 
and attracted much attention as a forcible and 
vigorous writer. From that time he was seldom at 
home, and taught considerably in order to raise 
funds for the further prosecution of his studies. 
He was at one time for several months connected 
with the office of the Springfield (111.) Register, 
having in view the acquirement of the printer's 
trade, but later abandoned this, and determined 
that the profession of law would be more congenial 
to his tastes and more in keeping with his capabili- 
ties. 

Young Broadj', accordingly, in the fall of 1865, 
entered the law department of the Michigan Uni- 
versity, where he at once took a leading position 
as a del)ater. Two years later he was graduated 
with honors, receiving the degree of LL.B. on the 
27th of March, 1867. Soon afterward he entered 
the law office of Skinner ik Marsh, at C^uincy, 111., 
but in July following, determining upon a per- 
manent location, crossed the Father of Waters, 
and on the 1st of August took up his abode at 
Brownville, Neb. In a few months he formed a 
partnership with Hon. E. W. Thomas, and not long 
afterward the firm of Thomas <k Broady began to 
give evidence of its future importance. They 
discarded everything but strictly legal business, 



and are now ranked among the finest practitioners 
west of the Mississippi. 

The subject of this sketch, a clear-headed and 
decidedly practical man, is a close student and ex- 
tensive reader, and possesses the qualities of reso- 
lution and perseverance in no ordinary degree. In 
the fall of 1883 he was elected Judge of the First 
Judicial District, composing the counties of Gage, 
Johnson, Nemaha. Richardson and Pawnee. In 
the fall of 1887 he was re-elected to the same office, 
and is now serving his fifth year and second term. 
Politically, he is a stanch Democrat. He was a 
member of the Nebraska Constitutional Convention 
in 1875, and the same year was elected Prosecuting 
Attorney for the district comprising the counties 
of Lancaster, Cass, Otoe and Nemaha. When re- 
tiring from the ordinary duties of his profession in 
order to assume his judicial office, he had several 
important cases pending in the Circuit, Supreme 
and P'ederal Courts. His natural abilities and ac- 
quirements are uniformly recognized throughout 
the profession in Southern Nebraska. 

Judge Broad}', on the 2d of November, 1871, 
was united in marriage with Miss Nannie J. Mac- 
Donald, of Rock Springs. Pa. The marriage was 
celebrated at Albia, Iowa. Mrs. Broady was born 
and reared in Penns3'lvania, and is the daughter of 
Dr. John G. and Jane (Bailey) MacDonald, who 
resided in Spruce Creek Valley, Pa. Of this union 
there have been born seven children, viz: Anna, 
Grace, Bracton, John C, Jefiferson H., Jr., Joj'ce 
and Beatrice. The eldest is sixteen years of age, 
and the youngest eight months. 

>* IfelLLIAM II. ROULSTEN, of Glen wood 
\&//l Township, was born in Worcester, Mass., 
W% Oct. 5, 1855, and migrated with his par- 
ents to Illinois when a little lad four years of age. 
Thej' settled in Henry County, where the father 
engaged in brickmakiug; he died when AVilliam H. 
was only about five years of age, and the latter 
continued under the parental roof assisting his 
mother until a \-outli of fourteen j-ears, when she 
died. Then, crossing the Father of Waters into 
Page County, Iowa, he worked two years at brick- 



•<^ 



58G 



GAGE COUNTY. 



making near the town of Creston, later at SLenan- 
(loali. At the expiration of tliis time he began 
operations as a tiller of the soil, anil to this calling 
has since given his time and attention. 

Mr. Roulsten, in January, 1881, settled in Glen- 
wood Township on section 31. Upon the eighty 
acres of land which he then secured he has labored 
industriously, bringing the soil to a good condition 
and producing the crops which in this region thrive 
so well under the hand of the judicious husbandman. 
As a man and citizen he occupies a good position, 
and may be accounted among the useful and praise- 
worthy members of the community. 

The familj' history of our subject, which is next 
in importance to that of the man himself, is in its 
essential points as follows : His father. Eli Roulsten, 
was a native of Vermont, and upon reaching man- 
hood was united in marriage with a most estimable 
lady, Miss Clementine Wood, whom it is believed 
was also a child of the Green Mountain State. 
After marriage the parents of our subject settled in 
Worcester, Mass., where the father was occupied in 
briclcmaking, and whence they migrated about 
1 H68 to Henry ( /Ounty, 111. There they engaged in 
brickmaking, and the father departed this life in 
1860. The mother passed away in 1870. They 
were the parents of two children only, William H. 
and Herbert E. : the latter lives in Henry County, 
111. 

Ml'. Roulsten was four years old when his parents 
removed from Massachusetts to Illinois, and in the 
latter State received his rudimentary education. 
After becoming a resident of Shenandoah, Iowa, he 
formed the acquaintance of Miss Amy L. Brewer, 
and they were made one at the home of the bride 
in that place on the lyth of December, 1878. Mrs. 
Roulsten was born in Carroll County, III., July 29, 
1859, and is the daughter of Oliver H. and Elvira 
(Westfall) Brewer, who were natives of Virginia 
and emigrated to the Prairie State. The mother 
died in Carroll County about 1866. Mr. B. is still 
living, and a resident of Page County, Iowa. Mrs. 
R. was the youngest of a family of six children, and 
was reared to womanhood in Illinois. She acquired 
a common-school education, and remained a member 
of the home circle until her marriage. Of her union 
with our subject there have been born five cbildreu 



— Oliver E., Herbert R., Jesse W., Blanche and Jay 
0. The eldest is nine years of age and the young- 
est nine months. 

Mr. Roulsten has little to do with politics or the 
world at large. He, however, keeps himself posted 
upon matters of interest to the average citizen, and 
as a voter is a stanch Republican. 

j^s^ AMUEL OSCAR WISHERD is undoubt- 
^^^^ edly more extensively eng.aged in agricult- 
^X[/_^ ural pursuits than any other man in this 
county, having under his immediate super- 
vision 2,800 acres devoted to that purpose. He 
owns all of section 24 in Nemaha Township; section 
9 in Adams Township; section 1 in Hanover 
Township; one-half of section 6 in Hooker Town- 
ship; one-fourth of section 5 in Hanover Town- 
ship; the south half of section 21, and eighty acres 
on section 2 in Adams Township, making in all a 
total of 2,800 acres. He also controlled all of sec- 
tion 1 1 in Adams Township. Our subject has the 
assistance of his brother John in the management of 
this large estate, the latter having ranches in Mis- 
souri and Arkansas. 

The parents of our subject, Edward and Amanda 
(Smith) Wisherd, were born near Hagerstown, Md., 
and the father traces his ancestry back to an old 
Scotch family', who settled in that State in Colonial 
times. The parents were married in Hagerstown, 
and began their happy wedded life on a farm in their 
native State, on which they remained until 1854, 
when they moved to Fulton County, 111. The 
father became a land-owner, and went into business 
in that place, afterward removing to McDonough 
County, the same State, where they lived for twelve 
or fourteen years. After that length of time they 
changed their residence to Atchison County, Mo., 
in which place the mother died in April, 1885, at 
the age of sixty-one years. The father still remains 
there, and has reached the age of sixty-five years. 
They had a family of six children, whose names 
are: John A., Samuel Oscar, Mary E., William H., 
Jennie V. and Mattie (deceased). 

Our subject was born near the early home of his 
parents, on the 14th of July, 1853, and was but one 



■^•- 



GAGE COUNTY. 



587 



year old when they moved to Illinois. He atteiide(l 
the district schools in Fulton County, and after his 
removal to McDonough County he continued the 
pursuit of his education in the common schools un- 
til he reached the age of nineteen years, when he 
entered college at Carthage. At the age of twenty 
years he and his brother John rented a farm, and 
together took the management of it, the father giv- 
ing them each a team of horses, and allowing our 
subject the proceeds of his labor, though he ha<i not 
j'et attained his majority. 

The brothers first took charge of a farm contain- 
ing 480 acres, and as they were very energetic, hon- 
est, and possessed excellent business capabilities, 
the owner of the farm was inspired with perfect 
confidence in their ability and integrity, and fur- 
nished means for buying cattle and stock. They 
staid on this farm for two years, and were very suc- 
cessful, but imbibing the current "Western fever," 
they resolved to try their fortunes in Missouri. 
In that State they purchased land to the amount of 
about 4,000 acres, and put it all under cultivation, 
having to break it and improve it. and carry on the 
work themselves. For awhile the price of land 
was at a standstill, and there came over the finan- 
cial horizon of the energetic young men a cloud of 
somewhat dark aspect. 

In April, 1878, our subject returned to Illinois 
in order to consummate his marriage with Miss 
Hurley, a daughter of William and Johanna (Wolf) 
Hurley. The father was a native of Indiana, and 
the mother of Illinois, and they made their home 
in Fulton County, 111., until 1887, when they moved 
to Burlington, Col. The father is about fifty-two 
years old, and has been prosperous in his business; 
the mother is fifty years old. Mrs. Wisherd's grand- 
father, Thomas Wolf, was one of the earliest pio- 
neers of Fulton County, having first made his home 
there in the year 1830. There were four children in 
the parental family, all of whom were born in Fulton 
County, 111., whose names are Alice M., Mary J., 
Nettie E. and Ella L. Alice M., who became the 
wife of our subject, received the principal part of 
her education from the common schools, and hav- 
ing used to good advantage the opportunities af- 
forded her, she became well fitted to adorn the 
pedagogic profession, which she did for a short 



time. But she was soon called to Missouri to grace 
the new home and possessions of our subject with 
her willing hands, smiling face and genial manners. 
She became the mother of one child, named Ethel, 
and since their residence in this county another 
little daughter, named Maud, was added to the 
happy home on the 11 th of December, 1883. 

Having sold a large part of the laud which he 
owned in Missouri, and bought 2,600 acres in this 
State, our subject came in the spring of 1882 and 
began making improvements on his new purchase. 
He broke 2,000 acres of land the first year, and the 
next year he settled on section 24, all of which he 
now owns and operates, besides the large amount 
above named. He employs between twenty and 
twenty-five men, whom he keeps under his imme- 
diate supervision. A few of the men are married, 
and are hired by the year, and for their accommoda- 
tion our subject has built several houses. He has 
200 head of cattle, and raises from 200 to 300 head 
of hogs per year. 

Mr. Wisherd has built a very fine house, and 
has adorned it with all the conveniences and lux- 
uries that wealth can supply. Mrs. Wishard is in 
every respect a charming lady, and she and her 
husband understand perfectly the art of entertain- 
ing the many guests who find their way to the well- 
appointed home. In politics our subject is a Re- 
publican. 



ylLLIAM LAMB. This gentleman is prom- 
inent among the business interests of the 
city of Beatrice, and quite extensively en- 
gaged in the grain trade. He came to Nebraska dur- 
ing the period of its early settlement, and when his 
adopted city was little more than an unpretentious 
hamlet. No man has watched with warmer interest 
the growth and development of one of the brightest 
communities of the West, while at the same time he 
has been no unimportant factor in assisting it to its 
present condition. 

A native of Madison County, N. Y., our subject 
was born in the town of Brookfield, Aug. 8, 1821. 
He was the fourth in a family of eight children, the 
sons and daughters of Asa and Celinda (Angell) 
Lamb, who were both natives of Connecticut, whence 



^' 



h 



GAGE COUNTY. 



i= 



tliey emigrated to Madison County. N. Y., during 
its pioneei- days. The father secured a tract of 
land and carried on farming until his death. Asa 
Lamb, the paternal grandfather of our subject, 
served valiantly in the Revolutionary War for a 
period of seven years, receiving many wounds in 
his conflicts with the enemies of his country. His 
blood frequently stained the frozen ground, but he 
possessed an iron constitution and recovered to re- 
turn to his Iiomo. After the war was over he set- 
tled in Brookfleld, and lived to the ripe old age of 
nearly ninety years. His son, Asa, Jr., the father 
of our suliject, spent his last years in Brookfleld, 
and died at the advanced age of eighty-seven; the 
mother died in 1838. 

Our subject spent his boyhood and youth in the 
manner common to the sons of the pioneer farmer, 
and received a pr.actieal education in the schools of 
iiis native county. When a youth of eighteen years 
he left home and began serving an apprenticeship 
at the trade of wagon-maker, not far away, and fol- 
lowed this business for a period of twenty-flve years. 
In the spring of 18,5,5 he left his native State, and 
proceeding westward, took up his abode in Elgin, 
III., where he lived five years. Thence he went to 
Rochelle, and was a sojourner there seven years. 
The spring of 1868 found him looking further west- 
ward, and crossing the Mississippi, he located in the 
j'oung city of Beatrice, where he began buying and 
selling grain, and in due time branched out into a 
trade in agricultural implements, being engaged in 
this business five years. His next venture was in a 
hardware store which he established at Beatrice, and 
which he conducted six years. 

We next find Mr. Lamb, whose course seems to 
have been steadily onward, raised to the position 
of Vice President of the Beatrice National Bank, 
with which he was connected three or four years. 
His other business interests finally' constrained him 
to withdraw from this institution, and he found it 
better for him to conflne his attention to the grain 
trade. In the meantime he invested his spare capi- 
tal in real estate, and is now the owner of three 
good farms, the lands of which have been brought 
to a highly fertile condition, and which are well 
stocked with good grades of domestic animals. The 
family residence is situated in Beatrice. It was 

4» 



erected in 188,5, and is a handsome, two-storj' frame 
structure, finely finished and furnished, and, with 
its surroundings, forms one of the most attractive 
homes in the city. 

In the twentj'-first year of his age our subject 
was united in marriage with Miss Maria Joslyn, the 
wedding taking place at the home of the bride, in 
Madison County, N. Y.. in 1841. Mrs. Lamb is 
the daughter of Artemus and Mary (Howard) Jos- 
lyn, who were natives of Massachusetts, and are 
both deceased. They moved to Illinois .about 18.55. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Lamb there have been born two 
children only, a son and daughter: William H., 
now engaged in the livery business in Superior, this 
State, and Augusta M., the wife of John M. Liud- 
sey, of Colorado. Mr. Lamb, politically, is a 
stanch supporter of Republican principles, and keeps 
himself well posted upon matters of State and Na- 
tional interest. He held the office of Justice of the 
Peace for two terms, or a period of six years. So- 
cially, he belongs to the A. F. & A. M., being a 
member of Bates Lodge No. 26, also of the Chap- 
ter and Commandery at Beatrice. Mr. Lamb as- 
sociated himself with Mr. John Kellogg, and the 
firm thus brought into existence has been in suc- 
cessful operation since that time. Too much credit 
cannot be given Mr. Lamb for the industry and 
perseverance with which he fought the battle of his 
earlier years, and from which he has come out fully 
equipped with a competence. William H., the son 
of our subject, during the late war, enlisted in the 
62d Illinois Infantr}-, and gave a patriotic service 
of four years in assisting to preserve the Union. 




'^'^^lEN REYNOLDS is connected with the Citi- 
zens' Bank in W3'more, and is one of the 
influential business men of that flourishing 
little city. He was born in Rock Island, 
111., on the 16th of January. 1854, and is a son of 
Elisha P. and Eliza (Young) Reynolds, who are 
natives of Vermont. After their marriage they 
made their home in Rock Island, and are the par- 
ents of six children, who bear the names of John H., 
Bettie, Lnc}', Sarah, Ben and Frederick. Our sub- 
ject si)ent his early years in Illinois, and received 



i^iU. 



I 



4*- 



GAGE COUNTY. 



589 



i~ 



his education from the public schools, after which 
he engaged with his father in making railroad con- 
tracts, in which Ijusiness his fatiier lias been engaged 
for thirt\'-six j'ears. They have built and helped 
to build man}' of the leading railroads in Illinois, 
Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, and other States and 
Territories, and since the accession of our subject as 
a member of the firm it is known as E. P. Reynolds 
& Co., railroad contractors. 

In 1873 our subject went to Cooper County, 
Mo., to engage in raining lead, where he continued 
for three years, after which he engaged for a like 
period in agricultural pursuits. Then, leaving his 
faniil}' he traveled around for some time in the ex- 
pectation of securing a better location in which to 
continue his business, and in 1882 he came to Wy- 
more, to which place he brought his famil}' and has 
since made his home. Four years after his arrival 
in Wymore he eng.iged in the banking business, 
without discontinuing his former vocation, and 
now he is successfully engaged in both banking 
and railroad building. The city of his residence 
offers great inducements to a man of his vocation, 
since it is doing all in its power to become a rail- 
road center, and in its turn the railroad company is 
doing much to add to the growth and prosperity' of 
the cit}', having made it the junction of the Bea- 
trice Branch of the Burlington & Missouri River 
Railroad, with the Southern main line of the same 
road to Denver. 

On the 6th of February, 1877, our subject was 
united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Harris, a 
daughter of George W, and Mary F. (Tyler) Har- 
ris, of Wymore, who were natives of Virginia. 
Mrs. Reynolds was born on the 14th of March, 
1859, in Missouri, and by her marriage she has 
become the mother of three children, whose names 
and birthdays are mentioned as follows: Mary P. 
was born on the 5th of February, 1878; Ben, on 
the 16th of June, 1881; and John H.,on the 23d of 
June 1887. These three children have brought 
much sunshine to the home of their parents, and 
the eldest, the daughter, will soon be of suflicient 
age to be a helpful companion to her indulgent 
mother. 

Besides his prominent connection with the bank 
our subject is Vice President and manager of the 

4* 



Blue Springs & Wymore Street Car Company, 
which is an institution of very great convenience to 
the inhabitants of these friendly cities. He is an act- 
ive and consistent member of the Masonic fraternity. 
Blue Lodge, and of the Chapter and Comraandery 
at Beatrice, an institution whose principles are 
worthy of the highest admiration. Mrs. Reynolds 
is an esteemed member of the Christian Church, and 
is a talented and amiable lady, whose refined and 
womanh' qualifications have won her a host of ad- 
miring friends. She is a faithful and devoted wife 
and mother, and is well fitted to adorn the position 
in society which the prominent position of her hus- 
band accords her. Mr. Reynolds is considered one 
of the leading and most enterprising business men 
of Wymore, and as such has done very much to aid 
in her improvements, having a reputation for 
strictest integrity and honorable dealing. 



-^- 



^JREDERICK RUPPRKCHT is the owner of 
k^ 160 acres of improved land on section 24, 
^ Lincoln Township, on which he has made 
his home since 1881. When the land came into his 
possession it was in a rough and uninviting con- 
dition, but he has since brought the greater part of 
it to a good state of cultivation, and has made 
man}' improvements, among which was the build- 
ing of a comfortable and attractive house and a 
good barn. He came to this county in 1880, and 
for one year rented a farm in Blakel}' Township, 
previous to which he had made his home for ten 
3'ears in Logan and Mason Counties, III. He owned 
a farm there for several j'ears, on which he worked 
and made some improvements, but thinking that 
this rapidly developing State afforded greater in- 
ducements, he sold it and came to this county. 

Our subject was born in Bavaria, Germany, on 
the 9th of July, 1835, and his ancestors were na- 
tives of the same place. His parents, George and 
Anna (Gundelfingcr) Rupprecht. came to the 
United States in the year 1883, and are making 
their home in Lincoln, Logan Co., 111. The father 
was a butcher by trade, and he has now arrived 
at the ailvanced .age of eight\'-one 3'ears, the mother 
being seventy-eight years old. Our subject re- 



H*^ 



t 



590 



GAGE COUNTY. 



mainerl with his parents until he was twenty-three 
years old. and after his school daj'S were over he 
learnerl the trade of a butcher under his father's 
instructions. He came to the United States when 
he was a single man, and after spending some years 
in traveling through the different .States in pursuit 
of his vocation, he decided to make his home in 
Logan County, 111., and in 1864 he went back to 
Germany and remained six months, when he re- 
turned to Logan County. 

Mr. Rupprecht was united in marriage in New 
York Cit^-, on the 25th of August, 1865, to Miss 
Margaret Martz, who was born in Bavaria, Ger- 
many, on the 28th of August, 1839. She was a 
young woman when she came alone to the United 
States, and made her home in New York City until 
the time of her marriage with our suliject. Her 
parents .are still living in the Fatherland. By their 
marriage our subject and his wife are the parents 
of six children, named: Anna, Mary, Sallie, Fred, 
Jacob and Lydia. They are well-known and es- 
teemed members of the Lutheran Church, in Bea- 
trice, and are true and loyal citizens of their 
adopted country. Mr. Rupprecht affiliates with the 
Democratic partj', and among his fellowmen he 
bears a reputation for strictest integrity and up- 
rightness. 



^^ARRETT AND OLIVER COOPER. It is 

III (-— , onl}' one step back from the contemplation 
^^ll! of the question that occurs forcibly to one's 
mind in p.assing through the central markets of 
some great city, "Where does all the meat consumed 
daily in the cities of the world come from.'" to the 
boundless plains and vast ranches of the South and 
West. Among the ranchmen of Nebraska who 
have made for themselves a name by their success 
in their chosen occupation, will be found the broth- 
ers whose names stand at the head of this biograph- 
ical compendium. These gentlemen are the sons 
of Peter and Mary (Serrick) Cooper. Their father 
was born in Morris County, N. J., their mother 
in Warren County, Ohio. They were united in 
marriage in the latter State, but soon removed to 
Illinois, and settled in Rochelle, where Mr. Cooper 



bought a farm and was increasinglj- prosperous 
j'ear by 3'ear. He is now the owner of 582 acres 
of excellent agricultural and pastoral land; in ad- 
dition he is oper.ating quite extensively as a finan- 
cier, and is one of the most wealthy citizens of his 
district. He is, although sixt3'-six years of age. en- 
joying good health, and in reality is much younger 
than many who have not attained his years numeri- 
cally. His wife is fiftj'-two j-ears of age. The}"^ 
are the parents of fourteen children, whose names 
are recorded as follows: Mary, Garrett, Oliver, 
Edith, Alma C, Nettie (deceased), Albert, Minnie, 
Willie, Charles, Howard, Florence, and two who 
died in infancy. 

Garrett Cooper, the elder of the two brothers 
presented in this sketch, was born on the 14th of 
January, 1858, at Rochelle. 111. His education 
comprised that obtainable in a good common school, 
and was designed to be rather practical than orna- 
mental. Being the eldest son he was early brought 
into requisition in many ways upon the farm, and 
upon leaving the school continued .at home in 
charge of a farm of about 200 acres. In 1 885, accom- 
panied bj- his brother Oliver, he came to Nebr.aska, 
and purchased a half-section of land, the remaining 
half being purchased by their father, thus m.aking 
them the proprietors of an extensive and m.agnifi- 
cent farm, 640 acres in extent, and comprising the 
whole of section 31. A view of their place is pre- 
sented in connection with this sketch. 

This property h.as been planned and laid out by 
our subject .and his brother; they have also erected 
a commodious dwelling. Not far distant from the 
house there is a very fine orchard, containing over 
150 trees, bearing the choicest varieties of apples, 
l)esides cherries, plums, apricots and grapes in 
abundance. In connection with their ranch there 
are large and well-built stables and horse barns; 
two cattle sheds affording ample accommodation for 
their herds, besides several others for the use of 
their hogs. By a perfect sj'stem of pipes, tanks and 
reservoirs, an abundant supply of water is obtain- 
able in every part of their propertj'^ by the aid of 
two magnificent and powerful windmills. The 
trade of Mr. Cooper and his brother is very exten- 
sive. They are both feeders and shippers of stock, 
and have constant work for six teams, and rarely 



i~ 




^3!is^^^Si!^^!saa!;?^^S^S^S|5^p^gg^S^;^g^5^^ 



3i3SS!?«e9a3r«js 



.J!-ii»fe-SM«l 




RESIDENCE OF G.P & Oliver Coo per, Sec. 31. Nemaha Tov/nship. 



■ '--j"^-iiii*r;Ot^-!«^',;*^*^j':;7-'';;«7^.5t-'^.vr-. --- -,, w^ ■ . 







!ji««5l£«i!>Mi— »ita*!«»«o^ ■»J»™«**'-<5^" ':?i'i&y< 



=^.--f=>-:.- 



»iii ^aS-ii g ^ ^^>isSia;^» «i-i- ; ^A„ i v :^' feaa»a^>^a?i;^ 







Residence of W-. A. Hooker , Sec. 32. Adams Township. 



I 



-^- 



GAGE COUNTY. 



593 



if ever have less than 200 head of cattle and a 
similar number of hogs upon their ranch. 

Oliver Cooper is the junior partner of the firm 
of Cooper Brothers, and is joint proprietor with his 
brother Garrett of the beautiful ranch and farm 
which includes the whole of section 31, of Ne- 
maha Township. He was born near Rochelle, in 
Flag Township, Ogle Co., 111., on the 9th of Decem- 
ber, 1859. The long, fierce struggle between the 
North and the South, wherein the opposing forces 
had marched and countermarched from Baltimore 
to Little Rock, and from the Mississippi "to the 
sea," was just drawing to a close when our subject 
began to attend the school of the district in order 
to laj' the foundation for the experiences of his 
life. By the time he had attained early manhood 
he was perfectly familiar with the work of farming 
and stock-raising, and continued to give his atten- 
tion to the same until the year 1 885 ; then he formed 
a copartnership with his brother Garrett, and with 
him purchased the west half of section 31, their 
lather having purchased the whole section in the 
year 1872. The whole 640 acres are now well in 
hand, and used either for stock-raising or general 
grain farming. That part under cultivation has 
by constant attention been brought to a super- 
excellent condition, the whole farm being under 
splendid management, that makes it impossible that 
it should be otherwise than in the highest degree 
productive. 

The dwelling-house erected by the brothers is 
a fine two-story frame, and was built in 1884; 
it is most pleasantly situated, and so arranged in- 
ternal!}' as to afford the largest amount of conveni- 
ence and comfort, while the beautiful in decoration 
and furnishing has not been overlooked. In another 
part of the farm there are provided extensive 
cattle sheds, 26x180 feet in dimensions. There is 
also a very commodious horse barn, having provis- 
ion for sixteen horses. These are supplemented by 
the granary, corn crib and other necessary buildings, 
of which we would only mention the former, as 
comprising a ground surface of 28x72 feet, and 
having a capacity' of 8,000 bushels of grain. So 
extensive is the business of the firm that 200 tons 
of hay and 15,000 bushels of grain are required 
per annum for feeding the stock. One remarkable 



and noteworthy feature of the farm is the unusuallj' 
complete system of water-works, which, under the 
powerful pumping of two very fine windmills, sup- 
plies by a system of piping, tanks and reservoirs the 
house, barn, sheds and every part where required 
with good, wholesome, fresh, pure water. 

It is doubtful if in the State of Nebraska, or any- 
where among those in a similar branch of business, 
there can be found more enterprising, intelli- 
gent and able managers and ranchmen than Garrett 
and Oliver Cooper. Their success is entirely their 
own, in spite of the fact that in the beginning it 
was within the power of their father to help them 
to a good start; but that would have been a more 
disastrous failure had they not possessed that which 
was needful to move forward from that commence- 
ment. They have already attained a very high 
position among the members of their particular call- 
ing and business, and it goes without saying that the 
future has still larger things in store. 

Our subject thinks deeply and feels strongly in 
regard to political matters, and aims not so much 
to attain prominence as a partisan as to vote for 
men of principle and power; men who will hold the 
office given them as a sacred trust from the people, 
to be used only in their behalf and for their truest 
and highest interest. His brother Garrett enter- 
tains the same lofty ideas and occupies the same 
high ground; usually in the larger issues of national 
campaigns he votes with the Republican party. 



^^ 



-V- 



^ LBERT M. T. MILLER. The farm of this 
SO! gentleman, which is 160 .acres in extent, is 
situated on section 23, Holt Township, 
^ where he settled in the j-ear 1880. He 

w.as born near Hagerstown, Md., Nov. 22, 1847, 
and is the son of David and Catherine (Myley) Mil- 
ler, who are also natives of Maryland. His pater- 
nal grandparents were natives of Virginia, and lived 
in Chambersburg, Pa. They had two sons, the 
father of our subject, who resides near Hagerstown, 
Md., and his brother, who resides in Chambersburg, 
Pa. His maternal grandparents were natives of 
Lancaster County, Pa. 

The parents of our subject were married and set- 



■^^h^ 



694 



GAGE COUNTY. 



4 



tied in Clear Spring-, Mfl., a small town of about 
1,500 inhabitants, wliicli was founded by the Rev. 
Martin Myers, the great-grandfather of our subject, 
and from which Mr. Miller receives in accordance 
with the laws of Maryland a ground rent, which, 
however, now only amounts to sixty-two cents per 
annum. Thf> people desired to have the town named 
after its founder, but in deference to his wishes it 
was called Clear Spring. In this town the father 
of our subject continued the labors of the Rev. Mr. 
Myers as clergymfi'i in the Baptist communion, but 
at the same time he devoted some attention to sow- 
ing and reaping upon his farm, of a different natiu'e, 
but witii equal success as that sown in his pulpit. 
The mother of our subject died in 1858. leaving 
seven children, our subject being tiie eldest. 

The family of which our subject was a member 
comprised besides the latter, five sons and one 
daughter, who were named as follows: David Lewis, 
now a resilient of Sterling, 111., and occu])ied as 
special agent for the Phoenix Insurance Company ; 
Abraham M., who is farming in Davenport, Nel). ; 
Joseph T., wiio died at tiie age of twenty -six years; 
Mary E., who is now .attending the Baptist Train- 
ing School at Chicago, 111. ; John M., who has an 
extensive livery stalile in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and 
Daniel Newton, who died at the age of two years. 
Mr. Miller, Sr., contracted a second matrimonial 
alliance in 1867, the lady being Miss Catherine 
Kurtz, of Franklin County, Pa. After this mar- 
riage they removed to Ogle County, 111., and set- 
tled near Polo, wiiere Mr. Miller died in 1871, 
leaving his widow and five children by his second 
marriage. 

Our subject was reared upon the farm, and was 
given by his parents a good, thorough business 
education, and while yet in his teens began to util- 
ize it somevvhat by buying wool in connection with 
his farm work, and continued so to do for several 
years. In 18G7 his parents removed to Illinois, he 
of course accomi)auying them. Jan. fi, 1870, he 
was united in marriage with Mary C. Price, a 
daughter of Daniel G. and Catherine (Weller) 
Price, natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland re- 
spectively. Their daughter Marj' was born in 
Ogle County, 111., on the 28th of September, 1845. 

After his marriage our subject rented land four 



miles from Polo, and went to work as a general 
farmer and stock-raiser, to which was added subse- 
quently the business of l)utcher. In 1875 he re- 
moved to Marshall County, Iowa, and there contin- 
ued, ever increasingly prosperous, until June, 1880, 
when he removed to this State. The journey was 
lengthened in point of time by the fact that he 
brought with him a herd of twenty cattle, driving 
them the entire distance. In the fall of the year 
of his removal he purchased his present property, 
then in a ravv state, and black from a quite recent 
fire that had swept the whole district. It was a 
most uninviting spot to settle upon, but within an 
incredibly short space of time it was rendered en- 
tirely unrecognizable, thanks to the efforts and labor 
of our subject. The first house lie erected was only 
a claim shanty, but it had to sulHce under the cir- 
cumstances, and in it they passed a winter of health 
and enjoyment in spite of some inconveniences and 
hardships incidental to that season. Since that time 
his present comfortable and commodious home has 
been built, and although warmer and better in every 
regard than its predecessor, it is to be doubted if it 
can ever contain a brighter or happier faniil}' than 
that wiiich gathered during that first winter. His 
farming operations are upon the line of general 
agriculture, and extend beyond the limits of the 
home farm, taking in the cultivation of 480 acres 
of leased land. 

The family of Mr. and Mrs. Miller includes six 
children, whose names are herein given: M3'le3^ 
Price, Mary Grace, Stephen Daniel Gehr, Martha 
Albertie, Sudie Bl.anche and Winogene. Mr. Mil- 
ler has served as a member of the School Board, 
and was repeatedly solicited to extend the term of 
his office, but his time w.as so fully occupied as to 
prevent his giving such attention .as he deemed 
necessary, and he declined further service. His 
political sympathies are such as lead him to affili- 
ate with the ReiJublican party, but at the same 
time he is very firm upon the question of Prohibi- 
tion, and takes exception to the platform of his 
party upon that subject. There is that in the home 
of Mr. Miller that makes it peculiarly pleasant to 
.all who come within the range of its influence; it is 
an influence realized and felt, rather than describ- 
able, and arises from the ever-consistent devotion 



I 



h 



GAGE COUNTY. 



r>or> 



of our subject and his family to the teachings and 
example of the religion that has flooded the world 
in this era. and is the mainspring of our ])resent 
civilization. Mr. Miller and family are members 
of the Baptist Church, and are most devoted to the 
principles of that comnninion. 




H. SMITH, a well-known citizen of Bea- 
trice, has in earlier years had his full share 
of labor and work, and now with his fam- 
ily is enjo3ing to the fullest possible ex- 
tent the reward thereof. It is to be doubted if 
any other citizens can be found more respected and 
esteemed, possessing a larger circle of friends, more 
truly appreciated by society generally. Mr. Smith 
was born in Middletown. Conn.. April 22,1830. He 
is tiie son of John B. and Fannie (Pardee) Smith. 
His father was born in Middletown and his mother 
in Southington, Conn. The family is of English 
descent upon the paternal side, upon the maternal 
it is French. The grandfather of Mrs. Fannie 
Smith was in llie Revolutionaiy War with LaFa}'- 
ette, whom he accompanied from France. The 
father of our subject was an Englishman and far- 
mer, and amassed considerable wealth prior to his 
death in 1870, which occurred when he was eighty 
years of age. His wife only survived him two 
years, and was sevent3'-two j'ears of age at the time 
of her demise. Their family circle numbered twelve 
children, our subject being the seventh born. 

Our subject was one who greatly enjo3'ed the 
time of his school life. He first attended the com- 
mon school of his native place, and later was grad- 
uated from the High School. After his graduation 
he spent three years at an apprenticeship learning 
the trade of a stonemason, earning in that time but 
§90 During these three 3^ears he worked upon 
man3' buildings, both public and priv.ate, in Hart- 
ford, New Britain and Middletown. 

The happiness and prosperity of our subject's 
life have been greatly increased and assured by his 
marriage with Jane Elizabeth Crossle3', the accom- 
plished daughter of David and Maria (Chamberlain) 
Crossle3', natives respectively of England and Con- 
necticut. The wife of our subject was one of ten 

■M* 



children born to them, and is their sixth child. 
Her father was a carpet weaver, and had begun at 
a vpr3' early .age in the world-renowned carpet mills 
of his native country, progressing from stage to 
stage until he was employed upon the finest work 
produced. Upon coming to America he continued 
to follow his trade, and that with abundant success. 
Both he and his wife had passed the allotted term 
of threescore years and ten before the tale of life 
was told, and thev' la3' down to their last rest. 

Mrs. Smith was born on the 7th of April, 1 830, in 
the city of Middletown, and has been used to city 
life from that time. Like her husband she was edu- 
cated in the common and High Schools of Middle- 
town, and left the latter institution with a well- 
stored mind, and an ability developed by training 
to utilize the knowledge accumulated during her 
school days. She has become the mother of two 
children, whom it has been her joy to see grow up 
and manifest characteristics most commendable, 
and such as assure a brightness and completeness 
of life in every way most to be desired. Her 
daughter, Nellie R., is now the wife of J. L. Burgess, 
of Beatrice (for further remarks see sketcli of this 
gentleman). Her son, John B., is assistant cashier 
in the German Bank of the same city. 

Our subject continued to work at his trade for 
about one year after his marriage; for about twelve 
months after that he was engaged in business as a 
grocer; he then purchased a farm, and for two and 
one-half years continued to operate it with his usual 
good fortune. At the end of that period he sold 
this property, and going to Louisiana, became a 
sutler in the arm3'. Returning to Connecticut in 
1864, he engaged in furnishing substitutes for the 
army. The following 3'ear he went to Canada, and 
purchased a large number of horses, which he sold 
at fair but remunerative prices in his native State, 
and was so encour.aged by his success that he con- 
tinued in that business for about twenty 3'ears. He 
is a splendid judge of horses, and has accumulated 
a comfortable competenc3'. The date of his settle- 
ment in Beatrice was April, 1885. Mr. Smith has 
invested considerably in real estate, and has built 
several tenement houses. 

The home of our subject is one of the best in the 
city, whether in point of architecture or internal 



=fc*> 



^H*. 



596 



GAGE COUNTY. 



decoration ; from its entrance hall through ever3' 
room and corridor are indications of affluence in 
the richness of its furnishings, but they are also 
inilicative of truest refinement, art and estheticism. 
Both Mr. and Mrs. Smith are very favorably known 
as host and hostess, the most difficult, perhaps, of 
all social positions; to them, however, it is no task, 
their genial, pleasant and easy manners, their cor- 
diality, their large resources and experiences, render- 
ing it easy for them to make the visitor and guest 
thoroughly at home. 

Mrs. Smith is one of the prominent members and 
able supporters of the Baptist Church, where also 
our subject attends. Mr. Smith is a Republican. 
He is a member of the societ}- of the Knights of 
Honor, and he and his wife are both members of 
the Chosen Friends. Mr. Smith is the owner of 
some fine thoroughbred Jersey cattle, which he 
brought with him from Connecticut, which are, 
perhaps, the best in this count}-. His residence 
is located on LaSalle street. 



PRANK A. ROSEMAN is one of the enter- 
prising and exemplary young farmers of 
Gage County, residing ou section 17, Glen- 
wood Township. His father, Godfried Roseman, 
was a native of German}', and was married to Ro- 
sollia Seiberlichs, also a native of the same country. 
In the year 1868 they came to America, and at first 
settled in AVisconsin, but afterward removed to 
Iowa. The mother came with her children from 
Poweshiek County, Iowa, to this county in 1880. 
She owns a farm of 160 acres in Glenwood Town- 
ship, on which she has made substantial improve- 
ments, having erected a good house and farm 
buildings. She is tlie mother of nine living chil- 
dren, all of whom were born in her native country 
before she came to America, and their names are 
Otto, Paul, Minnie, Ernest, Ida, Gustave, Mary, 
Frank A. and Tony. 

Our subject was born on the 28th of September, 
1864, in Germany, and was about four years old 
when his parents came to this country, consequently 
he remembers but little,- if any, of the incidents 



connected with the journey. In 1880 he came with 
his mother to this county, and has since been en- 
gaged in agricultural pursuits, taking the charge of 
his mother's farm. He is an active, industrious, 
go-ahead young man, possessing considerable abil- 
ity, and he has a very fair start for a successful 
career. 

On the '25th of September, 1887, Mr. F. A. Rose- 
man was united in marriage with Miss Lizzie Nie- 
naber, at that time a resident of Washington County, 
Kan. She is a daughter of William and Anna 
(Laverentz) Nienaber, who were natives of Ger- 
many. Our subject and his wife are the parents of 
one child, William G., who was born July 13, 1888. 
They and their mother, with whom they make 
their home, are members of the Lutheran Church, 
and are esteemed as honorable and conscientious 
Christians. 

Our subject is a member of the Republican party 
in politics, and in his short career he has already 
won distinction as an able advocate of the measures 
tending to the improvement of his section, and the 
elevation of its society. Thus far he has not sought 
any public office, believing th.at to be the right of 
the older members of the community, and devoting 
his attention closely to the occupation in which he 
is engaged. 



»«a£iZ/©-^- 



|?4 — »-^.5JiZ?r«v. 



^ I^OODWARD R. YOHE. The Great West 
\rJ// is in tjie hands of the young men. AVhat 
W^ it is they largely have made it; what it 
will be is the problem upon which they are working. 
Among the most high-principled, intellectual and 
go-ahead of Gage County's farmers, few surpass 
the subject of this writing, who is possessed of the 
same noble traits as those with which his father was 
endowed, and which are also possessed by his brother 
John. His farm comprises 240 acres on section 27, 
Hooker Township, and which is operated both for 
cattle-raising and grain-growing. 

Mr. Yohe is the son of Henry and Mary (Dick) 
Yohe. (For a more complete history of this inter- 
esting family we would refer the reader to the 



I 




RESIDENCE OF W.R. YO H E , SEC. 27, HOOKER TP 



^m 



^h\i'''t%i^m 




GAGE COUNTY. 



-•»• 



599 



4* 



sketch of the life of John Yohe.) They were the 
parents of three children, who grew to years of 
maturity: Barbara; John; and our subject, Wood- 
ward R., who was born Oct. 18, 1854, at Reynolds- 
ville, Pa., and was only about six or seven years of 
age when his father died. After this afHiction our 
subject remained with his mother until he was about 
fifteen years of age, and then began to work out. 
With what little experience he had been enabled to 
gather in tht;se years at home, coupled with his own 
bright, active disposition and ruddy health, he was 
quickly enabled to take a full day's work and per- 
form it as well .as many older and more experienced 
hands. This life he continued for about six years. 

In 18G8 our subject came to Nebraska, accom- 
panied by his step-father, reaching this township in 
the beginning of the fall, but shortly after bought 
his time from his step-father, and went back to Iowa 
to his brother John. They made such arrangements 
as made them joint owners of 120 acres of land in 
Mills County of that State, and continued to oper- 
ate the same with a constantly accruing success for 
about six years ; they then traded that land for 320 
acres in Nebraska, their present home. This re- 
moval was made in 1881, and they continued to 
work their farm together until our subject was mar- 
wed. By that time the brothers were owners of 
480 acres, and upon dividing it, the portion re- 
ferred to above became that of our subject; upon 
it he has seldom less than 150 head of steers and 
120 head of hogs per annum. The brothers con- 
tinue to work together one-half of section 34. 

Mr. Yohe became the husband of Miss Nettie A. 
Metcalf, at Baxter Springs, Kan., on the 14th of 
February, 1884. This lady is the daughter of 
Thomas and Amanda Metcalf. She was born in 
Mills County, Iowa, Feb. 13, 1866. She made her 
home with her parents the greater part of 'the time 
until her marriage, removing with them, at the age 
of sixteen, to Kansas, residing in Johnson County 
for about two years. Their acquaintance was formed 
in Nebraska. To our subject and wife was born a 
daughter, Sept. 4, 1888, who is named Winnie R. 

Mr. Yohe is at present Treasurer of the school 
district; he has also served as Constable for two 
years. He was re-elected but declined to serve. 
Since the casting of his fii'st vote he has been a con- 



stant friend and adherent of the Republican part}', 
and gives his influence and vote in its behalf. 

Among the numerous views presented in this 
volume of leading homesteads of Gage County 
may be found that belonging to Mr. Yohe, which 
is given in connection with this sketch. 

ICHARD LEWIS, of Hanover Township, 
was one of the earliest settlers of this region, 
dl^l to which he came in the fall of 1870. He 
"^1 at once located upon 160 acres of land 
which he homesteaded in Hanover Township, and 
here he has since remained. His career as a man 
and a citizen has been creditable in the extreme, he 
being the possessor of those qualities which have 
secured him hosts of friends and made of him a 
valued and useful citizen. 

Our subject, a native of South Wales, was born 
Nov. 8, 1844, and is the son of James and Ann 
(Owens) Lewis, who were also of Welsh birth and 
parentage, their home being in Radnorshire. The 
father was a farmer and stock-grower, and dealt 
largely in Hereford cattle. The mother passed 
away when her son Rictiard was a little child two 
years of age, and he was reared by a step-mother. 
James Lewis was subsequently married twice. Of 
his union with the mother of our subject there were 
born five children, and of the second and third three 
each. Richard was the youngest child of the first 
wife. 

Young Lewis received a very good education, 
and at the age of fourteen was graduated from a 
graded school. He was a bright and ambitious lad, 
and at an early age determined to emigrate to 
America. Upon leaving school he accordingly, 
starting out alone, engaged passage on a sailing- 
vessel at Liverpool, April 13, 1862, and after a voy- 
age of five weeks arrived at Quebec, Canada, May 
19, following. A feeling of home-sickness seized 
him when he realized the distance which separated 
him from the scenes of his childhood, but the 
necessity for exertion left him little time to sit 
down and brood over his troubles. He finally made 
his way to Toronto, joining a brotlier there, with 
whom he worked three years at farming. He 



• > P ^" 



f 




"4r^ 



600 



GAGE COUNTY. 



crossed over into the States Feb. 21, 1865, and 
making Ills way westward took up his abode in 
Kenosha County, Wis., where he was employed on 
a farm for a period of six years. 

Our subject in the fall of 1871 left the Badger 
State and cast his lot among the people of Southern 
Nebraska. IIeemi)loyed himself diligently in the 
improvement and cultivation of the land which he 
secured, and four years later. May •22. 1875, was 
united in marriage with Miss Anna, daughter of 
Edward and Jane (James) George. The wedding 
took place at the home of the bride in Beatrice. 
The parents of Mrs. Lewis were also natives of the 
Principality of Wales, where they were reared and 
married, and whence in 1855 they emigrated to 
America with their six children. Like our subject 
they also proceeded westward to Wisconsin, settling 
in Green County. Leaving there iu the fall of 
1880, they came to this State and took up their 
abode in York County, where they still live on a 
farm. Mr. George has now arrived at the advanced 
age of seventy-eight years, while his excellent wife 
is sixtj'-seven. Of the fifteen children born to 
them, nine are yet living, and Mrs. Lewis was the 
third in order of birth. 

The wife of our subject was also born in Wales, 
June 18, 1851. Her first recollections are of the 
ocean waves which rushed around the ship bringing 
her father's family to this country. She was reared 
and educated in the schools of Green County, Wis., 
and there made the acquaintance of our subject. 
She has stood bravely by his side in his toils and 
sacrifices, performing her duties faithfully as a 
piuneer wife and mother. Of this union there 
were born four children, one of whom, Viola, died 
at the age of thirteen months. Those surviving 
are Lizzie, Charles A. and Leslie. They are living 
at home. 

The farm of Mr. Lewis by a process of careful 
cultivation yields in abundance the choicest crops 
of Southern Nebraska. Their home, although not 
elegant, is supplied with everything for their com- 
fort and convenience, and Mr. and Mrs. Lewis are 
respected and beloved wherever they are known. 
Many are the kind acts which they have performed 
both to friend and stranger, and they are spoken of 
far and near as among the best and most kind- 



hearted people of this region. The sound common 
sense of Mr. Lewis has secured for him the highest 
regard of all who know him. He votes the straight 
Republican ticket, and is now serving his sixth 
term as School Director in his district. He is 
frequently chosen as Clerk of Elections, and has 
filled the office of Assessor. Both he and his esti- 
mable wife are members in good standing of the 
Free- Will Baptist Church, at Grand View. 



I 1»)ILBER L. ROGERS. Among the old set- 
\aj// tiers of Blakely Township, who has helped 
V^^\5 forward the work of development, and who 
has also shown his devotion and patriotism under 
more trying and dangerous circumstances, is the 
subject of this biographical epitome. His home- 
stead is well situated upon the banks of the Big 
Blue River on section 13, and being so well watered 
it gives an opportunity for crops, even in dry sea- 
sons, when those Jess favored in this regard are suf- 
fering greatly. The above river is a very valuable 
stream; for the greater part of the distance it runs 
over a bed of solid rock and between deep banks. 
At this point it is about 100 feet wide, and is of 
sutHcient strength to give quite a mill current. 

Our subject was born upon the I7th of October, 
1835, in Wells Corners Township, Erie Co., Pa. 
He is the son of Henry and Mariah Rogers, natives 
of Connecticut and Vermont respectively. His 
early days were spent in attention upon the classes 
at the school-house, and as soon as he was strong- 
enough in farm work. His family have been en- 
gaged in agricultural pursuits for several genera- 
tions back, but have never been so engrossed that 
they could not answer the call to duty in defense 
of their country. Henr^- Rogers, the father of our 
subject, had a grandfather and two uncles in the 
Revolutionary War, and in the wars of later date 
this family has always had its representative. 

In Genesee County, N. Y., in 1824, Mr. Henry 
Rogers became the husband of Miss Maria Freeman, • 
a native of Vermont, and of an Eastern family. lie 
was at that time but twenty-one years of age. He 
continued to follow his trade, that of a carpenter, 
with considerable success, until in 1840 he re- 



«► m^^ 






GAGE COUNTY. 



601 



i 



moved to Iowa, then still a Territoiy. anfl made his 
liome in .lohnson County, which had just been or- 
ganized. There he took land and began to farm, 
working, however, at his trade in connection there- 
with. In 1808, with his wife, he came on a visit to 
Nebraska, and while here his wife was removed by 
death. A few years afterward he removed with 
his children to this State and took land, continuing 
farming operations until his death, which took 
place Jan. 31,1887; he was a good, intelligent, 
warm-hearted man, and greatly respected. At 
the time of his death he had reached the ad- 
vanced age of eiglity-four years, but had retained 
the use of all his powers until almost the last. 

Our subject is the j-oungest son of a family of 
seven chililren, six of whom lived to maturity, four 
of them being residents of Nebraska, the other two 
in Kansas and Iowa respectivel}-. Our subject was 
just about six j^ears of age when his parents re- 
moved to Ohio, and subsequently to Indiana and 
Illinois, and finallj' to Johnson Countj', low^a. In 
these latter States he . received his education, and 
was reared to manhood in Johnson Countj'. As a 
farmer he became quite an expert in the days of 
his early manhood, having been brought up amid 
its scenes from his earliest recollection, and seemed 
naturally to drift into that calling. Subsequent 
years have proved him not only thoroughly fur- 
nished with knowledge, but power to make his 
chosen calling a success. 

Somewhat late in life Mr. Rogers enlisted for a 
term of three months in the 1 st Iowa Infantry, under 
the command of Col. Bates. He went with his regi- 
ment to Wilson's Creek, Mo., where Gen. Lyons, 
who was then expecting to leave the Iowa troops, 
was killed, and also a number of other officers. At 
the expiration of its term of service the entire 
regiment was honorably discharged, and our sub- 
ject re-enlisted, in Company K of the 13th Regi- 
ment, under the command of Col. (afterward 
Major General) Crocker; the Captain of the com- 
pany was Sydney E. Woodford. The first engage- 
ment of note was that at Shiloh, which kept them 
active for two days. Later the regiment marched 
to Corinth, and engaged in the "battle at that place. 
This was followed by the Holly Springs expedition, 
Vicksburg, and a number of lesser engagements, in 



all of which the behavior and valor of the com- 
panj' called for special mention, and led to the 
veteranizing of it as a whole, which occurred in 
December, 1863. Our subject continued to fight 
the battles of his country until the close of the war; 
then he received his third and last discharge on the 
2d of July, 18G5. He was once home upon a fur- 
lough, and that at tiie time of the veteranization. 
Upon his return he was one of Gen. Sherman's 
command, and took part in the campaign of that in- 
trepid General. He was taken prisoner on the 22d 
of July, 1864, and for two months languished in 
Andersonville Prison, then was sent to Florence 
for a similar period, when he was paroled and sent 
home, and was shortly after discharged as above. 

Upon returning home from the war our subject 
settled down to the work of the farm, and was 
married to Anna E., daughter of Samuel E. and 
Bethia (Yeoman) Wilson, who was born in Wash- 
ington County, Iowa, June 28, 1844. Her mother 
had died in the same county, in the year 1852, in 
her thirtieth year. Her father is still living, and 
a farmer in Saline County, Neb. He was married 
a second time, in the year 1854, to Miss Sarah 
Dawson. Mrs. Rogers of this sketch is the eldest 
daughter of her familj'. which included two sons 
and four daughters. She was reared in Iowa and 
educated in the usual institution; she came to this 
State with John Carpenter while a young woman, 
and has since resided in it the greater part of the 
time. She has given birtii to five children, two 
deceased — Benona and Edith ; the former died 
when eight years of .ige, the latter in infancy. 
The three living children are May E. and Samuel 
H., who are at present teaching in the public 
school, and Leon E., who is at home and assists in 
operating the farm. 

Our subject has been Assessor of the township 
for several years, and is at present a member of the 
School Board. This office also he has held for 
several years. In religious matters he is independ- 
ent, in political is a supporter and stanch adher- 
ent of the Greenback party. In the interests of 
the progress of manufacturing in the county Mr. 
Rogers gave to Robison & Howard five acres of 
land, incliuling a mill site and dam on the Big Blue 
River; also a site for a mill residence, making in 



h 



i 



602 



GAGE COUNTY. 



"^ir* 



all a vciy valuable and munificent gift. This is 
mentioned simply to indicate llie spirit, disposition 
and character of the man, who has always been 
most highly respected by the community. 




•Mh-H: 



HILLIP J. ZIMMERMAN. Among the 
successful settlers and valued citizens of 
Lincoln Township must certainlj- be men- 
tioned the name of the gentleman whose 
biography is herein sketched, whose farm is located 
upon section 17, and presents every appearance of 
thorough, practical, scientific cultivation, thrift 
and economj', using those words in their best sense. 
The farm is 560 acres in extent, and has been 
brought by our subject to its present state of ef- 
ficiency by continued care and intelligent, well-di- 
rected, industrious effort. In 1879 he entered his 
first land, taking up 480 acres, then raw prairie 
land. The following year he located upon it, and 
from that time its transformation began and has 
since continued, until to-day his farm and home 
compare most favorably witli any in the township. 
Previous to his coming to tliis county our sub- 
ject resided in Sheboygan County, Wis. There he 
had lived for twenty j'ears, all the time engaged 
working at his trade, that of a carpenter. During 
that period he became the owner of forty acres of 
land, which he worked successfully. While a resi- 
dent in the Badger State the clarion notes of war 
attracted the attention of our subject, ,nnd his loy- 
alty to the Union led him to enlist in the service, 
which he did upon the 20th of August, 1862. He 
became a member of Company II, 2Gth Wisconsin 
Infantry, under command of Capt. Hans Paple 
and Col. Jacobs, of the Army of the Cumberland. 
Upon reaching the front the regiment went into the 
engagement at Chancellorsville, after participating 
in a number of minor engagements and skirmishes; 
there our subject, in company with a large part of 
his regiment, was taken prisoner on the 3d of May, 
1863, and sent to Castle Thunder. They remained 
as prisoners of war for three weeks, then were pa- 
roled, and were then sent to the Union lines and 
exchanged in September. 

In October of 1863 Mr. Zimmerman rejoined 



his regiment at Bridgeport, Ala., and participated 
in all the major battles of the campaign until the 
close of the war, and also took part in the famous 
"march to the sea." In 1865, he was, with his 
regiment, veteranized at the close of the war, at 
Washington, D. C. The total number of months 
included in our subject's military experience from 
his enlistment to his discharge was thirty-four. 
During that time he was a combatant in twenty of 
the major engagements, .besides an innumerable 
multitude of smaller battles and lesser fights. 
With the exception of the mishap of being taken 
prisoner and one small flesh wound, he escaped un- 
hurt, and was honorably discharged at AVashington, 
on the 13th of June, 1865. 

After leaving the ranks our subject returned to 
Wisconsin, and upon the 15th of December, 1868, 
was united in marriage with Magdalene Kleinehans. 
This lad^- is a native of Germany, and the daughter 
of John and Elizabeth Kleinehans, who were mar- 
ried in Germany, and settled in Sheboygan County, 
Wis. Mrs. Zimmerman has presented her husband 
with eight children, all of whom are living, and 
have developed bright, vivacious, inquiring dis- 
positions, and daily afford fresh proofs of promising 
intelligence. Their names are as here recorded : 
Frank, Jacob, Magdalene, Anna, Clara, Joseph, 
George and Mary. 

Mr. Zimmerman is a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, 
Germany, where he was born on the 31st of Octo- 
ber, 1843. The names of the parents of our sub- 
ject were Jacob and Anna (Schmidt) Zimmerman. 
His father was by occupation a carpenter, and fol- 
lowed the same all his life. The father and hus- 
band died in his native country in the year 1851. 
The mother of our subject after the death of her 
husband removed with her three sons and came to 
the United States, settling in Wisconsin, where two 
other sons had settled in the year 1857. There she 
continued to live until her death, in 1879, at the 
age of seventy-three years. Both herself and hus- 
band were members of the German Catholic Church, 
of which communion our subject and wife are also 
adherents. 

The reputation of Mr. and Mrs. Zimmerman 
throughout the county is unquestionable, and they 
are the recipients uf the entire respect of the com- 




^ 



^^^ • f/^c^.^^r' 



•**■ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



*? 



(JO.j 



miuiity. Our subject is one who lias taken great 
interest in bniliiiiig up tlie tovvnshi]) and county, 
and made considerable effort in locating the station 
of Ellison the Chicago, Kansas it Nebraska Railroad. 
In his political relations our subject is a Repub- 
lican, and holds the office of Treasurer of the town- 
ship, as he has also held that of Clerk. Among 
the people of his nationality in the county Mr. 
Zimmerman is perhaps the most prosperous, and he 
is certainly held in high regard and looked upon as 
one of the most valued citizens. 

<rv MLLIAM PLUCKNETT. One of the most 
\/\/r extensive land-owners and prominent citi- 
'^^^ zens of Grant Township, and at the same 
time one of its earliest settlers, is the gentleman 
whose biography is herein sketched, and whose por- 
trait is given on the opposite page. He is the owner 
of 1,500 acres of some of the best land in the count}', 
situated for the greater part in Grant Township, 
and upon either side of the Big Blue River, a 
stream, at this place, of considerable importance. 
His residence is on that part of his property that is 
on section 33 of Grant Township, and is most 
pleasantly situated on the banks of the river, and 
amid surroundings natural and acquired that make 
it a most desirable position. 

For the greater part of the time since his settle- 
ment our subject has lent his energies to farming, 
but for several years p,ast h.as given considerable 
attention to stock-raising, and is the owner of quite 
a number of verj' fine and choice aminials. At 
present he raises and feeds about 200 head of cattle, 
and the other classes of stock in proportion. There 
are few if any who have been more successful in 
this calling than he, and few are more particular, 
not simplj' in regard to the qualit}- and breed of 
the animals, but also every thing regarding their daily 
attention and care. Mr. Plucknett has been a resi- 
dent of this Stite since 18()1; at that time the 
Indians still roamed where their own sweet will 
dictated throughout this portion of the country, 
and it was not unusual for depredations to be com- 
mitted, and occasional!}' a scalp taken without the 
owner's consent. Despite these somewhat discour- 



aging features of life in this district, our subject 
took up his land and went to work with all the 
enthusiasm, pluck, and disdain of danger th:it char- 
acterize his countrymen. 

Although rather enjoj'ing the circumstances of 
his environment, which had sufficient of the spice 
of danger to give them a smack of pleasantness, our 
subject would not endanger his family; he sent 
them back to the older settlements, and remained 
himself upon the farm to take his chances. His 
faith in the future of the country was unbounded, 
and he saw the time was not far distant when the 
whole valle}' would be i:)eopled by a happy and 
prosperous communitj'. That "Truth is stranger 
than fiction" we are somewhat inclined to doubt, 
in view of some more modern novel productions, 
and yet there are phases in the experience of Mr. 
Plucknett that would warrant the emphatic reitera- 
tion of the above platitude. 

It is well-nigh impossible to find any more public- 
spirited and loyal citizen than our subject, or one 
more self-den)'ing in his activities, and the cause 
must be sought for in the fact that he recognizes 
that he came to the country a comparatively poor 
man, one whose own country offered little or 
no prospect of advancement to either himself or 
famil}', and that this condition has been fully met 
b}' his adopted country, and that she is therefore 
worth}' of any and every effort that it is in his 
power to make in return, seeing the success that 
has come to him and his is far more than they in 
their most sanguine moments had hoped. 

Reference has been made above to the coming 
of our subject to the United States. He and his 
family are of |)ure English descent, and he was 
born on the 13th of March, 18'27, in Somersetshire, 
England, and in the same county the family history 
can be traced for several generations. They appear 
to have been an agricultural |)eople. of strictest 
honor, integrity and loyalty, of unimpeachable up- 
rightness and spotless reputation. The father of 
our subject, who bore the given name of AVilliam, 
was united in marriage with Elizabeth Brown, of 
the same county, who, like her husband, had lieen 
brought up in the faith of the Church of England. 
Mr. Plucknett died in 1861, aged fifty-three years. 
His wife, the mother of our subject, survived her 

■» ■ 4 » 







606 



GAGE COUKTY. 



I of I 
▼ Rol 



husband until Christmas Day of 1884, at which 
time she was seventy-seven years of age. During 
the August previous she had been greatly rejoiced 
by a visit from her son, the subject of this writing, 
from whom she had been separated for twenty-eight 
years; and during the rapidly speeding days of 
that visit she seemed to take a renewed interest and 
jtleasure in life, as, with him, she rejoiced in his 
life's success and welfare. This is to our subject, 
also, a bright memory, that after so long a sejjara- 
tion it should have been his happiness .to spend 
those days in the old home, so soon to be broken. 

Our subject is the eldest of seven children, 
four of tiiem being sons. He received the best 
education obtainable in the parish school at his 
home, and remained a resident of his native shire 
until he was twenty-six years old. when be came to 
this country and located in Ohio, where he was a 
resident in Ashtabula County for four years, and 
tlien returned to England. During his visit he in- 
duced quite a number of his old neighbors and 
country-people to emigrate to this country, and as 
instructed by our subject they went to Illinois and 
located in Hancock County, where he also made 
his home. Later several of the families removed 
to this State, and added their names to the honora- 
ble i-oU of its pioneer settlers. 

While in Hancock County Mr. AVilliam Plucknett 
was united in marriage with Miss Caroline Hawlett, 
a native of Yarmouth, the renowned shipping point 
and headquarters of the North Sea fishing fleet of 
England. In that city she was born in the year 
1837. and came to the United States with her par- 
ents, Samuel and Charlotte Hawlett, in the year 
1854, who, after living some time in Hancock 
County, removed to Iowa, where both her parents 
died in Audubon County-, well advanced in years, 
having passed the allotted threescore years and 
ten. In common with almost all the English colo- 
nists of that party, they had been brought up ac- 
cording to the religious tenets of the State Church 
(Episcopal). Mrs. Plucknett presented her husband 
with eight (children, two of whom are now deceased, 
viz: James, who died in infancy, and Herbert at 
the age of thirteen years. The surviving members 
of the family are as follows: .lohn W., George A., 
Robert, Jane E., Emily and Mary. The eldest sou, 



who is an extensive and enterprising farmer in Chej'- 
enne County, Kan., is the husband of Sarah Reed, 
of Iowa; their second son is one of Grant Town- 
ship's valued citizens and enterprising farmers, and 
is united in marriage with Olliva Benjamin; Robert 
is at home ; the eldest daughter is happily married 
to John Hawse, the owner of a good farm in Saline 
County; her sister Emily is now Mrs. Crosier 
Rogers, of DeWitt, and her husband is a relative 
of the well-known business man of that name in the 
same town; Mary, the youngest, continues to make 
her home with her parents. 

After marriage our subject rented land in Han- 
cock County, 111., and after a period of about two 
and one-half 3'ears he removed to Iowa, where he 
made his home in Shelby County; then, in pur- 
suance of plans made several years before, he came 
to this State and built up a home iu the midst of 
the prairie. From that time until the present he 
has continued with unflagging, zealous enterprise 
to push forward every undertaking that meant ad- 
vancement for his adopted State, and has been 
abundantly rewarded by the unprecedented prog- 
ress made. 

From his earliest connections with this country 
as a citizen, and his study of its political econom}*, 
Mr. Plucknett has continued a firm Republican, and 
considers all efforts in behalf of that party oppor- 
tunity well utilized. The foregoing compendium 
entirel3- i^recludes the necessity of any merely com- 
plimentary eulogy. His history reveals character, 
mental power and manliness, with all those qualities 
and attributes that are incidental component i)arts 
of the higher types of manhood. 






'Sj OHN ORTMAN. One of the most pleasant 
homes and admirably conducted farms in 
Midland Township is that of Mr. Ortman, 
which is situated on section 16. His resi- 
dence in the townshii) dates from 1882. He is a 
native of Lancaster County, Pa., where he was 
born on the 15th of October, 1842, to Joseph and 
Martha Ortm.an, likewise natives of that Slate. 
In the year 1850 a dark shadow overhung that 
Pennsylvauian home; the all-powerful Conqueror 

•► 



f 



-€^ 



t 



GAGE COUNTY. 



607 



crossed the thresliold, and removed the husband and 
father. The mother, recovering from the first shock 
of her affliction, began to live more than ever for 
her children, and employed her best powers in mak- 
ing a home for them, and sending them fortii into 
the world fully equipped for whatever might befall. 
She, however, had to face the additional sorrow of 
the death of two of her childien within a few days of j 
that of her husband, the cause being typhoid fever. 
This left her two children, whom it has been her 
happiness to see occupying honorable positions in 
life, respected b^' their neighbors and friends. 
These are our subject and his brother Levi, who 
is living in Lancaster County, Pa., where also Mrs. 
Ortman makes her home. 

The early life of our subject was fully occupied 
with farm and school duties; he has been engaged 
in the innumerable details and various parts of the 
farming industry from his childhood up, and is, 
therefore, quite proficient and practical. It will 
have been noticed in the foregoing paragraph that 
our subject was but eight years of age when his 
father died. AVhen fourteen 3-ears old, in company 
■with an old neighbor, he went to Carroll County, 
111., to work by the month on a farm. When 
about nineteen years of age, in the year 1861, he 
enlisted in Company I, 34th Illinois Infantry, and 
went to the front. Two years later, when the first 
pioneer regiment was organized, our subject was 
chosen as a member, transferred to the same, and 
served during the remainder of his term for three 
_Vears. This period having expired, he re-enlisted, 
and shortly after a regiment known as the 1st 
United States Veteran Volunteer Engineers was 
formed, our subject chosen as a member thereof, 
and in it served throughout the remainder of the 
war. He was in the battles of Shiloli, Resaca, Buz- 
zard's Roost, Kenesaw Mountain, Corinth, and many 
minor engagements. The war being over, he re- 
ceived an honorable discharge at Nashville, Tenn., 
and returned to Carroll County, 111. 

Upon the 30th of August, 1870, Mr. Ortman was 
united in marriage, in Whiteside County, with Miss 
Elizabeth Potter, a daughter of Jacob and Julia 
Ann Potter. Miss Potter was born in Carroll 
Count}', III., March 28, 1847, ami was brought up 
and educated in her native place, making her home 



•with her parents until her marriage. Her marriage 
has been blessed and the current of its joy widened 
and deepened b}' the birth of three children, who 
have received the following names: Willie Benton, 
Fred L. and Edith E. 

Upon his marriage our subject removed to Red 
Oak, Iowa, where he purchased a farm and made 
his home for about ten years, increasing from year 
to year in wealth of storehouse and barn. In 1880 
he sold that propertj' and removed to this State and 
township. Here he took up eighty acres of land 
and went to work to make a farm; he has devote<l 
much care and attention to its cultivation, and n>uch 
thought and labor upon the erection and beautif^'- 
ing of his home. His farm is provided with all the 
usual and necessary out-buildings, which have been 
erected with a view to accommodation, conveni- 
ence and practical utility, rather than adornment; 
but even this has not been entirely overlooked. 

The political sympathies and sentiments of our 
subject are such as lead him to the ranks of the 
Republican party, and he is a strong advocate and 
a stanch friend of the same. His quiet, manly in- 
dependence and industry, high character, his intelli- 
gent and energetic enterprise upon his farm, and 
his honor in matters of business, receive their rec- 
ognition from his fellow-citizens, who accord to our 
subject and family' heart}' esteem. , 



^- 



-^■f-*- 




R. ALEXANDER C. SABIN, phj-sician 
and surgeon at Beatrice, is a native of Knox 
County, Ohio, and was born near the town 
of Bladensburg. When a lad of thirteen 
years, his parents removed to Bloomington, 111. His 
father. Dr. Daniel Sabin, was a native of Virginia, 
and his paternal grandfather was born in New En- 
gland. The mother in her girlhood was Miss 
Rhoda Williams, a native of Greene Count}', Pa., 
and the daughter of Abraham AVilliams. 

The subject of this sketch continued to live with 
his parents in Bloomington, III., where his father 
pursued the practice of medicine a short time. In 
1882 he, with his family, came to Nebraska, locat- 
ing in Beatrice, where both parents passed aw.ay, 
the father in 1887. The household circle consisted 




«► ir ^ 



C08 



GAGE COUNTY. 



of eleven children, seven sons and four daughters, 
of whom there are now living six sons and two 
daughters. Of these our subject is the eldest son 
and third child. His father being the owner of a 
farm, his bojhood and youth were passed amid the 
quiet scenes of rural life, and he pursued his early 
studies in the district school. Later he became a 
student of Eureka College, in Woodford County, 
111., where he spent three years. 

Soon after leaving college our subject entered 
upon the study of medicine under the instruction 
of his father, and began practicing that same year, 
1862. He, however, became also interested in 
farming and stock-raising, to which he also gave 
considerable time and attention until 1873, then, 
disposing of these interests, resolved to give his 
best efforts to his profession. He located in Bloom- 
ingtou. 111., at which place, however, he remained 
only one year, thence removing to Farmer City, 
where he sojourned three years. He attended 
lectures later at Bennett Medical College in Chicago, 
from which he was graduated in the spring of 1882. 
Previously to this, however, he had decided upon 
a location in Burlington, Iowa, and later took up 
his residence there. In June, 1883, he came to 
Beatrice, and in the course of time built up a busi- 
ness extending not on!}' throughout this county, 
but the whole State. 

Dr. Sabin, not being able to dismiss his interest 
in live stock, perfected his arrangements for em- 
barking extensively in the breeding of fine horses, 
and now has some of the choicest trotting stock in 
the West. One of the colts in which he takes most 
pride is "Sabin Counselor," a year old, which won the 
first money from the State Breeders' Association, 
which held its exhibition at Lincoln, Aug. 16, 1888, 
the purse being $275. This animal made the re- 
markable time of 3 :10 after one month's training, 
making three seconds over any previous record 
upon the grounds, and the Doctor was offered 
$5,000 for him, which he refused. He has twelve 
head of as fine animals as are to be seen in Southern 
Nebraska, and in his care and keeping of them ex- 
hibits a peculiar adaptability to the business. For 
tliis purpose he invested a portion of his capital in 
510 acres of land, upon which he has erected, the 
buildings necessary for his convenience and the 



proper care of his stock. He put up a handsome 
and substantial residence two stories in height, and 
of modern stj'le of nrcliitectiire, comprising all the 
latest conveniences and finished in the finest style 
of the builder's art. This is located at the corner 
of Eighth and^ Lincoln streets. An extensive lawn 
assists in completing the beauty of a most attractive 
home. 

The wife of our subject, to whom he was mar- 
ried Nov. 15, 1862, was in her girlhood Miss Elma 
Garretson, of McLean County, 111. Mrs. Sabin is 
the daughter of Talbott Garretson, and came to 
this county with lier parents when a little girl. Of 
her union with our subject there have been born 
nine children, seven of whom are living, namely: 
D. T., Olive Belle, Robert Grant, Rhoda May, 
Hudson Burr, Alex C, Jr., and Daisy Cornelia. 



-►l-i-|'=^^a|+-l- 




^ ON. GEORGE B. EVERITT, attorney-at- 
law, and a leading member of the bar in 
Beatrice, is of Southern birth, and was born 
)} in Goldsboro, N.C.,Nov. 10, 1850. The 
eldest son and second child of a famil3' of ten 
children, he has now only one brother and one sis- 
ter living. His parents, David B. and Sarah (Car- 
ney) Everitt, were also natives of North Carolina, 
and both were of Scotch and English ancestry. 
The father was a planter by occupation, and rested 
from his earthly labors in Jauuaiy, 1885. The 
mother is still living. The maternal grandfather 
of our subject was James Carney, Esq., who was a 
native of Virginia, and spent his last years in 
Goldsboro, N. C. 

The subject of this sketch remained in North 
Carolina on his father's plantation until a j'outh of 
eighteen years, his studies having been conducted 
in the Everittville schools. He now entered Trinity 
College, from which he was graduated with honors 
in the class of '73. Youug Everitt commenced 
the study of law under the instruction of Chief 
Justice Smith, of Raleigh, N. C.,who still holds his 
exalted position upon the bench. He was admitted 
to the bar in January, 1874, and commenced the 
practice of his profession in Concord, N. C. In the 
spring of 1877 he removed to Winston, and in the 

9^ 



t 



GAGE COUKTY. 



G09 



fall of 1878 was elected to the State Senate of 
Noitli Carolina for tbe comities of Forsythe and 
Stokes. In tbe campaign of 1880 he was Ihecantli- 
(late of the Repiihlican party for elector of the State 
at large. In .June, 1881, he was appointed Collector 
of Internal Revenue for the Fifth District of North 
Carolina, and in June, 1883, under the administra- 
tion of President Arthur, was appointed Register of 
the land-office at Mitchell, Dak. This position he 
held until March, 1888. 

In .June following Mr. Everitt came to Beatrice 
and resumed the regular practice of his profession. 
Although his residence here has been comparatively 
brief he has fully established himself in the esteem 
and confidence of the community. He was married, 
in Dccembei-. 1875, to Miss ]\Iary Graves, a native 
of his own State, and the daughter of Dr. Calvin and 
Caroline M. (Foust) Graves, also natives of North 
Carolina, and at that time residents of Trinity. Of 
this union there were born two children — Malcom 
G. and Mary M. Mrs. Everitt died in November, 
1882. The present wife of our subject, to whom 
he was married in Jul}', 1884, was formerly Miss 
ISIartha Davis, of Philadelphia, Pa. She is the 
daughter of Allen and Helen (Smyth) Davis, of 
Beaufort, N. C, and of this marriage of our-subject 
there have also been born tvvo children — George B., 
Jr., and Anne .S. Mr. Everitt is a stanch Repub- 
lican, and a man of broad and comprehensive views 
on the great questions of American nationalit}'. He 
is a pleasing, graceful and eloquent sjjeaker, and a 
lawj'er of fine ability. 



-~vu-"«iLei.'.'!<s^g* 



>»gS-SV3OT>-'vw. 



i' 



fs=^RANK MOSELEY. The wonderfully rapid 

Pw development of Gage (Jount3' could onlj' 
have been brought about by men of great 
force of character, much ability, and sturdy powers 
of endurance. The gentleman whose name stands 
at the head of this brief biographical sketch is a 
fine representative of such men, who came to this 
part of Nebraska a few years ago and settled in 
Paddock Township, although he is not one of the 
earliest comers. Since taking up his residence here in 
1883, locating on the wild, unbroken iiruirie land, 
comprising 240 acres (IGO on section 21 and eight}' 

4* 



on section 28, Paddock Township) of which he then 
became the owner, he has developed it into one of 
the most desirable farms in this vicinity. All of 
his landed propert}' that is not devoted 1o jxastur- 
age is under a high state of cultivation, and well 
repays by abundant harvests the care and time that 
he has bestowed upon it. He has erected comfort- 
able buildings, and everything about the place 
denotes that he is a practical, methodical man. He 
has paid much attention to raising cattle and hogs, 
and his farm is now well supplied with stock of 
good grades. 

Mr. Moseley was born in Lee County, III., Oct. 
1, 1852, a son of Joseph and Margaret (Moore) 
Moseley, natives of England and Pennsylvania. 
Mr. Moseley, father of our subject, closed a long 
and useful life in Illinois, June 22, 1886. He was 
a man of unimpeachable integrity, of good common 
sense, and was much res|)ecled by his neighbors and 
friends. The worthy mother of our subject, whose 
maiden name was Margaret Clintob, was twice mar- 
ried, her first husband's name being Moore. Her 
sons, John Moore and William Moseley, served in 
the late war, being members of Company A, 75th 
Illinois Infantry. They were in the army two years 
and eleven months, but both escaped from the 
perils of battle unwounded. Mrs. Moselc}' is now 
spending her declining years in Thayer Count}-, Neb. 
Our subject was reared and educated in bis 
native county; he went to Page County, Iowa, in 
1876, and he was there married, Nov. 26, 1879, to 
Miss Lovisa A., daughter of William Beers, of Page 
County, Iowa. Four children have been born of 
their marriage — Nellie M., Fred R., Ida J. and an 
infant, P;iul. In the fall of 1879 Mr. Moseley came 
with his bride to Thayer County, this State, which 
he had previously visited the spring before his mar- 
riage, and they lived there until the spring of 1883, 
when Mr. Moseley removed with his family to 
Gage County, and settled on his present farm. Mr. 
Moseley and his wife richly deserve the esteem and 
respect in which they arc held. They have a pleas- 
ant home, and whoever crosses its threshold is sure 
of a cordial welcome and hospitable entertainment. 
Mr. Moseley is a man of upright, straightforward 
character, of great cap;ibility, and wilh energy 
I enough to i)ut through what he has once begun. 




t 

'^ CI 



-•► 







GAGE COUNTY. 




As a good citizen shoulrt he takes great pririe in 
bis townsiiii), and ims t;ikcn a prominent part in its 
growth. Politically, he champions the Republican 
pal■t}^ 



-♦-e- 



'\f]AMES W. SHELLEY has been endowed by 
nature with a splendid [ihysique, great 
mental force 'and moral strength — the requi- 
1^/' sites of a truly grand character. He has 
IMSsed through a long ])eriod of eventful pioneer 
experience, in which the sterling qualities of man- 
hood were developed and formed into graceful 
attributes of a truly noble character, while his zeal- 
ous efforts toward the developing of the natural re- 
sources of this State and tlie fostering of the public 
institutions of his county are worthy of the highest 
commendation. His parents, Francis and Fanny 
(Hollingworth) Shelley, were born in England, the 
former in Staffordshire atid the latter in Derbyshire. 
The father was a shoemaker \iy trade, and removed 
with his fauiily to America in the year 1855, making 
his home in Portage County, Wis. He worked for 
a time on a farm near Stevens' Point, and in 1861 
he brought his family to Nebraska, taking up a 
homestead on section 1 9, Rockford Township, where 
he prospered well. He died May 25, 1884, at the 
age of seventy-two years, but the mother of our 
subject still lives in Holmesville with her son 
Pirnest, the j-oungest of her six children, who bear 
the names of ISIyra, James W., Thomas, Robert, 
Joseph and Ernest. 

Our subject was born on the 5th of February, 
1843, in Derbyshire, England, and was but twelve 
years old when he left his native country. There 
he had enjo}'ed excellent advantages for obtaining 
an education, but during his residence at Stevens' 
Point, Wis., the educational advantages were ex- 
tremely limited and of an inferior grade. When his 
parents came to this State he was eighteen years 
old, and manifested his cour.agc and intrepidity by 
driving a yoke of oxen all the w.ay from his former 
home to this State. Here he found plenty of op- 
portunities to develop the real worth of his young 
manhood, and in 1804 he took up a homestead 
claim of 120 acres, working and imi)roving it, and 

<• 



making his home with his parents for the six j-ears 
succeeding his purchase. 

In 1870 our subject was united in marri.age with 
Miss Mary E. Bailey, a daughter of A. F. Bailey, 
who is a native of New Hampshire. Her mother is 
Janet (Ford) Bailey, and was born in New York 
State. The father was a farmer, and the family re- 
sided in Kenosha County, Wis., until 1863, when 
they came to this State and made their home on 
Cub Creek, nine miles west of Beatrice. The par- 
ents now reside in that city, the father aged seventj'- 
seven years, and the mother sixty-five years, they 
having cared for a family of eight children, whose 
names are as follows : Cornelia, Charles, Hattie, 
Mary, Annie, Myra, Clara and Clyde. Mary, the 
wife of our subject, was born Jan. 31, 1851, in Ke- 
nosha County, Wis., and was a girl twelve years old 
when she came to this State with her parents. She 
attended the common schools and secured a thor- 
ough education, being amply qualified to engage in 
the profession of teaching in this county, at which 
she continued for five or six terms. She was teach- 
ing at the time our subject made her acquaintance, 
and he having provided a comfortable home for his 
bride brought her to it. 

By this happy marriage they have had born to 
them seven children, of whom Violetta died when 
she was eight years old, and the other six are 
named: Annie, Willie, Bessie (deceased), Eloise, 
Hattie and Merton. Mr. Shelley voted for the 
adoption of the State Constitution in 1866, and he 
was also instrumental in organizing the county into 
townships, having seen the prairie in its native 
state converted into fertile fields of waving grain 
and rich meadow land. He worked on the Otoe 
Reservation for two years, and really secured his 
best start during that period. He owns 450 acres 
of well-improved land, on which he has built a 
commodious and attractive farm dwelling, a view 
of which is given in this volume. He has corn 
cribs, granaries and a tool-house, all under one roof. 
He cribs 3,000 bushels of corn and 2,000 bushels of 
grain in his storehouse, and in order to secure this 
large result he carries on farming extensively-, and 
is one of the most enterprising men of Rockford 
Township. He is a member of an association 
which owns an extensive Norman and Clyde breed- 

■» 



:h 



GAGE COUNT r. 



>•► 



fill 



ing establishment at Blue Springs. He has some 
very valuable horses, and uses four teams of the 
fourteen head in operating the work of his farm, 

Mr. and Mrs. Shelley are influential members of 
the Methodist Episco[)al Church at Holmesville, of 
which our subject was one of the earliest members 
and Trustees. He has been prominentli' identified 
with the educational work in his township, having 
served as School Moderator for three years, and 
doing all in his power to secure the best schools. In 
strict accordance with his Christian character he 
disapproves of the use of intoxicating drinks, and is 
an ardent advocate of the temperance cause, there- 
by identifj-ing himself with the Prohibition part}'. 
Among business men and in his social relations he 
bears an unblemished reputation, and enjoys the 
good-will of all. 

JF. KEN YON has a good farm of 120 acres 
on section 9, Blakely Township, which is de- 
voted to farming and stock-raising, most of 
the land being under cultivation. He bought 

his farm in 1871, l)ut he did not make his home on 
it until 1877, and as it was in an uncultivated con- 
dition when it came into his possession he has had 
an experience in common with the other farmers of 
this section in the breaking and tilling of prairie 
land. He came to Blakely Township direct from 
Logan County, 111., driving across the country with 
a team of horses in the month of October, 1 877. 
He was comparativelj' without means when he came, 
and his greatest desire was to establish a home 
which he might call his own, and on which he might 
labor as an independent man. He has succeeded 
well from the beginning, and is now pleasantly sit- 
uated to enjoy what has been secured by much hard 
labor and constant application. 

Our subject was born in Adams Township, Jeffer- 
son Co., N. Y., on the '29th of October, 1843, and 
is a son of R. A. and Lydia (Rhodes) Kenyon, the 
former of whom was a nati'^e of Rhode Island, and 
the latter of New York. The father was a deer- 
skin tanner and glovemaker, and in 1844 the par- 
ents with their small familv moved to a place near 
Marshall, Calhoun Co., Mich. In 1 848 the family 



went to Kalamazoo County, and made their home 
near Gull Lake, where the father carried on his vo- 
cation for seven years, afterward engaging in farm- 
ing. In 1864 he went to Logan County, 111., and 
is still living there in the enjoyment of good health 
and mental faculties, active and industrious as ever, 
though he has reached the age of seventy-eight 
years. He lost his wife in Kalamazoo County, 
Mich., in 1852, when she was but thirty-eight j'ears 
old, and the mother of seven children, three sons 
and four daughters. 

Our subject was the fifth child of the family, of 
whom three sons and two daughters are now living, 
and all married and established in homes of their 
own. C. H. Kenyon is living in Clieyenne County, 
this State ; Thomas W. is a shipper of stock, and 
lives in Lincoln, 111. ; Elazan, the wife of George 
Blain, an architect, and Marinda M., the wife of 
Stephen R. Cushing, a carpenter and joiner, have 
their homes in San Jose, Cal. The father of our 
subject was a second time married, to Mrs. Roxana 
P. (Miller) Brewer, who was a native of Vermont. 
She was the mother of two children by her former 
marriage, one of whom is deceased and the other, 
Mary L., is now the wife of Thomas W. Kenyon. 

Our subject was one year old when his father 
moved to Michigan, and twenty-one years old when 
he went to Lincoln, Logan Co., III. At the beginning 
of the late civil troubles he was but seventeen years 
old, and he enlisted in Company B. 32d Illinois 
Infantry, under command of Col. John Logan, a 
cousin of Gen. John A. Logan. The regiment was 
connected with the Army of the Tennessee, and 
went to the front in December, 1861, coming in 
contact with the enemy at Shiloh, Ilatchie, Vicksburg 
and Jackson, and also being engaged in the campaign 
with Sherman to Atlanta. After the fall of that 
place our subject was afflicted with sore eyes, 
.and was absent from his company from the 21st of 
June until the 1st of September, 1864. He went 
to rejoin his regiment and was taken prisoner near 
Marietta, Ga., but on the 13th of December in the 
s.ame year he was paroled, and a little later was sent 
home on parole furlough. He was honorably dis- 
charged on the 5th of September, 1865, at Leaven- 
worth, K.an., having served for over four years as a 
hard-working and loyal soldier, for which he deserves 



f 



i 



612 



aAGK COUNTY. 



lasting honor. lie never was wonnrlefl. but he lost 
the use of one eye from disease, and tlie other has 
suffered in sympathy' with it. With liis regiment he 
marched 6.000 miles in sixteen montiis. and liesides 
the regular engagements lie participated in many 
minor battles and skirmishes. Snch devotion to 
his country and disregard of self proves him to be 
the possessor of a true, manly heart, and among 
brave soldiers his memory will always be cherished. 
After his discbarge from the service of his coun- 
try our subject returned to Lincoln, III., and there 
met the lady whom he made his wife on the 12th 
of December, 1H75. Miss Maria L. 'i'urk, now Mrs. 
Kenyon, was born on the 1st of Ma}', 1844, in War- 
ren County, Ohio, and is the third child of James 
and Anna (Crespin) Turk, also natives of Ohio. 
The father was a gunsmith, and he took his fam- 
il}' to Lincoln, Logan Co., 111., in 1867, in which 
])lace both parents died, the father in 1873, aged 
sixty-two years, and the mother in 1870, aged fifty- 
seven 3-ears. Five of their children survive them, 
and in eompanj' with Mrs. Kenj-on spent their 
earlier years with their parents until their death. 
Mrs. Kenyon was educated in her native county, and 
possesses many charming qualities of womanhood, 
which fit her to adorn her home and the society in 
which she moves. Our subject and his wife are 
well-known and influential people, and are among 
the leaders in educational, social and religious 
work. The latter is a meral)er of the Universalist 
Church. Mr. Kenyon is a stanch Republican, and 
warmly advocates the cause of that party. 



-^nn.-'^tji£^tS^^ 



^,gl/5OT*v- -w~- 



\f/AME8 L. BOYDSTON. No less credit is 
due to the energetic young men who are 
carrying on the work which their forc- 
(^// fathers began in a new country, than to 
those who first opened a path in the wilderness. 
The subject of this sketch, one of the j'ounger 
members of the communitj' of Fillej' Township, is 
tilling a portion of the soil on section 36, and by 
his thoroughness and skill laying the foundations 
for a future competence. He has 320 acres of fer- 
tile land, neat and substantial buildings, a fair as- 
sortment of live stock and machincr}-, and about 

.^ 



400 fruit trees in good bearing condition, occupy- 
ing ten acres of ground. A view of the home 
place accompanies this brief sketch of the enter- 
prising owner. 

Curtis Boydston. the father of our subject, was 
born in Greene County, Pa., about 1821, and lived 
there until 185.5. That year he left the Keystone 
State and emigrated to Warren County, 111. In 
early life he had learned the carpenter trade, com- 
bined with cabinet-making, and continued that and 
farming until convinced that he could do better at 
the lumber business. He followed the latter ac- 
cordingly for a time, but is now farming in Warren 
County, that State. He has been twice selected to 
represent the people of that count}' in the Legis- 
lature of Illinois, and in political matters in that 
State takes a prominent position. 

The mother of our subject. Mrs. Orpha Boyd- 
ston, was a native of Greene County, Pa., her birth 
taking place in 1821. She accompanied her family 
to Illinois, and died therein 1856. The parental 
household included eight children, six sons and two 
daughters, and five are now living, namely : Ulysses 
A., Station Agent at Alameda. Cal.; Newton L., 
telegraph operator at Virginia City, Nev. ; James 
L., of this sketch; William L., of Galesburg, 111., 
a conductor on the Chicago, Burhngton & Quincy 
Railroad, and Frank, a grocer, of Newton, Kan. 

The subject of this biographj' was born Feb. 14, 
1848, in Greene Count}', Pa., and remained with the 
family of his father until twenty-eight years of age. 
In 1881 he crossed the Mississippi and began farm- 
ing in Harvey County, Kan., where he operated for 
two and a half years. In the winter of 1885 he 
came to this county, purchased his present farm, 
and has each year made good progress, so that in 
the near future he expects to enlarge the sphere of 
his operations and engage quite extensively in the 
raising of cattle and hogs. 

The marriage of Mr. Boydston took place in 
April. 1885, his bride being Miss Ada, daughter of 
Royal and Julia Wiswell, who were natives of Ver- 
mont, and emigrated to Illinois about 1850; they 
removed from Warren County to Galesburg. The 
father is now living retired from active labor in 
California. Mrs. Boydston was born in Warren 
County, 111.. Jan 29, 1855, and spent her childhood 




v.^'t^d^f^g-^^ja^^jg^ 




»>3s^^^s^s^£s^^'-^^&m 



^fc^^^gisfc.,; -, 



Residence or J. L. Boydston ,5ec.36, Rlley Township 



" *';w«*ss*«a^**»»»- 



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fi^ 



.^:::,^^: ^m^mMf^- MMi 




Residence OF Hon. J.W.Williams, Sec. 18. Fi lley Township. 



h 



GAGE COUNTY. 



filo 



4* 



*■ 



and y'>iitli ^itli her parents until lirr marriage. Mr. 
and Mrs. B. are now tlie parents of two brig:lit eliii- 
dren: Earl W., born March 14. 1887, and Altha R.. 
July 2.5, 1888. 

Our subject cast his first Presidential vote for 
Grant, and uniformly supports the principles of the 
Republican party. He is a quiet, unassuming citi- 
zen, attending strictly to his own affairs, but giving 
his support to those measures calculated to advance 
the interests of his community. He and his excel- 
lent wife enjoj^ the respect and confidence of a 
large circle of acquaintances, and in their pleasant 
home are surrounded by all needful comforts. 

\]l^ ON. ,TOHN W. WILLIAMS. Among the 
r solid citizens of P"illey Township, none are 
held in more genuine respect than the sub- 
ject of this sketch. He is a farmer of ample 
means and pleasant surroundings, realizes a good 
income from his agricultural transactions, and is 
contributing his full quota to the business and in- 
dustrial interests of G.ige County. His property 
has been secured by the exercise of patient indus- 
try- and economj', the surest guarantee of success, 
and if Providence has richl}' blessed him, it is no 
more than he deserves. 

The father of our subject, Mathew Williams by 
name, was of American birth and parentage, and 
began life in the State of Indiana. Upon reaching 
manhood he married a lady of Irish descent, and 
also a native of Indiana. The3- settled upon a farm 
in Waj'ne County, and there became the parents of 
three children, our subject .and two sisters, the lat- 
ter of whom are both now deceased. John W. was 
born Aug. 20, 1840, but while yet a child, his par- 
ents removed to JIarshall County, Ind., where he 
spent his boyhood on the farm, and in attendance 
at school. When of suitable age he commenced 
working out, and in 1856 went with his parents to 
Bureau County, III., and there made his home with 
his uncle for a period of four years. 

Young William, in 18G0, returned to his native 
State, and the year following, upon the outbreak of 
the war, enlisted in Company C, 20th Indiana In- 
fanti'3', and after a six-weeks drill on the old Tip- 



pecanoe battle-field near LaFa^yette, the regiment 
was ordered to Cockej'sville, Md., where, in addition 
to the regular drill, they were engaged in building 
railroad tracks and bridges. Thence they were de- 
tailed to Cape Ilatteras. N. C. There the^' were 
forced to retreat from the enemy, and in addition 
to this a disastrous flood nearl}' washed themaw.ay, 
the troops being forced to wade in water up to their 
mouths for two hours, and three miles from shore. 

Old Point Comfort, in Virginia, was the next 
destination of the 20th Indiana and some others, 
where they went into winter quarters. During the 
spring campaign they took part in the battles of the 
Monitor and Merrimac, witnessing the destruction 
of the latter, after which followed the battle at Nor- 
folk, Va. Thence thej' were called to reinforce 
McClellan, and participated in the seven-days bat- 
tle before Richmond, retreating to Harrison's Land- 
ing. Subsequently soon followed the engagements 
at Orchard, Charles City, Cross Roads, IMalvern 
Hill, and then thej' again were halted at Harrison's 
Landing on the James River, where thej' encamped 
six weeks. 

Upon again t.aking up their line of march our 
subject and his comrades received orders from Gen. 
Pope, and fought at Manassas Junction and in the 
second battle of Bull Run, where their Colonel was 
killed upon the field, together with many otlier 
otRcers. They were next at Chantilly, Ya., where 
the gallant General, Phil Kearney, breathed his 
last upon the battle-field. Their next move was 
on to Washington, D. C, where they were placed 
among the fortifications around Arlington Heights, 
the regiment being so crippled by losses that it was 
not thought best they should engage in the Atlanta 
campaign. They were afterward, however, ordered 
to Virginia, where Mr. Williams partipatcd in the 
battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, and 
met the rebels at Gettysburg, Pa. In the distribu- 
tion of the Kearney medal of honor, given those 
who distinguished themselves in the memorable 
engagement at Chancellorsvdle, Mr. Williams re- 
ceived one of the twenty coveted prizes struck oflf 
by the War De|)artment. and it is hardly necessary 
to say it vvill be preserved by his posterity as a 
priceless relic. 

Lentil the battle of Gettysburg Mr. Williams had 



!?^*-*« 



-4•- 

616 



■•►■ 



,t 



GAGE COUNTY. 



carried the musket of a private, but soon after this 
was given the commission of First Lieutenant. His 
regiment was subsequentl3' sent to quell the draft 
riot of 18G3. in New York City, where they were 
stationed about six weeks. Next his eom])any 
formed one of the three wliich were sent up the 
East River to assist Gen. Dix in the guarding of 
2,700 rebels. Mr. Williams states that the story 
of rebels suffering in Union prisons is untrue, as 
the prisoners had wholesome food and sufficient 
clothing. 

Lieut. Williams witli his regiment was later as- 
signed to the Army of the Potomac, dnd afterward 
did good service in the battle of the Wilderness, 
where he was wounded in tlie shoulder, and on 
account of the thickly folded blanket which he 
carried escaped fatal injury. At Spottsylvania 
Court House his Captain was killed, and Lieut. Will- 
iams was tendered a Captain's commission and at 
once assumed command, leading the color company 
of the regiment through tiie remainder of the battle. 
At this engagement the colors vvere riddled by 
fort3'-five bullets. Capt. Williams followed the 
fortunes of his regiment until the close of the war, 
being thereafter at Cold Harbor, and he was one 
of the first to make the assault on Petersburg, fol- 
lowing the rebels from there to Appomattox Court 
House, and having the unspeakable satisfaction of 
witnessing their surrender. Capt. Williams ex- 
perienced many hairbreadth escapes, and, in recall- 
ing the events of that terrible time, often wonders 
that he escaped with his life. He received his 
honorable discharge on the 12th of July, 1865, at 
Jefferson ville, Ind., receiving the brevet of Major 
after having served four years. The last year of 
the war, so great had been the losses, four Indiana 
regiments were consolidated into one — the 7th, 
14th, 19th and 20th. 

Upon his retirement from the army Mr. Will- 
iams sought his old haunts in Marshall County, Ind., 
where he followed farming seven years. He had 
in the meantime, Oct. 30, 1866, been married to 
Miss Martha J. Fife, daughter of Thomas and 
Sarah (Reed) Fife, of Marshall Countj", Ind., and 
who was born there Feb. 25, 1845. The parents of 
Mrs. Williams were natives of South Carolina, and 
are now residents of Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Will- 



iams spent the first six years of their wedded life in 
Indiana, and in 1872 our subject found his way to 
this State, and purchased 104 acres of land on sec- 
tion 18, in Filley Township, where he settled with 
his family as soon as he could erect a dwelling, and 
where they have since lived. 

Mr. Williams has been fully as successful .as a 
farmer as he was a soldier. Upon his arrival in this 
township he had been preceded by Mr. F"illey and 
Mr. Gale only, and consequently may be named 
among its pioneer citizens. The improvements 
upon his farm (a view of which is herewith pre- 
sented) have been brought about througii his own 
efforts. One year he suffered the loss of his crops, 
with the exception of his wheat. In 1876 he added 
to his real estate b>' tiie purchase of eighty-eight 
acres, and now has all that he cares to operate. 
Mr. Williams has in all 373 acres, all of which lie 
in Filley Township, except eighty in Logan Town- 
ship. 

To our subject and his excellent wife there have 
been born seven children, six of whom are living, 
namely: Fannie L., Kate A., Josephine M.ay, Clara 
Beatrice, Arthur F. and J. Channing. Mr. Williams 
and family are connected with the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, at Fdley. 

Mr. Williams votes the straight Republican ticket, 
and besides serving as County Commissioner has 
been Township Supervisor three years, and Director 
in his school district for a period of fifteen years. 
During the late memorable campaign he was chosen 
by the votes of his district to represent it in the 
liCgislature of the State. His excellent judgment, 
ripe experience and undoubted honesty, will be of 
great value to not only his own immediate con- 
stituency, but tiie people of the entire State. 



\¥/ OSEPH B. LEVIS. This gentleman comes 

I of a long line of honored ancestors, whose 

II genealogy reaches back to the " right tight 
(^^ little isLind across the sea," and figures 
somewhat more or less prominently in English his- 
tory. The Levis famil3' came from England over 
200 years since, and settled in what is now Pennsyl- 
vania. The father of our subject, Brlnton Levis, 



•►Hh-^: 



I 



GAGE COUNTY. 



fil7 



was born in Chester County, Pa., about the year 
1805, and was there reared to manhood and served 
as a young man tlirough the whole Mexican War 
under Gen. Lee, in the position of Quartermaster. 
At the close of the war he returned to the Qualter 
State, where he made his home until 1852, and then 
removed with his family to Illinois, settling in 
Fulton County, where he was engaged as surveyor 
and school teacher. 

The father of our subject died in Illinois, aged 
eighty-two years, in the fall of 1837. He had won 
considerable distinction during his life and was an 
adventurous spirit. In early boyhood he showed 
signs of great precocity, accompanied by fearless 
daring. Leaving his parents while still a small bo3'. 
he boarded a man-of-war with the intention of 
serving as a sailor, but was not received; being thus 
deterred in his efforts and his design frustrated, he 
managed to secure a position as clerk upon a mer- 
chant vessel, and remained in the service about 
two years, in that time circumnavigating the globe, 
besides a number of other trips. When he enlisted 
in the Mexican War service he with the same fear- 
less spirit went forward, diligent in every duty. Of 
the 106 men who enlisted at the same time, in the 
same company, only five returned home, the father 
of our subject being one of that number. In his 
later 3-ears he made his home with his son Joseph 
until his death, which occurred in 1887. The 
maiden name of his wife, the mother of oursubject, 
was Phebe Ann Ring, who was born in the year 
181 1, in Delaware County, Pa., and died on the 5th 
of December, 1878. aged sixty-seven years, four 
months and five days. She was the mother of 
eleven children, whose names appear in the family 
register as follows: Hannah, William, Joseph 
Brinton, Rebecca, George, Ada, Nathaniel, Martha 
A., Franklin, Sarah J. and Mary. 

Our subject was a debutant upon the stage of 
life upon the 4th of March, 1835. at Chadd's Ford, 
Delaware Co., Pa., in the house where Gen. Wash- 
ington had his quarters prior to the battle of Brandy- 
wine. At the age of seven years he accompanied 
his parents to their new home in Custer County; at 
fifteen to the State of Illinois. His education was 
obt;iined in the old-fashioned rate school. In the 
'f latter .State he hired out by the mouth and continued 



so to do until he arrived at the age of thirty-five. 
In 18fil lie made a trip to Texas, but the war broke 
out and he was forced to return to Illinois. This 
trip was disastrous to him; throughout the immedi- 
ately preceding seven years he had labored for one 
man. and in that time was enabled to save sufficient 
to i)urcha.se a herd of cattle, and attempted to move 
with them overland to the Lone Star State. But 
for the war and Spanish fever he would have cleared 
a handsome profit, but under the circumstances it 
was impossible, and all his money having been 
launched in this venture it was the death blow to 
his hopes for the time; en route he lost the larger 
number of them by the Spanish fever. 

Going back to Illinois Mr. Levis began life 
anew, and worked for one year by the month, and 
saved enough to purchase a team and rented a farm. 
Upon the 16th of May, 1872, he was married to 
Mrs. Amanda C, a daughter of Thomas and Unity 
(Parker) Smith. Her father was born near Wheel- 
ing, W. Va.. her mother in Mohawk Township, 
Coshocton Co., Ohio. Her parents settled in the 
latter State and made it their home until the year 
1847, when they removed to South Fulton, Fullon 
County. Her father was by occupation a chair, 
cabinet maker and painter. Upon his removal to 
Illinois he turned his attention to farming: he is 
still living, and is aged eighty-one years. The 
mother of Mrs. Levis died in 1881, at the ripe age 
of sixty-five years. They were the parents of ten 
children, whose names are as herein recorded: 
Phoebe E., Amanda C, Uriah C, Mary J., Hannah 
J., Hebron M., Isaiah L., Louis W., James E. and 
Ruey A. 

The wife of our subject was the second child in 
the above famil3% and was born Sept. 9, 1835, in 
Fallsbury Township, Layton Co., Ohio. She began 
while quite small to spin, weave and pull flax, ad- 
vancing by regular gradation step by step until she 
w.as enabled to perform an}' and every part of the 
process between the preparation of the raw material 
and the finishing of the garment read}- for the 
wearer, for in those days all. garments, whether 
woolen or linen, etc., were made at home. Her 
education was somewhat restricted, owing to the 
fact that she was two miles from the nearest school- 
house, and frequently- it w.as impossible to traverse 



h 



618 



GAGE COUNTY. 



4 



the path that led thereto. At an early age she 
began to work out as a means of support, and was 
the fashioner of her life experience. She was 
married to Moses Robertson, of Indiana, and by 
that union became the mother of one child, Elviana, 
who is since deceased. She was afterward married 
to James W. Boyd, and presented him with two 
sons: James F., who is now in Jolinson Count3', 
Neb., and George W., deceased. Her third mar- 
riage was with our subject. Their family numbered 
two children: Annetta, deceased, and Lenora M., 
who resides at home and is attending school. 

In 18C5 Mr. Boyd and his wife (now Mrs. Levis) 
heard tlie report of the remarkable work done in 
the Idaho gold mines and the success there possible, 
and accordingly made it convenient to journey 
thither in the hope of bettering their position. 
They settled in the vicinity of Boise City; for some 
time they had realized that their porteraonnaie had 
been in a state of chronic decHne. and upon arrival 
it was to them an acliing void that demanded im- 
mediate strenuous efforts to fill. Tiiis the}' accord- 
ingly set about at once, Mr. Boyd in the mines, 
his wife as cook for the miners, for which she re- 
ceived $70 a month. Mr. Boyd also took up 
a timber claim and ke|(t it for a short time, and 
then sold his privilege, returning to Illinois via 
Salt Lake City, of which place Mrs. Levis' recol- 
lections are most vivid. Tlie financial outcome of 
this trip over and above all expenses connected 
with their return journey, was the munificent sum 
of $15,000 in "dust." 

Mr. and Mrs. Levis remained in Illinois about 
four years after their marriage, but came to this 
State and settled in Nemaha Township in 1880, 
and to their present home in 1883. Our subject is 
the owner of 160 acres of excellent land and tvventy 
head of cattle. In all he operates 320 acres, and is 
recognized as one of the leading and most success- 
ful farmers of his district. He is a prominent 
member of the Farmers' Alliance, and one of its 
energetic and strong supporters. For about three 
years he has been School Moderator, discharging 
the duties of that ollice with satisfaction to all con- 
cerned. In political matters he is strongly in favor 
of the present administration, and usually votes and 
works in the interests of the Democratic party. 



Mrs. Levis is a member in good standing of the 
Christian Church at Hooker, and is considered 
among its most devout and consistent members. 
She is one of the charter niemljers of the cause at 
that place. In the community Mr. and Mrs. L. are 
held in the highest estimation on account of their 
personal worth, as well as their success, which has 
been signal in view of all the adverse circum- 
stances encountered. 



^^ 



-{- 



JOHN POSTLEWAIT is an old Virginian, a 
son of Joseph Postlewait, and a native of 
Monongalia County, Va. His mother was 
Margret Gle.ason. who was a native of Prince 
George County, Md., and b,y their marriage they had 
a family of ten children, of whom our subject was 
the third. His father died in Ohio, and his mother 
in Burlington, Iowa. The gentleman of whom we 
write was born on the 3d of July, 1820, and when 
he was two years old his parents went to Licking 
County, Ohio, where he remained until the year 

1853, when he went to Burlington, Iowa. In that 
city he was engaged in shipiiing and feeding stock 
and buying grain, and in that business continued 
until 1861, when he returned to Ohio. In 1866 he 
again went to Burlington, and in 1871 toOttumwa, 
Iowa, at which place he engaged in mining until 
1884. 

In the spring of 1884 our subject came to this 
State, and resided for about six months in Odell, 
afterward moving to his farm, consisting of 120 
acres on section 10, Glenwood Township. He has 
made fair improvements on it, and is pleasantlj' sit- 
uated in one of the happiest of homes. The main 
line of the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad, 
from Kansas City to Denver, passes through his 
farm, and within four rods from his house. He was 
married in Pennsylvania, on the 5tli of September, 

1854. to Matilda F. Craft, who was born in Union- 
town, Pa., on the 7th of October, 1830. Mrs. 
Postlewait is a daughter of George and Eliza (Work- 
man) Craft, both of whom died in Ohio, having 
reared a family of ten children, of whom the wife 
of our subject was the sixth. By this marriage onr 
subject and his wife have become the parents of 

•► 



t 



GAGE COUNTY. 




Gl'J 



two children — George C. and Henry J. Henry J. 

died in OUiirawa, Iowa, when lie was fifteen years 
old, and George C. Is a resident of Glen wood Town- 
ship, and resides with his parents. 

While living in Ottnmwa, Iowa, Jlr. P. was one 
of the County Commissioners, and he was also a 
candidate for the State .Senate, having been defeated 
b}' the Republican candidate by but a few votes in 
a Rcpulilican district, which speaks well for his 
popularity. Since his arrival in this county he hiis 
held the office of Treasurer in his township, and is 
regarded as one of the truly re[)rcsentative men of 
this section. He is a Democrat in politics, and is 
an enterprising business man. He and his wife are 
members of the Catholic Church. They took a 
nephew, Gilbert G. Postlewait, to their home when 
he was two and a half years old, and as his foster- 
parents, they have regarded him as one of their own 
children. Mrs. Postlewait is an accomplished and 
intelligent lady ; in her home she is an admirable 
wife and mother, and in the circles of society her 
amiability and charming manners have won for her 
a host of friends and admirers. 

eHARLES ZIEGENHAIN takes rank among 
tiie skilled and scientific farmers of Lincoln 
Township, where he has a fine farm of 
eighty acres on section 16, all in a splendid state of 
cultivation, well supplied with substantial buildings, 
and lying just outside the corporation of the vil- 
lage of Ellis. He has been a resident of this State 
since 1877, and for a few years he rented a farm 
and assumed the management of it, at which he w.as 
so successful that he was soon enabled to purchase 
a farm of his own. In 1882 he securer! his present 
farm, and since that time he has made most of the 
improvements on it, showing by his excellent judg- 
ment in the construction of the buildings and the 
general thrift}^ appearance of the place his knowl- 
edge of agricultural arts, and his ability to practice 
them. Previous to his residence here he had made 
his home in Taylor County, Iowa, to which place 
he had gone from McLean County, III. He made 
his home in the latter place from the year 18C7 to 
1876, engaged in farming, as he has since been. 



Our subject was born at Frankfort on the Main, 
Germany, on the 2Ist of July. 1825. His parents, 
.John and Magilalena (Fischer) Ziegenhain. were 
also natives of the same country', and of pure Ger- 
man ancestrj'. In 1833 they came to the United 
States, and died on the way from New Orleans to 
St. Louis, in the same year, the father at the age of 
forty years, and the mother when thirt^'-nine years 
old. Our subject was but eight years old when he 
came with his parents to this country, and after his 
double bereavement he returned to his native 
country to make his home among the family rela- 
tives and friends. He was there educated in his 
native tongue, and was early taught to depend upon 
his own labor for his maintenance, thus early de- 
veloping the quality of self-reliance, without whicli 
very few people achieve success in life. 

Li his native country our subject met and mar- 
ried Mis's Anna E. Doonbrack, who was a native of 
Bremen, and had spent all her life there previous to 
her marriage, after which she came with her hus- 
band to the United States, and died in 1876 at her 
home in McLean County, III. She was then aged 
fifty-three years, and was the mother of six children, 
one of whom, named Mary, died in Iowa, when she 
was twenty years old. Of the children who survive 
we have the following record: John is in Blooni- 
ington. 111. ; Herman married Miss Amanda Schello, 
and resides in Gage County ; Lizzie is the wife of 
Charles McQueen, and makes her home in Gage 
County; William was educated in the college at 
Springfield, 111., and is a minister in the Lutheran 
Church, at St. Louis, Mich., and Charles resides in 
G.age County. All the children have received good 
educations, and are prospering well in their different 
vocations. 

Mr. Ziegenhain was a second time married, in 
Beatrice, to Mrs. Rosa Schmidt, nee Groser, who was 
born in Saxony, Germany, and when she was a girl 
came alone to America. She was first married in 
Pennsylvania, whereafter a time her husband died, 
leaving her with three children, named August, 
Fred and Edward, all of whom are yet single. Our 
subject and his wife are well-known and active 
members of society, who number among their 
friends the best and most influential citizens of the 
community, and have taken a warm and active 



■<*• 



620 



GAGE COUNTY. 



interest in the Lutheran Cliurch, of Blakely Town- 
ship, whose cause and the cause of religion the}- 
have been laboring to promote. Our subject is a 
well-informed and ardent Republican in politics, 
and is highly esteemed as a business man and loyal 
citizen. 



-<34 



T-T 



=€>- 




OBERT KYD. In the following sketch is 
presented an outline of one whose experi- 
ence of life is many-sided, and if opportu- 
nity offered would present many chapters of 
absorbing interest, and not a little of instruction. 
Our subject was born at Dungiven, County London- 
derry, Ireland, Sept. -2. 1830. He is the son of 
Robert and Elizabeth Kyd, natives of the same 
place. lie left Ireland April 7, 1848, and arrived 
at New York May 11. lie had served two years as 
an apprentice at carriage-making when a boy in 
Ireland, and worked for a few months in a wagon 
and wheelwright shop in New York until the fall of 
1849, when he went to New Orleans, and superin- 
tended the loading and running of flatboats from 
that city to the lower coast until the spring of 1850, 
when he went to Cincinnati. In that city he con- 
tinued to make his home until 1884, and worked 
upon the canal boats for some time, and then 
bouo-ht an interest in a boat, and for the next 
twelve years continued to run as a canal boat Cap- 
tain, at one time owning as many as three boats. 

In the late war our subject was Captain of Com- 
pany B, of the Fremont Guards of Ohio, for four 
months, and they were upon guard duty for the 
larger part of the time. Subsequently for five years 
he served in the National Guards, as Captain of the 
same company, 8th Regiment, Col. S. S. Fisher. In 
1884 he came to this county, and in the month of 
February of that year settled where he now resides. 
He is the owner of 280 acres of land, which he oc- 
cupies in general farming and stock-raising. In the 
latter department he gives attention almost solely 
to graded stock of the higher orders, and is very 
particular concerning their surroundings and treat- 
ment. 

Upon the 28tli of February, 1861, our subject 
and Miss Mary Martin were joined in holy matri- 



mony, and their union has been fruitful in the birth 
of five children, four of whom are still living. 
Their names are recorded as follows: Annie (de- 
ceased in infanc}'); William J., engaged as topog- 
rapher for the Union Pacific Engineering Corps; 
Rol)ert R., James H. and Annie E.. all of whom are 
unmarried. Mrs. K^'d is the daughter of Mattiiew 
and Elizabeth Martin, and was born at Stranorlar, 
County Donegal, Ireland, on the 5th of February, 
1 835. Her parents were natives respectively of Scot- 
land and Ireland, and were residents of Stranorlar, 
but are now deceased. 

AVhile a resident of Cincinnati our subject was 
for fifteen years Captain of the guard of the work- 
house, and also helped the Sheriff of that place in 
his duties through the terms of the District Court. 
He has at all times taken a very deep interest in 
educational matters, and those enterprises that were 
for the advancement of the interests of the rising 
generation. He has been successful in building 
here perhaps the finest countrj' school-house in the 
entire county. Mr. Kyd has given to his children 
the best High School education the city of Cincin- 
nati afforded, and is proud of the fact that his son 
William took the third prize for drawing at the 
general examination ot the Cincinnati public school 
in the year 1876, the lad being then but twelve years 
of age. 

Our subject stands high in the Masonic fraternity, 
with which he has been connected for thirty years. 
He has received all the degrees, from that of En- 
tered Apprentice to Knight Templar inclusive, and 
in Lodge, Chapter and Commandery is highly 
esteemed by his fellow-members, as he is also bj' 
the community at large. 



,T. "^ 



jWi\ ICHAEL KNOCHEL has resided foi eight 
/// \\\ years on his present farm, consisting of 160 
acres of good land on section 24, Lincoln 
Township, on which he has made many 
improvements. For ten years previous to his resi- 
dence here he was engaged in farming in Logan 
County, 111., where he had met with good success, 
but not so much as his ambition led him to expect. 
He was born in the Rhine Province, Germany, on 




■^•- 



GAGE COUNTY. 



021 



i 



the 1st of Xovpiuber, 1833, anil is of pure German 
ancestry, his father, Michael Knochel, being a n.-itive 
of the same countn", and uniliiig liimseif in mar- 
riage with a German lady named Elizabeth Stout. 
The parents lived in their native country until they 
had gathered about them a family of twelve chil- 
dren, seven sons and five daughters, after which 
they came to the United .States and made their 
home in Erie C'ount}% Pa., in 1853, just one 3'ear 
after their son, our subject, had come. The family 
were bereaved of their father in 1868. when he was 
about sixty-one years old, but the motlier is still 
living in Erie County. Pa., and is now eighty-five 
years old. still retaining all her faculties, and quite 
active for one of her advanced .ige. 

Our subject was educated in his native tongue in 
Germany, and in 1852 came alone to the United 
States, making his home in Erie County. Pa., where 
he began life as a farm laborer. There he spent 
the next twentj' years of his life, having in the 
meantime married, on the 20th of October, 1857: 
Miss Mary P.age, wlio was also born in the Rhine 
Province, Germany, on the 2Gth of March, 1832' 
Her parents, Ludivich and Barbara P.age, lived and 
died in Germany. AVhen she was a voung woman 
she came alone to the United States and became 
the wife of our subject. .Since their marriage they 
have labored in unison, and have together endured 
many hardships in the endeavor to make and save 
a competence for their later d.ays. Our subject 
worked for sixteen years in a sawmill in Pennsyl- 
vania, and since his removal to this State he has 
prospered well, and has reaped the rewai-d which 
seldom fails to come to those who exercise tlie 
sterling qualities of manhood, industry and per- 
severance. Their farm has been improved by good 
buildings and fences, and its fertility increased so 
that it is in a condition to bring forth abundant 
harvests, and repay the owner for the great labor 
he has expended on it. 

To the pleasant home which has been prepared 
by the considerate parents have come si.x children, 
named: Weudel, Kate, Grace, Barbara, George 
and Valentine ; all are at home with their parents. 

Mr. and Jlrs. Knochel and family are members of 
the German Catholic Church, and as is characteristic 
of the adherents of that organization, they are devout 



in their religious duties and industrious in their dail}' 
vocations. The former afliliates with the Democratic 
party in politics, and is a highly esteemed member 
of society' in his community-, having won the re- 
spect and friendship of those with whom he comes 
in contact by his disi)lay and evident possession of 
the admirable qualities of manhood. 



|IL_^ON. HIRAM WADSWORTH PARKER. 

•^^^'' one of the capitalists and prominent busi- 
ness men of Beatrice, is of Kew P^ngland 
birth and parentage, his native place being 
the town of Oakham, Worcester Co.. Mass., where 
he first opened his eyes to the light Dec. 17, 1827. 
His father, Luke Parker, also a native of the Hay 
State, was born in 1790, and married Miss Taniar 
Hastings. 

The Parker family was first represented in Massa- 
chusetts, proljably during the Colonial days. They 
were of English ancestry, and Luke, the father of 
our subject, was a tanner by trade. Hiram W. 
about 1834 removed with his parents to Athens 
Count}', Ohio, where they lived three years, and 
where the father followed his trade. Thence they 
removed to Chillieothe, where our subject com- 
pleted his education at an earl}' age. When a lad 
of fourteen he enteTed the office of the Scioto Ga- 
zette, the oldest paper in the Buckeye State, and 
served an apprenticeship of seven years at the 
printers' trade. He next held a position in the of- 
fice of the Ancient Metropolis, which was then 
under the control of George Armstrong, a resident 
of Omaha. Here he remained two years. In 1848 
he proceeded to the city of Columbus, becoming 
an employe of the Ohio State Journal, then under 
the editorial charge of W. B. Thrall and Henry 
Reed. In 1850 Mr. Parker left Columbus and es- 
tablished the Ironton liecjitster, in Lawrence County, 
Ohio, which he conducted until 1858. He then 
disposed of the office and its appurtenances to R. 
N. Stimpson, who was subsequently editor of the 
Marietta Register. 

In the fall of 1857 Mr. Parker visited Nebraska 
and determined uiion his future location. A year 
later he took up his residence seven miles north of 



■^^ 



022 



.t 



GAGE COUNTY. 



the present site of Beatrice, and tiiere resided until 
tiie spring of 1805. Tlienee lie removed to the 
southern part of Seward County, and purchasing 
land laid out the town of Camden, erected a saw- 
mill, and made general preparations to establish 
himself in business. Two years later he had a 
flouring-mill in operation, a large building with two 
run of buhrs. This proved the nucleus around 
which a goodly number of emigrants gathered and 
built up their homes. The Burlington & Missouri 
River Railroad in Nebraska, having left the em- 
bryo town some six miles north, resulted in the 
paralyzing of its eit^' pretensions, but its agricult- 
ural and water privileges, among the best in the 
.State, received ample recognition, and had the effect 
to keep there a class of intelligent and progressive 
men. 

Mr. Parker upon coming to this section of 
country was at once recognized as a valued addition 
to its farming and business interests, and as a man 
eminently fitted to hold responsible positions. In 
the fall of 18G0 he was elected to represent the 
counties of Johnson, Gage and Clay in the Territo- 
rial Legislature, and later was elected County Judge 
under the old Territorial law. He also served as 
County Clerk and Postmaster, besides acting as 
Commissioner of Seward County for a term of 
three years. In 1871 he was solicited to accept the 
nomination for Secretary of State, but after the first 
ballot withdrew his name. That same year he was 
elected as a delegate to the Constitutional Conven- 
tion at Lincoln, and was also appointed Register of 
the United States Land Office at Beatrice, which 
position he held for a period of thirteen years, 
under, the administrations of Grant, Garfield and 
Arthur. 

In 1852, while a resident of Ohio, Mr. Parker 
was united in marriage with Miss Almira T. Dole, 
of Portsmouth, Ohio, and a graduate of Grand 
River Institute, in Ashtabula County. They spent 
the first six years of their wedded life in Ohio. 
They are now the parents of four children, but two 
of whom are living, viz: Frank 11., who is married 
and a resident of Santa Cruz, Cal. ; Louis C. con- 
tinues at home with his parents; the two deceased 
sons were Charles D. and Eddie II. 

Mr. Parker assisted in the ori>anization of tlie 



First National Bank, of which he has been Vice 
President and Director, and he is now a stockholder 
and Director in the Beatrice National Bank. He is 
President of the Beatrice Canning Factory and of 
the Beatrice Sewer Pipe Works. Socially, he be- 
longs to the Masonic fraternity, being a member of 
Beatrice Lodge No. 26, and in the I. O. O. F. was 
Grand Master of the State. For a period of nine 
years he has been a member of the School Board, 
and has served as a member of the City Council. 
He was one of the principal movers and a stock- 
holder in the erection of the Masonic Temple and 
the post-office building, which structures are a great 
credit to the city, being ornamental as well as use- 
ful. The fine brick residence occupied 1)}' the 
familj' was erected in 1885, and is situated in a 
commanding position in the western part of the 
city. It is handsomely finished and furnished, and 
its inmates enjoy the friendship of a large circle of 
acquaintances, composed of the cultivated element 
of the community. Mr. Parker cast his first Presi- 
dential vote for Gen. Winfield Scott, and gives his 
support to Republican principles. 



•^h^<«: 



<if)OSIAH M. RUMBAUGH has retired from 
active business life and is now enjoying tiie 
comfort and seclusion of his pleasant and 
(i^^ attractive home in Blue Springs. He was 
born in Westmoreland County, Pa., on the IGth 
of August, 1839, his birthplace being one mile 
north of Greensburg, and he is a son of Henry and 
Susanna Rumbaugh, who were natives of Armstrong 
County, of the same State. His father was a son 
of Ilenr}- Rumbaugii, an officer in the Revolution- 
ary War, in which he distinguished himself as an 
able advocate of American freedom and liberty. 
The father died in the year 1871, when he was 
seventy-two years old, and the mother in 1874, at 
the age of seventy-two years. Our subject spent 
his early life in his native county, engaged in the 
variuos duties of a farm life, and received his edu- 
cation, which was a thorough one, in the Greensburg 
Acadera}'. 

At the beginning of the civil difficulties which so 
^^ 



-^^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



025 



destro^'^ed the peace and prosperiU' of the country, 
our subject hastened to offer liis assistance, with 
that of thousands of other brave men, and enlisted 
in Company I, 11th Pennsylvania Infantry. He 
participated in the l)attles of Rappaliannoeic Sta- 
tion, Tlioroughfare Gap. Warrenton, Second Bull 
Run and others. In the second battle at Bull 
Run he w.as wounded in such a manner that he was 
unable to continue liis service, and was conse- 
quently honorably discharged because of dis.ability. 
After tiie war he went into the oil reoion of West 
Virginia, and for three 3"ears was superintendent of 
an extensive oil prospecting and speculating com- 
pany. In tlie fall of 18G7 he went to Saginaw, 
Mich., where he worked at tlie carpenter trade for 
one year, thence to Adams County, 111., in the 
spring of 18G9, and in 1870 lie eng.aged in the mer- 
cantile business in Ursa, twelve miles north of 
Quinc\\ 

In February. 1880, our subject came to Blue 
Springs, where he has since resided, and engaged 
in the lumber business until 1886, at which time 
he sold out his interest in tlie business, and retired 
from active life, having .accumulated a competence 
which enables him to live in very comfortable cir- 
cumstances. On the 17th of .September, 1872, he 
was united in marriage with Miss Belle Turner, a 
daughter of Edwin and Ellen Turner, who are na- 
tives of M.nss.achusetts. Mrs. Rnmbaugli was born 
in Wa^-ne County, 111., on the 8th of September, 
184.T, and is an accomplished and intelligent lady, 
possessing a truij- refined .and womanly disposition, 
well qualified to grace lier pleasant home and her 
prominent position in society. She is the mother 
of four children, named Alice L., Clarence (de- 
cea.sed), AV'innie and Clyde, wlio have been the re- 
cipients of her kindest .and most tenrU.r care. 

Our subject bears tiie honor of liaving been 
elected the first Ma^-or of Blue Springs, in which 
capaciti' he served with much credit to himself and 
general satisfaction to the public. Previous to his 
election as Mayor he was a member of the Town 
Board for two years, and was the mover and insti- 
gator of man}' of the improvements which have 
taken place in his cit^'. Socially, he is a member 
in good standing of the Masonic fraternity, and 
his honorable war career entitles liiin to member- 



sliip in the G. A. R.. Rawlins Post No. 3.5. He 
and his wife arc influential members of the Presb}'- 
terian Church, and are among the well-known so- 
ciety people, enjoying the esteem and friendship of 
a host of acquaintances. 



^AMES KERR, Ju. One of the most beauti- 
I ful and extensive stock farms of Filley 
^^^ , Township is owned and oiieraled b^' the sub- 
(i^^ ject of this sketch. The greater part of it 
lies on section 22, and is in grass, being entirely 
devoted to the raising of cattle and hogs. By a 
life of industry- Mr. Kerr has accumulated a gener- 
ous share of this world's goods, and his career has 
been that which has gained him the respect and 
confidence of his fellowmen. 

Our subject is of substantial Scotch ancestry, his 
father, also James by name, having been born in 
the '• land of the thistle." He emigrated to America 
in early life, settling first in the Dominion of Can- 
ada. Thence he emigrated to Ford County, 111., 
where he still resides. He carried on stock farming 
quite extensively at one time, but is now living 
more retired from active labor. His wife, Mrs. 
Rebecca Kerr, the mother of our subject, like her 
iiusband a native of Scotland, died some j-ears ago 
in Illinois. Their family consisted of ten children, 
five sons and five daughters, only five of whom are 
living: Elizabeth is married aivd lives in Pennsyl- 
vania; Marj- is the wife of J. E. Bennett, also of 
the Keystone Stale; Margaret, Mrs. Knight, is a 
resident of Los Angeles, Cal. ; Andrew is farming 
in this county. 

James Kerr. Jr., was born in Upper Canada on 
the 29th of June, 184.5, and there received his 
primary education. He left liome at the age of 
fourteen years, and jiroceeding to New York State, 
remained about two years eng.aged in farming, and 
upon pushing further westward to Illinois, was simi- 
larly occupied another two years. In 1866 he mi- 
grated to Colorado, where he became interested as 
a stock dealer. He continued in that section of 
country until 1878, but during the last six years of 
his stay there was employed as tlie conductor of a 
mule train of forlj-two wagons, which transported 

— — ■► 



J^ 



■•► 



C>G 



GAGE COUNTY. 



inerchiindise from Clieyenne to Sidney, Ntb. These 
wagons usually carried aliout eleven carloads of 
freight, and occupied from thirty to sixty days in 
making the trip. Often the Indians were trouble- 
some, and the train had to be guarded iiy an escort 
of twenty to eighty soldiers. Often also they 
were compelled to "corral," or form their wagons 
in a circle, placing their animals insiile, and from 
the breastwork thus constructed hide themselves 
from or engage in warfare with their savage foe. 
Not infrequently some uf his n.en were killed. 

Mr. Kerr was the first man conducting a train of 
supplies to the Black Hills, and was renowned for 
his courage and daring. In this manner he traveled 
over a large portion of Utah, Colorado, Montana, 
Wyoming and Western Nebraska. The average 
value of a cargo thus transported was $50,000, a 
great responsibility, but Mr. Keir proved equal to 
the tiisk of conveying his goods without loss, and 
therefore was given a generous salary of $2,400 per 
j'ear and expenses. 

Mr. Kerr, in 1878, having accumulated a snug 
sum from his opeiations in the farther West, made 
his way to this count}' and prepared to establish a 
permanent home. He was married, on the 20th of 
February of that year, to Miss Carrie, daughter of 
Harvey and Kebecca Giddings, who vvere natives 
of Pennsylvania, but came to this State in 1874. 
Of this union there was born one child, a son, Ralph, 
who died Dec. 7. 1885. Mrs. Carrie Kerr departed 
this life Ai)ril 22, 1882, at the age of twenty-four. 

Our subject, in 1883, was the second time mar- 
ried, to Miss Jennie Giddings, a sister of his first 
wife. This lady was born in Warren County, 111., 
April 9, 18G0, and lived there with her parents un- 
til fourteen years of age. Mr. Kerr upon coming 
to Nebraska operated on rented land ft>r a period 
of three years. In 1881 he purchased 320 acres on 
section 22, which was then but partly improved. 
He has completed its cultivation, put up fine build- 
ings, including a $4,000 residence, and added the 
other appliances essential to the complete country 
estate. In 1885 he added 160 acres to his first pur- 
chase, this latter lying on section 27. He rents out 
200 acres and his stock operations occupj' the bal- 
ance. 

Each year Mr. Kerr seeks his old haunts in the 



Western country. In imagination he lives over again 
the wild scenes of his earlier days, his adventures 
with the savage tribes, who are becoming subjugated 
b}' the advance of civilization, and the perils which 
none but a brave man would have the courage to 
undertake. He meddles very little with political 
matters, but his sympathies are with the Repulilican 
party, and to it he gives his support. 

There are in Gage County some splendid rural 
residences and well-improved farms. Foremost 
among the number is the place owned by Mr. Kerr. 
A view of it accompanies this brief sketch of the 
owner, one of the most enterprising and highly re- 
pectcd citizens of this county. 



-»o» a A w ^ ^*! ! '* ! * ^' * *^' 




LEXANDER GRAHAM, who is connected 
with the real-estate office of I. N. Mc- 
Connell, of Beatrice, was born near the 
^'1 town of Utica, Licking Co., Ohio, Aug. 

25, 1845. He was the sixth in a family of eight 
children, seven sons and one daughter, the offspring 
of Henry and Piety (Larue) Graham, who were of 
French Huguenot and Scotch- Irish stock, the father 
a native of Ireland, and the mother born near Win- 
chester, Va. David, one of the brothers of our 
subject, fell on the battle-field at Chickamauga, dur- 
ing the late vvar. Six of the other children are still 
living, and residing, one in Kansas, two in Ne- 
braska, and three in Ohio. 

The father of our subject was in early life a 
weaver, but afterward abandoned his trade and took 
up farming. He emigrated to America when a 
30uth of seventeen j'ears, and settled among the 
early pioneers of Licking Count}', Ohio. There he 
owned and operated a farm, and was married in 
1832. Later in life he removed to Logan County, 
where he spent his last daj's, his death taking place 
at Bellefontaine, in 1857, when Hftj'-seven j'ears of 
age, his birth having occurred in Februar}', 1800. 
The mother died Dec. 4, 1864. 

The boyhood and youth of our subject were 
spent under the parental roof, and he was a little 
lad of seven years when his |)arents removed from 
Licking to Logan Count}-, Ohio. Within the con- 
fines of the latter he developed into manhood, and 



1 ' 



-*^ 



^^►Hlr*^ 



4 



GAGK COUNTY. 



627 



upon cnierjring from the district school became a 
student at Geneva College, at North wood, where he 
remained two years and until the outbreak of the 
Civil War. Shorti3' after tiie first call for troops 
he enlisted In Company D, 45th Ohio Infantrj-, as 
a private, and was sent to the West, being assigned 
to duty under the command of Gen. Buoll. He 
was subsequently under Gens. Gordon, Granger 
and Btirnside. He saw mucli of active warfare, be- 
ing present at tlie seige of Knoxville, and in all the 
battles of the Georgia campaign. He assisted in 
liarrassing the enemy at Buzzard's Roost, during 
the siege of Atlanta, was at Kesaca, Altoona, and in 
man}' of the important engagements which followed. 
On the 4lh of Jul3% 1864, he was shot through the 
right leg by a minie ball, which confined him in 
the hospital for four months. After being wounded 
he did clerical duty at the headquarters of Gen. 
Ewing for a time, then rejoined his regiment at 
Nashville, and took part in that battle. To his 
great satisfaction he was permitted to remain with 
the army until the great conflict was ended, and he 
was mustered out on the 12th of June, 1865, at 
Camp Harker, Tenn. 

Upon his release from militar3- duty, Mr. Graham 
returned to his old haunts in Bellefontaine, Ohio, 
where he secured the position of clerk, but not long 
afterward re-established himself in the shoe trade 
at Huntsville, Ohio. He sold out in 1870 and ac- 
cepted a position with David Torrence, a shoe mer- 
chant of New York Cit3', as traveling salesman, and 
visited all the important points in Ohio and Ken- 
tucky at intervals until 1872. He then withdrew 
from this house to accept a position with the 
Wapakoneta Spoke and Wheel Factory, and again 
in the capacity of salesman traveled througli the 
States of Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, Kansas, Ne- 
braska, Iowa, Missouri, New York, Pennsylvania, 
Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Mis- 
sissippi and Louisiana. This route occupied six 
months, and he continued with this house until 
1877. 

In August of 1877 Mr. Graham located in Clay 
Center, Kan., where, departing soniewliat from his 
former line of business, he opened a cigar and 
tobacco store. From this he withdrew in 187t». 
and coming to Nebraska, located in Nebraska City, 



and 1880 found him settled in Beatrice and en- 
gaged in the hardware trade for' the following five 
years, operating with the firms of G. F. King and 
C. G. Dorsey, two and one-half years with each. In 
1885 he entered the employ of the house with 
which he is now connected. 

Mr. Graham after becoming a resident of Beatrice, 
was united in marriage with Miss Florence Merrill, 
the wedding taking place at the home of the bride, 
Oct. 31, 1881. This lady is the daughter of Chaplin 
H. and J. M. Merrill, who were natives of New 
Hampshire and New York. Mr. Merrill is deceased ; 
Mrs. M. is a resident of Monticello, Iowa. Mrs. G. 
was born near Dundee, III., June 18, 1858. Of 
this union there is one child only, a son, Herbert 
Eldon. Mr. Graham is a stanch Republican, and 
Secretary of the Republican County Central Com- 
mittee, and did efficient service during the late 
Presidential campaign. He was then elected a 
member of the Board of County Supervisors, of 
Gage CountJ^ lie was exceedingly popular, and 
in fact, so assured were the opponent party of his 
election, that they placed no candidate on their 
ticket against him, he therefore receiving a unani- 
mous election. 

JAMES PACKER is the son of Capt. James 
Packer, Sr., who was born in 1812. in Gro- 
ton, Conn., on the Mystic River. The father 
of our subject was the son of Capt. Packer, 
and the grandson of Capt. Eldridge Packer, who 
figured conspicuouslj' in the War of 1812. He ac- 
companied his father on his voyages on the water 
when he was very young, and at the age of fifteen 
years he was placed in command of a Southern ves- 
sel. He was prosperous in his voyages, and accu- 
mulated a large fortune. In 1837 he was united 
in marriage with Mary Ann Appleman, a daughter 
of Capt. John Appleman, and after his marriage he 
removed to New York City, and in company with 
his brother Eldridge kept the City Hotel on Broad- 
way. In that enterprise misfortune attended him, 
and his hard-earned wealth was swept away. 

Two years after he had suffered this loss the 
father of our subject returned to his native place. 



Ji» ^ B 4» 



A. 



028 



GAGE COUNTY. 



4 



and took command of a vessel coasting between 
New York and New Orleans, piloting among the 
reefs of Florida in Ihe < ffort to save lives and 
wrecked cargoes. In the winter of 185C, with none 
but his son James, our subject, on board his vessel, 
while going from Mystic to New Y'ork City, he en- 
countered head winds and severely cold weather. 
From their exposure they both suffered exceed- 
ingly, and both barely escaped with their lives 
from death by freezing; and the fatlier's hand being 
permanently injured, he paid his friends in Iowa a 
visit the following summer. 

Cai)t. Packer, Sr., was so enrajjlnrcd with the 
country during his visit to Iowa, that he removed 
with his family to Clermont tiie nest year. He 
engaged in Ihe flouring-mill with llessrs. Larrabec 
& Appleman.but soon left the mill and removed to 
his farm in Clayton County, on which he had built a 
tine residence. He was ambitious, and his posses- 
sions falling a little shoit of what he desired, and 
being unable to place his farm in the condition he 
wished, he resolved t(j again try his fortune on the 
sea in the endeavor to rci)lenisli his purse. Misfort- 
une fell upon him, Init nothing daunted he still 
kept persevering, making an occasional visit to his 
family during the summer. On his last voyage, 
while in port at New Orleans, he was taken sick 
with the dysentery, but urged on by will force he 
continued across the Gulf and arrived at Key West, 
where he was obliged to go to the hospital. He did 
not rallj' from this illness, and died in a far-off 
land, surrounded only by strangers. He was noted 
for his wonderful energy and perseverance, and 
his efforts to place his family in afHuence, to do 
which he left his home, and was stricken in death 
before he reached the goal for which he was striv- 
ing. His wife, the mother of our subject, is living 
in Iowa, having reached the age of seventy-seven 
years. The}' had a family of five children, whose 
names are: James, Gustavus, Ella, Maggie and 
Frederica. 

Oui- subject wf.s born in New Y'ork City (in the 
City Hotel kept by his father), on the 10th of May, 
1840, and his youth was spent in Mj-stic, Conn. 
At the age of nine years he accompanied his father 
on his voyages, and began his duties on board the 
vessel as cook, gradually working his way up to 

<■ "^ 



the position of Captain. He followed sailing, off 
and on, for ten years, having taken charge of ships 
as Captain for five or six j-ears, and he understands 
a mariner's life "to a T." His experience has been 
varied, sometimes participating in the enjoyment 
of a "jolly time," and sometimes barely escaping 
with his life from the perils of the sea. In 1867 
he went to Claj-ton County, Iowa, where he fol- 
lowed the occupation of farming until 1881, in 
which year he removed to Elm Township, this 
county, and bought his present farm of 127 acres 
on section 21. He broke and cultivated all the 
land, set out orchards and fruit trees, and groves 
of shade trees, and in various other ways made fine 
improvements. 

Mr. Packer was married in Clermont, Iowa, to 
Miss Julia Goodrich, who was born in Chautauqua 
Count}-, N. Y^., in 1844. Her great-grandfather, 
Benjamin Goodrich, was of English descent, and was 
born in 1715. while his wife, Hannah (Olmstad) 
Goodrich, was born in 1714. Mrs. Packer's grand- 
father was Enoch Goodrich, who was born in Rens- 
selaer County, N. Y.,in 1764. He was a physician, 
and as a soldier participated in the engagements of 
the War of 1812. His wife was Rebecca Gall, 
who was born in the same county in 1769. The 
parents of Mrs. Packer were Charles and Rebecca 
(Brownell) Goodrich, the former of whom was born 
in Rensselaer County, N. Y., in 1799, and the lat- 
ter in 1803. The father was a farmer, and the fam- 
ily moved to Clermont. Iowa, but his health being 
very poor, he and his wife went East for a visit, 
and he died in Chautauqua County in 1869. His 
wife returned to Clermont, in which place she died 
in 1872. They had seven children, whose names 
were as follows: D. G., Charles H. and Araminta 
(both deceased), Caroline, Cynthia P., Henrietta and 
Julia F. 

Our subject and his wife have a family of nine 
children, whose names are mentioned with the date 
of their births, as follows: Charles J., born Nov. 
11, 1865; Hiram A., March 19, 1869; James G., 
Nov. 26, 1871 ; Willi.am H., Aug. 26. 1874; Julius 
F., Feb. 2, 1876; Caroline C, April 4, 1878; Edda 
F., born Oct. 4, 1879, and died Aug. 12, 1880, in 
Clermont; Walter C, born May 21, 1882, and died 
March 18, 1884; Maggie Ella M.ay, born June 13, 
, , ■» 



I 



GAGE COUNTY. 



629 ' ^ 



1884. Charles mairied Miss Minnie Brat, anrl they 
live in Elm Township, llie parents of one child, 
William C. 

Since onr subject abTmloned the life of a sailor 
he has given his whole attention to farming, at 
which he has been unusnally successful, and has 
everything in vcr^' excellent shape. He has been a 
member of the School Board for five years, and for 
one year he acted as Road Overseer. In matters 
of politics he favors the Republican party. Mrs. 
Packer is iin admirable woman and possesses rare 
qualifications as a wife and mother, and the manner 
in which she presides over her well-ordered and 
happ\- home is the outgrowth of a trulj- refined and 
Christian spirit. The family is one of intelligence, 
and ranks high in the community. A view of Mr. 
P.icker's place is presented in this volume. 



l^^ELSON S. SPE:NCER. To the intelligent 
individual there is a certain pleasure in fol- 
lowing the career of the self-made man, 
noting his struggles and conflicts, and his final 
victory over the difficulties which beset life's wjiy- 
farers. These, .although they may be diversified in 
their character, are seldom absent from the life of 
any one person. The subject of this sketch, a lead- 
ing architect of the city of Beatrice, has attained 
to a good position among his fellowmen solely 
through his own personal efforts, having begun at 
the foot of the ladder, dependent upon his own re- 
sources. He is now in the enjoyment of a com- 
petency, a handsome and comfortable home, and 
hosts of friends, whom he made simply by the exer- 
cise of those traits of character which have com- 
mended themselves to their admiration. 

The eldest of five children comprising the fam- 
ily of Aquilla and Marj' (Metier) Spencer, our 
subject was born at Dixon, Lee Co., 111., Dec. 3, 
1857. His parents were natives of Center County, 
Pa., and removed from the Ke^'stone State at an 
early period, pitching their tent among the early 
pioneers of Illinois. Aquilla Spencer w.as a farmer 
by occupation and is still living, making his home 
in Beatrice. The motlicr entereil upon her final 
rest at the homi^steml in September, 1882. The 



other children of the family, all of whom are liv- 
ing, are residents of Nebraska and Illinois. 

David Spencer, the paternal grandfather of our 
subject, was a native of Pennsj'lvania, where he 
spent the years of his life. Grandfather Nathan 
Hetler was of German ancestry, and died in Illinois 
at a ripe old age. Nelson S., our subject, piissed 
his boyhood in Lee County, III., and commenced 
his education in the district school. When a youth 
of twenty years he entered the Illinois State Uni- 
versity' at Champaign, and devoted the greater part 
of his time and attention to architecture. After a 
five-j-ears course he was graduated in 1882, and 
then coming to Beatrice entered upon his business 
career by opening an ofHce, since which time he has 
adhered closely to the profession in which he takes 
great pride, and in which it cannot be denied that 
he excels. He made the plans of the majority of 
the finer business houses of Beatrice, notable among 
which are the People's Bank building, the Beatrice 
High School building, and others of which the city 
is reasonably proud. 

The marriage of our subject with Miss Ida Rush, 
of Champaign. 111., was celebrated at the home of 
the bride, in .September, 1882. Mrs. Spencer com- 
jjleted her studies likewise in the State University 
of Illinois, and there made the acquaintance of her 
future husband. She was born Oct. 20, 1862, in 
Ohio, and is the daughter of Clark and Catharine 
M. Rush, who were natives of Ohio. Mrs. Rush 
died Oct. 5, 1888. The father still resides in Cham- 
paign. Of this union there have been born two 
sons — Clifford R. and Charles B. The home of the 
Spencers is situated in the southeastern part of the 
city, on one of its finest streetjs, and indicates both 
within and without cultivated t.astes and ample 
means. 

Our subject put up the Spencer Block in 1887. 
Few persons passing through the citj' of Beatrice 
fail to notice it. It is three stories in height above 
the basement, and occupies an area of 4Gx80 feet. 
The lower rooms are occupied as stores, and the 
upper for offices. In one of these latter Mr. Spen- 
cer may generally be found during business hours, 
where he has around him all the paraphernalia of 
1 his [)rofession. He receives orders from all parts 
1 of this and adjoining counties. He has invested a 



i 




u 



-•► 



630 



GAGE COUNTY. 



part of liis caiiital in a rling-stove at Beatrice. He 
also owns a i)laning-mill at Blue Springs which is 
flevotecl to the dressing of all kinds of lumber, and 
is one of the best equi|)ped establishments of its 
kind in Southern Nebraska. 

Mr. Spencer began in life entirely without capi- 
tal, and worked his wa}- upward by degrees. He 
is a member in good standing of the Congrega- 
tional Church, and in politics a Prohibitionist. So- 
cially, he belongs to the Masonic fraternity, being a 
member of a lodge at Urbana, 111., and is also iden- 
tified with the Modern Woodmen at Beatrice. 



4 



bAKP: BRIDKNTHAL has for two years held 
the position of Cashier for the Citizens' 
Bank of Wymore with much credit to him- 
self. His father, .Tames W. Bridenthal, living in 
Sicily Township, is a native of Pennsylvania, his 
birth occurring on the 28th of April, 1836. He 
removed with his parents to "Wayne County, Ohio, 
in 1845, where he was educated in the common 
schools of the district. Then he moved to Hunt- 
ington County, Ind., thence to Marshall County, 
and in the spring of 1855 he again changed his 
residence, to Woodford County, 111., where he re- 
mained for one season. After this he moved to 
Peoria County, 111., where he remained until the 
spring of 1860, and then went to Warren County. 

On the 26th of October, 1860, tlie father of our 
subject was united in marriage with Miss Ella L. 
Butler, and to them have been born six children : 
Kenneth D.; Lake, our subject; Maude, Mae, Char- 
lie and Dick. All the family are living except 
iNIaude, who departed this life on the 1st of July, 
1 887, aged twenty-two years. The father, mother 
and daughter Mae are members of the Christian 
Church, of Wymore. For a number of years the 
father held the office of Count}' Supervisor in War- 
ren County, 111., and he has also held some town- 
ship offices. 

Lake Bridenthal, our subject, was born in Larch- 
land, 111., on the 26th of August, 1864. In that 
city he received his early education in the common 
schools, and then took an elective course of two 
years at the Presbyterian College of Monmouth. 



After that he came West with his parents, and en- 
gaged for two years in the profession of teaching, 
first at Fillej', Neb., and then in the Indian Valley 
School, his home school. His father having bought 
a fine farm, our subject spent his vacations with 
him, and then he came into the bank as book- 
keeper, which position he held for one year. His 
marked ability and strict integrity soon secured for 
him the position of cashier, and he was probably 
the youngest cashier in the State, being only 
twenty-two 3-earsold when he accepted the position. 

Our subject, having conducted himself in an hon- 
orable and exemplary .manner, and given strict at- 
tention to business, is still the incumbent of the 
same responsible office, and he performs his duties 
in a manner satisfactory to all concerned. He 
affiliates with the Democratic part}', is a straight- 
forward, honest man, and enjoys the esteem of all 
the citizens of Wymore. 

The father of our subject has a very fine farm, 
consisting of 320 acres two miles west of town, and 
on it he has made so many improvements that it is 
now one of the finest places in Sicily Township. 
He has several times been asked to become a can- 
didate for the Legislature, but he has not consented 
to the use of his name, though there would probably 
be little doubt of his election. 



^^ EORGE H. DAVIS is the gentlemanly and 
ml ^— , enterprising young Telegraph Operator and 
^^jj Station Agent at Holmesville, and the pro- 
prietor of the stone quarry. He is very favorably 
known as a man who is interested in the advance- 
ment and progression of public institutions and en- 
terprises, to which he lends his aid as far as he is 
able. He is a son of Obadiah and Maria (Palmer) 
Davis, the former of whom was born near the cele- 
brated springs in Saratoga County, and the latter 
in Jefferson County, N. Y. His paternal ancestors 
were natives of Holland, and they, as well as his 
parents, were members of the Society of Friends, 
commonly called Quakers. After their marriage 
the parents made their home in Saratoga County, of 
their native State, where the father was engaged in 
farming, and although he is now seventy-eight yean 



■!\ 



^ 



i 



•4^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



old, he still follows the vocation of his earlier years. 
The mother is now seventy-three years old, and has 
cared for a famih' of five children, named John H., 
Adelaide, Timothy (who died at the age of ten 
years). George H. and Anzonette. 

Our subject was born on the 4th of August, 1857, 
at the old homestead in Saratoga County, which had 
been the birthplace of his father and his brothers 
and sisters. He spent his early years on his father's 
farm, and remained at home until he was twent}'- 
one years old, in the meantime having enjoyed very 
good educational advantages and derived much 
benefit from them. When he reached the 3'ears of 
manhood he turned his attention to the pedagogic 
profession, which he adorned in his native county 
for two years, after which he began to study teleg- 
raphy, and attended the School of Telegraphy in 
Janesville, Wis.; he finished his instruction in tiiat 
art at the school in Plover, Portage Countj-. The 
first office of wliich he took charge was at Bancroft, 
on the Wisconsin Central Railroad, and in the fall 
of 1880 he came to Holmesville to take charge of 
the office in which he has since remained. On the 
1st of January, 1 880, the first train ran over the 
Omaha <fe Republican Valley Railroad, and our sub- 
ject was the first Station Agent in charge. 

Our subject has become interested in property in 
Holmesville, now being solo proprietor of the Big 
Blue Valley Stone Quarry, to carry on the work 
of which he hires from ten to twenty men. He 
supplies stone to the railroad company and ships to 
different points in the eastern part of the State, viz. : 
Kearney-, Fremont and Schuyler, furnishing stone to 
the contractors in tliose cities to the amount of fifteen 
cars per week. The stone is a good qualit}' of mag- 
nesian limestone, and has been supplie<l for the Ma- 
sonic Temple at Fremont, the First National Bank 
building of Beatrice, and two mill foundations in 
Columbus. 

On the 10th of December, 1885, our subject was 
united in marriage with Miss Carrie L. Sears, who 
resided in Monticello, Green Co., Wis. There were 
two children named Carrie L. and Trilla P. in the 
family when the father died, and the mother was 
married a second time, to W. F. Crangle, by whom 
she had six children, named Lora, Schuyler, Fred, 
Aurelia. Mina and Cliester. The mother now lives 



in Rockford Township. Mrs. Davis was born in 
1863, in Green County, Wis., and came to Nebraska 
in 1883. By her marriage with our subject she is 
the mother of two children, named Lona and Carl, 
to whom she is loving and devoted. 

Mr. and Mrs. Davis are members of the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church, of Holmesville, which the for- 
mer helped to build, he having been a charter 
member and Trustee from the organization. He has 
also done much good work in the Sunday-school, 
and is now serving his second 3'ear as Superintend- 
ent. He is an ardent advocate of the temperance 
cause, which identifies him with the Prohibition 
party in politics, and is a highly respected and 
good citizen. 

«°i « i? « 2 i l[is - ^ ' 



031 A 



*5*- 



^j^^ IMON S. GRAVES. There is probably no 
^^^ homestead in this countj^ which for the 
^\/Ji) length of time in which it has been insti- 
tuted gives better evidence of the industry 
and enterprise of the proprietor than that which 
belongs to the subject of this sketch. He is the 
owner of 480 broad acres, embracing the west half 
of section 27, Glenwood Township, and 160 acres 
of the northeast quarter of section 35. the whole of 
which is under cultivation, and presents one of the 
most attractive pictures in the landscape of this part 
of the county. The fences are well built, to keep the 
animals of the farm within bounds, or prevent the 
entrance of any not belonging there; the farm 
machinery- is of good description, the buildings all 
that are required for comfort, convenience and profit, 
and the whole premises regulated after the ideas of 
the modern and progressive agriculturist. The land 
is mostly devoted to stock farming. His farm on 
section 35 he has rented. Mr. Graves keeps on 
an average a little over 100 head of cattle, and 
about the same number of hogs, and fifteen head of 
horses. The half -section that he lives on is fenced 
hog-tight, and all except sixtj' acres is in tame 
grass. 

Mr. Graves is a native of Ross County, Ohio, his 
birth taking place in Liberty Township, March 18, 
1844. He was there reared to manhood, becoming 
familiar with the employments of country life at an 



V 



•> j m ■ 4 « 



rtT^I I 4* 



632 



GAGE COUNTY. 



4 



eai'ly age, anfl ncqiiirinir his eflucatioii in tlie dis- 
trict school. When twenty years of age liis father 
came westward to Peoria County, III., and settled 
in Princeville Townshi[), where he engaged in farm- 
ing, and where he still lives. .Simon S came also, 
and continued with his parents until nearly twenty- 
four years f)ld. when, deciding to establish a home 
of his own, he was married. March 1, 18G8, to Miss 
Martha Dnimmond. the wedding being celebrated 
in Ross County. Ohio, and the young people set- 
tling first in Princeville Township, Peoria Co., 111. 

William Graves, the father of our subject, was 
born in North Carolina, of English ancestry. His 
]iaternal grandfather emigrated to America in Colo- 
nial days with William Penn. The Graves family 
have alwaj's been a sturdy race, possessing in a 
marked degree those substantial English attributes 
which have made of them reliable citizens and 
honest men. The wife of William Graves was in 
her girlhood Miss Ann Rateliff. She was born in 
Ross County. Ohio, where also her death took place 
when she was coniparativeh' a j'oung woman, in 
1856. Their family consisted of seven children, all 
of whom are living. 

The parents of Mrs. Graves were AVilliam and 
Ruth (Cox) Drumniond, who ure still living in 
Ross County, Ohio. Their household included 
seven children, six of whom are now living. To 
our subject and his wife there have been born seven 
children, namely: Elba, Quincy; Pearl, who died 
when one and one-half years old ; Florence. Alma, 
ISIiley and Charles. They are a promising and in- 
telligent group, blessed with the .advantages of a 
inactical education, and there is every reason to 
suppose will do honor to their parents in future 
years. 

No man in this part of Gage County takes a 
livelier interest in the matters pertaining to the 
general welfare and progress of the people, and to 
the enterprises tending to this result he gives his 
uniform and cheerfid support. To such men as he 
is this county indebted for her moral and financial 
growth, and the standing she has attained among 
the other intelligent communities of the Great West. 
In the building up of a creditable homestead, tlie 
cultivation of the soil, the introduction of modern 
methods, both of life and Labor, every man thus 



contributes to the value of landed property, and to 
his section of country as a desiralile dwelling-place. 
Too much credit cannot be given him who has thus 
improved his time and opportunities, and as the 
Scripture saj's, "his works do follow him" long 
after he shall have been gathered to his fathers. In 
Ijolitics Mr. Graves is a stanch Democrat. 

A fine view of the farms of Mr. Graves appears 
in this work. 



— i»»^>*^;><s?» 



'*5*?«^*tf^ 



\Y70nN B. NICHOLLS, a leading and wealthy 
farmer of Fillej' Township, is the owner of a 
valuable estate, including 320 acres of land in 
this township and a valuable farm in Peter- 
boro. Province of Ontario. Canada. He is a native of 
the Dominion, having been born in Peterboro. July 
20, 1838, and is the son of W. D. and Ann Nicholls, 
a sketch of whom will be found on another page in 
this volume. It will be seen that he is of excellent 
ancestrj'. and naturally endowed with those traits 
of character which have constituted him successful 
in life, and a man recognized everywhere as possess- 
ing more than ordinar}' ability. 

Mr. Nicholls »vas reared and educated in his na- 
tive town, attending school quite steadily until a 
lad of eleven years, Tmd afterward working on a 
farm in summer, while in the winter he resumed his 
books. About 1847 his father purchased a farm, 
among whose emploj'ments the youth was thereafter 
steadily occupied until ready to establish a home of 
his own. On the 26th of P'ebruary, 1862, he was 
united in marriage with Miss Ann Nelson, daughter 
of John and Margaretta (Johnson) Nelson, the 
wedding taking place at the home of the bride in 
Smith Township, Canada. Mr. Nelson was a native 
of Countj- Cavan, Ireland, and born about 1798. 
He emigrated to America in 1820, settling at Port 
Hope in the Province of Ontario, Canada, where he 
remained two years with his family, his wife having 
been a native of his own countj' in Irelanil, and 
born in the same j'ear as her husband. 

From Port Hope the Nelson family removed to 
North Peterboro, where the death of Mr. Nelson 
took place in 1842, at the early age of forty-seven 
years. The wife and mother survived her husband 



:?^r#^ 




Residenceof J. B.NiCHOLLS , 5ec. 7. TiLLEY Township. 




U^ 







Residluce OF H. p. Crocker, Sec. 16. Fi LLEY Township. 



-4•- 



GAGE COUNTY. 



f.35 



!i pcriofl of forty years, remaining a widow, and 
died at tiie same place at the advanced age of 
eighty-seven. They had a family of twelve chil- 
dren, six sons and six daughters, only five of whom 
are living. These are: Sarah, the wife of Thomas 
Casement, a farmer living near Grand Forks, Dak.; 
Samuel, a produce dealer of North Peterboro, On- 
tario, Canada; Martha, the wife of Joseph Fitzger- 
ald, of Lakefield, Canada; Margaret. Mrs. Braden, 
a widow, living in the town of Smith P. O. ; and 
Ann. the wife of our subject. 

Mrs. Niclujlls was born in North Peterboro, 
Canada, Jan. 30, 1841, and reared not far from tiie 
ear!}- home of her husband. .She enjoyed the ad- 
vantages of llie common school, and remained a 
member of the parental household until her mar- 
riage. Mr. and Mrs. Nicliolls commenced the 
journey of life together on a farm in their native 
Province, which had been purchased by our subject 
about that time, but four years later Mr. Nicholls 
sold tills property and puichased land in an adjoining 
township. This also he disposed of a year later, and 
operated rented land fonr years. At the expiration 
of this time he again invested in farm property, in 
Smith Township, which he owned and cultivated 
for sixteen years. In 1882 he left the Dominion, 
and making his way to the region west of the Mis- 
sissippi, resolved to cast his lot among the people 
ot .Southern Nebraska. Being pleased with the out- 
look in this county he purchased the west half of 
section 7, Fille}' Township, and renting his farm in 
Canada, has here since centered the main portion 
of his interests. 

In the spring of 1883 Mr. Nicholls commenced 
breaking the prairie of his new purchase, and a few 
months later had 105 acres of his estate in this 
county under cultivation. He employed men to 
stir the soil of this, and put fifty acres in flax, fol- 
lowed later by the same .acreage in wheat. He then 
returned to Canada, remaining there until midsum- 
mer of 1884. He then revisited Nebraska, to see 
about his crops, h.arvestcd 1,000 bushels of wheat, 
1 .600 bushels of corn and 1 ,500 bushels of oats. In 
November he went to Canada for his family, anil 
tiie winter following commenced the erection of the 
dwelling which he now occupies. It was completed 
in the following February, and the family' took pos- 



session of one of the most tasteful and .attractive 
residences in this part of the county. 

Mr. Nicholls, besides the thorough cultivation of 
the greater pcntion of his land, which h.as been 
no sm.all task, has planted several thousand forest 
and shade trees, .an apple orchard and the smaller 
fruits. His pleasant and intelligent family consists 
of his wife and three sons: William J., Raymond 
and Warden, at home, and a daughter, the wife of 
W. A. Waddington. Postmaster of Fillej', member 
of the hardware firm of Waddington Bros., and also 
a railroad engineer. Our sniiject and his wife are 
members of the Baptist Church, of Filley. of which 
Mr. N. is a Trustee. He maintains a lively interest 
in the temperance movement, and votes with the 
Prohibition party. He makes periodical visits to 
his old home in the Dominion, to see his friends 
and look after his property. No man stands higher 
in his community, or enjo3's in a greater measure 
the esteem and confidence of its people than he. 

Among the rural homesteads shown among the 
illustrations given in this wQik m.a}' be found that 
belonging to Mr. Nicholls, which is essentially rep- 
resentative of the excellent community in which it 
is situated. 



IRAM P. CROCKER. The homestead be- 
longing to this gentleman, vvhich is pleas- 
antly situated amidst the delightful farming 
community of Fille\' Township, and a view 
of which the publishers present in this connection, 
occupies the west part of section IG, and bears fair 
comparison with anything of the kind in this re- 
gion. The fields evince careful and judicious till- 
age, the buildings are tasteful and substantial, and 
the general appearance of the premises indicates 
the exercise of cultivated tastes and ample means. 

The main points in the family history of the 
subject of this sketch are substantially as follows : 
His father, Oscar F. C. Crocker, was born in New 
York State, July 10, 1810, w.as reared to farming 
pursuits, and followed tliese'during all the years of 
his active life. The paternal grandfather was of 
German descent, but born also in the Finpire State, 
where with his excellent wife he spent his entire 



♦:4-^ 




t 



636 



GAGE COUNTY. 




life. Tlie latter was of ancestry similar to that of 
lier husband. Grandfatiier Crocker was a tanner 
by trade, but preferring agriculture left the tannery 
for the farm, and with his wife died at their rural 
homestead in the same year. 

Oscar F. Crocker upon attaining manhood was 
married to Miss Abigail Weatherlow, in Sardinia 
Township, Erie Co., N. Y., about 1815. Her par- 
ents, like his own, were of German descent, and 
were early settlers of the Empire State. The father 
of our subject became a very successful farmer and 
accumulated a very fine property. He settled first 
in the vieinit}' of Waterloo, N. Y.. but later re- 
moved to Erie County, where the death of both 
parents occurred. Their family consisted of five 
children, one of whom died in childhood, and two 
sons and two daughters are now living. Of these, 
Hiram P., the subject of our sketch, is the eldest; 
Helen is the wife of Gaylord Slierwood, of Lima, 
Livingston Co.. N. Y., a pump dealer and farmer; 
Leland D. is farming in the vicinity of Ceylon, 
Erie Co., Ohio; Mercy R. is unmarried, and lives in 
Sardinia, N. Y. 

Mr. Crocker, our subject, was born in Sardinia, 
N. Y., July 22, 1839, and lived tiiere with his par- 
ents until a lad of thirteen years, attending school 
and assisting his parents on the farm. Afterward 
he made his home with his grandfather AVeatherlow 
in the same town, and lived with him seven years, 
attending school and working on the farm. His 
studies were completed in the academy at York- 
shire, and he then commenced working by the 
month for two uncles, being thus employed three 
years. 

Young Crocker, at this time anxious to be more 
his own man, now returned home and assumed 
charge of his father's farm, wiiich he conducted un- 
til his marriage. This very important event in his 
life was celebrated Oct. 6, 1864, his bride being 
Miss Ella L., daughter of Joseph and Sylvia E. 
(Pickard) Cheney, old and well-known residents of 
that section. Mr. Cheney was born in Freedom. 
Cattaraugus Co.. N. Y., June 28, 1819, and his 
wife Sylvia, March 5, 1824, in Springfield, Otsego 
Co., N. Y. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Cheney 
settled in Holland, Erie Count3\ whence in 1853 
tliey removed to Protection, where the father car- 



ried on farming and blacksmithing, and spent the 
remainder of bis days, passing away June 9, 1884- 
Jlrs. C. is still living, making her home on the old 
homestead with her son. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Cheney there were born six 
children, only two of whom are now living: George 
H, of Warsaw, Wyoming Co., N. Y., and Ella L., 
the wife of our subject. The former is a farmer 
and flour manufacturer. Mrs. Crocker was born 
March 20, 1846, at Holland, Erie Co., N. Y., and 
remained at home with her parents until her mar- 
riage. Soon afterward our subject assumed partial 
charge of the farm of his father-in-law. where he 
remained until the spring of 1869. Then remov- 
ing with his family to Warren County. 111., he oper- 
ated there as a farmer until migrating to Nebraska 
in the spring of 1874. Soon after landing in this 
countj' he purchased a tract of land on section 16, 
in Filley Township, then designated Mud Creek. 
He did not locate here then, however, but returned 
to Illinois, and remained there until the spring of 
1876. He then came to the vicinity of Beatrice, 
and lived on a rented farm until ho could prepare 
a portion of his own land for the raising of crops. 
He broke 130 acres that year, and in the spring of 
1877 put up a small house, of which he soon took 
possession with his family, and upon this place has 
since remained. 

The farm of Mr. Crocker, however, bears little 
resemblance to the tract of land which he purchased 
upon first coming to Nebraska. Then there was 
nothing to indicate that the e3'e of man had rested 
upon it. Now there is the complete modern home- 
stead, with its well-appointed buildings and latest 
approved machinery, a fair assortment of live stock, 
a valuable apple orchard of 300 trees, at le.ast sixty 
trees of cherries, and all kinds of the smaller fruits. 
The farm is largely devoted to the raising of grain 
and stock. He has met with losses, like most men, 
but, spending no time in lamentation, went about 
repairing them in the most manly and sensible man- 
ner*. He added to his first purchase, but in 1877 
sold eighty acres, and in 1884 sold twent}'-four, so 
that he now has 320 acres, the whole of which he 
superintends himself. Besides the fruit trees al- 
ready mentioned he has planted 1,000 catalp.as, 
200 box elders and 100 maple trees, besides willows 

A^ 



t 



-4^ 



4 



GAGE COUNTY. 



^ii^K* 



r,37 



and others. It will thus he seen that he has spent 
few iflle hours. He has in this manner proved a 
valuable acquisition to a section of country whose 
development has been so largely dependent upon 
the enterprise and industry of its pioneers. 

The family of Mr. and Mrs. Crocker includes 
three children, all sons, namelj': Frank C, Lloyd O. 
and Dorr C, all at home with their parents, and 
aged eleven, eight and six respectively. Mr. Crocker 
cast his first Presidential vote for A. Lincoln, and 
has uniformly supported Republican principles. Al- 
though rejieatedl}- solicited to accept office, he has 
steadily declined, preferring to give his attention 
to his farm and his family. .Socially, lie belongs to 
the Masonic fraternitj', being identified with the 
lodge at Filley. 

\f' OHN YOKE, the present Treasurer of Hooker 
Township, is extensively engaged in farming 
and stock raising on section 27. It may 
well be said of him that he has risen to his 
present position of affluence by his own energ3' 
and perseverance, and the exercise of excellent 
judgment in his business transactions. His grand- 
father, Adam Y'"ohe, came from German)' and set- 
tled in the State of Pennsylvania, and his father, 
Henry Yohe, was born in 1825 or 1826, in Mifflin 
Count)', Pa. His mother, Mtiry (Dick) Yohe, was 
a native of Switzerland, who came to America in 
the year 1824, and was united in marriage with the 
father of our subject in 1848, after which they 
settled in Jefiferson County, Pa. The father was 
engaged in the lumbering business at Reynolds- 
ville, and at one- time was the owner of hundreds 
of acres of land in his native State, which have be- 
come very valuable, owing to the discovery of the 
coal fields buried beneath the surface. 

The father of our subject was a strong Republican 
in politics, and an able man, but his death unfortu- 
nately occurring in the year 18G0, the large prop- 
erty which he owned was sold unreasonably cheap 
b)' the administrators of the estate, and his wife 
and children left in a comparativel)' destitute con- 
dition. Had the estate been disposed of according 
to its real value it would have left the heirs an im- 



mense fortune. There were five children in the 
family, of whom Barbara, John and W. R. are liv- 
ing, and Samuel is deceased. The mother is still 
living, having reached the age of seventy years. 

Our subject was born on the 13th of December, 
18.')2, and was eight j'ears old when his father 
died. Being the eldest son, and understanding the 
necessity of prompt action on his part, although a 
mere child he began to work out by the month, at 
that early age already displ.iying his energy and 
"grit." His mother married a second time, and in 
1865 our subject came to Iowa with his mother 
and stepfather, and the family, where he engaged in 
breaking the prairie land until his funds became 
sufficient to enable him to purch.ase an interest in a 
threshing-machine. He made a fair profit on this 
investment, which encouraged him to continue his 
industry. In the year 1875 he was united in mar- 
riage, at Emerson, Mills Co., Iowa, to Mi.ss Agnes 
E. Duncan, a daughter of Robert G. and Mary 
Duncan, who were natives of Pennsylvania and 
Ohio respectively. They afterward moved to Hen- 
derson County, 111., where they remained for a 
number of years, and thence came to Iowa in 
1870. They had two children, Thomas J. and 
Agnes E., who suffered the loss of their mother in 
1874, when she was ne.arly sixty j'ears old; the 
father still lives on his farm in Iowa. The mother 
had a son, John A. Barr, by a ra.arriage previous to 
that with the father of Mrs. Y'ohe. 

Mrs. Y'ohe was born on the 10th of July, 1855, 
in Biggsville, 111., where she attended the common 
schools, and received a fair education. After her 
marriage with our subject they continued to reside 
in Iowa until 1882, when they came to Nebraska, 
and made their home on their present farm. Our 
subject now owns 240 acres of land on sections 27 
and 23, and in company with his brother. Wood, he 
operates 320 acres on section 34. The brothers 
bear an unblemished reputation as business men, 
and their promptness in meeting financial obliga- 
tions, united with their energy and true worth, has 
gained for them the implicit confidence of the 
public, which is manifested in its having elected 
our subject Treasurer of the township. He has 
150 head of cattle on his farm, and makes a regular 
business of feeding a large number, besides selling 



-? tJ f < • 



-4*- 



G38 



GAGE COUNTY. 



two carloads of bogs every year. He has invested 
a great deal of business capability' in bis farm work, 
which has insured his success to such an eminent 
degree. 

Mr. and Mrs. Yohe are caring for a family of 
seven bright and interesting children; their names 
are mentioned as follows: Harry, Arthur, Laurence, 
Neil, Mary, Walter, and an infant unnamed. Our 
subject has honorably tilled the office of Treasurer 
ever since the organization of the towMship, and 
his integrity and interest in the welfare of the 
public have won for him the esteem of the whole 
community. He affiliates with the Republican 
party in politics. 



ENRY C. JAYNES is a farmer, gardener and 
raiser of small fruits, having a fine farm, 
nearly all of which, with the exception of 
(^) five acres, lies within the limits of the cor- 
poration of the city of AVymore, (m section 29, 
Blue Springs Township. Nathan Jaynes, the father 
of our subjec^t, was born in 178G, in Brimfield, Mass. 
The family name vvas spelled "Janes" until the year 
1883, when at a family reunion all the descendants 
of Nathan Jaynes agreed to insert the letter "y" in 
the name, which alters it to the present mode of 
spelling. This gentleman receiveil a good common- 
school education, to which he added a course of in- 
struction at the academy, also making a specialty 
of surveying, so that after finishing his term at 
schjol he was deemed competent to survey a large 
part of the State of Vermont. 

Going to Jefferson County, N. Y., the father of 
our subject engaged in agricultural pursuits, com- 
bining with it an interest in the mercantile busi- 
ness. He married Miss Celinda Dexter, and they 
became the parents of three children, who lived to 
the age of maturitj', one daughter and two sons. 
The brother went West when our subject was five 
years old, and soon disappeared from the knowledge 
of his family, having written them but one letter. 
This leaves our subject the only representative of 
his family. While in Jefferson Count}' Nathan 
Jaynes was elected to fill the local township offices, 
aud he was a member of the Masonic fraternity. 



The mother of our subject died in the year 18.32, 
and the father with his family soon afterward went 
back to Vermont, where they lived until 1845, and 
then went to Winnebago County, Wis. There the 
father engaged in farming on a small scale, having 
reached the age when he was no longer able to con- 
tinue his arduous labors, and spent the remainder of 
his days with his daughter until his death, which 
occurred in 1869, at the advanced age of eighty- 
three years. 

Our subject was born on the 7th of July, 1827, 
near Adams, Jefferson Co., N. Y., and after the 
death of his mother he went with his father to Ver- 
mont, where he attended the common- schools. He 
was eighteen years old when he went to Wisconsin, 
and continued the pursuit of his education in the 
academy at Racine, after which he went to Winne- 
bago County, and engaged in farming and mechani- 
cal business. He was also successfully engaged in 
the insurance business for eighteen years. After 
remaining in Wisconsin for thirty years, he started 
further west, prospecting through the Black Hills, 
Dak., and other mining regions, also in Colorado. 

In 1876 our subject came to Sicily Township and 
bought a fine farm of 1 20 acres on the Otoe Reserva- 
tion, on which he made all the improvements, and 
remained for four years. In the place of the beau- 
tiful little cit}' of Wyraore there were only farm- 
ing lands when he came here, but after remaining 
for fouryears he sold his laud and moved into the 
new city proper. He vvas elected Justice of the 
Peace, in which capacity he served for two terms, 
aud Police Judge for two years, at the same time 
carrying on the mercantile business with his son. 
Then he engaged in the grocery business, which he 
left for the insurance business. lie has been in 
W^'more from its earliest date, and has been inter- 
ested in all of its improvements. He has been con- 
nected with the building association, having put 
up a number of buildings himself, besides being the 
contractor for about twenty-five stores and good 
dwellings, some of which, however, were not in this 
city. For fort}' 3'ears our subject has been a mem- 
ber of the I. O. O. F., having joined the order in 
the year 1848. In 1847 he was united in marriage 
with Miss Ahnira L. Jacol)s, and they have gathered 
around them a family of seven children, whose 



•►^^r^! 



i 



-4•- 



-•► 



GAGE COUNTY. 



639 



names are: Henry S.. Orestes F., Charles L., Fre- 
mont N., Helen N., Jessie and Kitlie E. Almira 
L. Jacobs was born on the 1 8lh of Jul}', 1827, in 
Washington County, Vt. She is a daughter of 
Deacon Silas Jacobs, with whom she lived until the 
time of her marriage, since which time she has been 
a faithful helpmate to her husband and a loving 
mother to her children. 

Of this famil}', Henry S. is the Superintendent of 
the Nebraska Division of the Chicago Ai Omalia 
Railrotid, and is residing in Omaha; he m^irried Miss 
Elnia Larapher, of Kansas City, and they have 
three children — Herberta. Louisa .and Arthur. Ores- 
tes F. is eng.aged in the real-estate business in 
Omalia, and married Miss Ella Brown, of Ticonde- 
roga, N. Y.; they have two children — Clinton B. 
and Henry C. Charles married Miss Ina Drake; 
Fremont N. is also eng.aged in the real-estate busi- 
ness in Omaha, besides being a traveling agent for 
the Rust Owen Lumber Company of Wisconsin ; 
Helen N. became the wife of J. C. Emer}', of Bea- 
trice; Jessie A. married Mr. L. Adams, and Kittie 
E. married Mr. Ed Winters, both of this city. 

Solomon Jaj'nes, the grandfather of our subject, 
was a native of Massachusetts, and afterward moved 
to East Calais, Vt., where he spent his latter days 
as a farmer. He married Miss Bula Fisk, of M.assa- 
chusetts, and thej" were the parents of three sons 
and three daughter. The sons were Nathan ; Henry 
F., who was at one time State Treasurer, and a Sen- 
ator from Vermont, and Lorenzo; the daughters 
were Bula, Mary and Lucretia. Mrs. Bula (Fisk) 
Jaj'nes lived to the advanced age of ninety-four 
years ; her death was caused bj' a fall, and took place 
at East Calais, Vt., that of her husband having oc- 
curred twenty years previous. 



-^»!=?M^^<5^. 




AVID H. JONES. Of the many instances 
continually presented in a new country 
such as Nebraska of men who have strug- 
gled upward from comi)aralive poverty' to 
ease of circumstance if not affluence, our subject is 
one, and there are few more deserving, or who 
more appreciate the improved condition than he. 
He is a resident of Wymore Township, where he 




owns a farm of 1 60 acres on section 29. He was 
born in South Wales u\Hm the 10th of January. 
1825, and is the son of Theophilus and JLary Jones, 
both of whom are deceased, lie was received .as a 
member of the Congregational Church at Trelech, 
Sept. 27, 1838. 

The early life of our subject was spent at hard 
work, and he received his education in the schools 
of his native place. He came to the United Stales 
in April of 1851, and for one year lived in Herki- 
mer County, N. Y., vvliere he worked as a hired 
man. and then went to Iowa County, Wis., where 
he worked as before on a farm until 1878; he then 
came to this county, and settled where he now re- 
sides. At that time there was no settlement south 
of him, and but one log cabin where now stands 
tlie proud and rising city of Wymore. Where the 
beautiful Touzalin Hotel now is our subject 
threshed wheat in the year 1878. There were very 
few houses in Blue Springs, which was just begin- 
ning to rise to the dignity of a village. 

The land of our subject's farm is among the very 
best of the county ; the soil is rich and tillable, 
prettil}' undulating, and therefore well adapted for 
stock farming, and is, moreover, well watered by 
the Indian Creek, which, being a living stream, is a 
comparatively sure source of suppl}'. These natural 
advantages, which have been supplemented by the 
constant, arduous and intelligent labor of Mr. 
Jones, have made his property quite valuable, and 
it is certainly to be valued at not less than ^50 per 
acre. 

Our subject is more interested in the moral 
and religious welfare of the community than the 
mere political. Wherever there are issues at stake 
he is as anxious and uses his privilege as intelli- 
gentlj' as any citizen, but he is of those who believe 
it a wise thing to attend to making the citizens, es- 
pecially the young who will soon enter that most 
desirable position, true to the higher nature and 
life. This explains the fact that while never anx- 
ious to seek political office, he is very energetic in 
all Sundaj'-school work, and has so continued from 
his youth up, and is among the most devout mem- 
bers of the Evangelical Association. Such men may 
sometimes be misunderstood, but character, intelli- 
gence and uprightness such as that of our subject 



-4^ 



640 



GAGE COUKTY. 



always receive the admiration and regard of the 
communit}', and to Mr. Jones are accorded heartilj'^ 
these sentiments. He is one of wliom it is true that 
the better they are known the more they are 
esteemed. 




I EV. GEORGE H. ALBRIGHT, pastor of the 
Evangelical Lutheran Church at Beatrice, 
was born near Martlnsbnrg, Blair Co., Pa., 
^^ Jan. 22. 1852. He continued with his par- 
ents a resident of his native county until a lad of 
fifteen ^years, then removed with them to the vicin- 
ity of Polo, Ogle Co., 111. 

The parents of our subject, John and Sarah 
(Haram) Albright, were also natives of the Key- 
stone State, and the father a farmer b}' occupation. 
He was born in 1818, and departed this life at his 
home in Polo, 111., in 1875. The mother is still 
living, and now a resident of Beatrice, m.aking her 
home with her son Jeremiah. She was born in 
Lancaster Count}', Pa., in 1823, and is the daughter 
of Uaniel Hamm, who spent his last years in Penn- 
sylvania. 

The family of John and Sarah Albright consisted 
of seven children, one daughter ancT six sons, who 
with one exception are all living, the five besides 
our subject and his brother Rol)ert S. being resi- 
dents of Beatrice. George H. was the second child 
of the family, and after emerging from the district 
school spent five years in the college at Carthage, 
111., from which he was graduated in 1877. He 
subsequently entered the Lutheran Theological 
Seminary at Gettysburg, Pa., from which he was 
graduated in 1880. He began his ministerial labors 
as pastor of the church at Mt C'armel, 111., where 
he officiated for a period of four 3ears. In the 
spring of 1884 he came to Beatrice, this State, and 
organized Trinity Lutheran Church, of which he 
has since been pastor. This was started with seven- 
teen members, and such has been the efficiency 
of the faithful pastor that the congregation now 
numbers seventy-sis souls. There is every reason 
to suppose that there will be a steady increase both 
in the numbers and influence of this society. 

The marriage of Rev. George II. Albright and 
Miss Almira J. Acker was celebrated at the home 



.>-^h^: 



of the bride in Polo, 111., Nov. 4, 1880. Mrs. Al- 
bright is the daughter of Abraham B. and Sarah 
( Shenefelt ) Acker, who were natives of Blair 
County, Pa. Her father is dead; the mother still 
resides in Polo, 111. Of this union there have been 
born two daughters — Buela May and Edna. Mr. 
Albright is prominent in all good works, being Presi- 
dent of the Beatrice Christian Benevolent Associa- 
tion, and wherever his labors or influence will avail 
he is ever ready to contribute them to the service 
of the Master. He is also member of the Board of 
Trustees of the Chautauqua Assembly at Crete. 
He has a third interest in the Wittenburg Addition 
to Beatrice, which comprises 160 acres of valuable 
land. 

"^ OHN MULLER. Among the representative 
general farmers and stock -raisers of Gage 
Count}', few are more successful or thor- 
oughly practical in their undertakings than 
the gentleman whose biography is sketched in this 
writing. His property is situated in Highland 
Township, section 19, where he owns 160 acres. 
The place of the nativity of our subject was Han- 
over, Germany, where he vvas born on the 6th of 
Januar}', 1848. At the age of nine months he suf- 
fered the irreparable loss of his mother. He was 
reared and educated in his native place, and in the 
German language is quite a good scholar. As soon 
as he became conversant with the English language 
his education was at his command, and could be 
utilized in both. 

The year 1869 is somewhat memorable to Mr. 
Muller, as that in wiiich he severed his connection 
with the old home and its associations, and emi- 
grated to the New World, his heart filled with 
ambitious hopes and high resolves. The present 
success presents in fact what was then but in thought. 
He took passage on a Hamburg steamer, and after 
an ocean voyage of fifteen days landed in New 
York Cit}-. From this time he resided for about 
eighteen months on Long Island ; at the end of that 
time he came to Otoe County, Neb., arriving in the 
month of April, 1871. It was not long before he 
obtained work as a farm hand, and soon he was en- 



-^«N 



-! 



GAGE COUNTY. 



^ 



OJl 



abled to rent hiiid and to operate it in liis own in- 
terest. 

"Nothing succeeds like success," and in 1880 Mr. 
Muller with his fainil3' came to this county, pur- 
cliasinj; IGO acres of the Burlington cfe Missouri 
River Railroad land, for which he paid at the rate 
of $') per acre. Its condition was in nowise differ- 
ent from the surrounding unclaimed prairie, and 
the cliange that lias passed over these acres, like 
that which has changed tlie aspect of his position 
and condition in life, is the effectual working of 
hidden causes, namely ambition, illustrious hopes, 
and intelligent effort. 

One of the most potent factors in the prosperity 
that has come to our subject is that which entered 
into his life from the day he was united in marriage 
with the lady who has since been the lode star 
of his life and the brightness of his home. The 
lady of his choice was Lena .Struckme3'er, and their 
nuptials weie celebrated in Nebraska City on the 
IGth of March, 1872. Miss Struckmeyer was born 
on the 2tjth of August, 1851, and is the daughterof 
Henry and Sophia Struckmeyer, natives of Germany. 
In 1871 she accompanied her brother August to 
this country, and they resided in Otoe County until 
her marriage. The happiness of the married life of 
Mr. and Mrs. Muller has been augmented by the 
birth of their six children, four of whom are living: 
Louisa S., who was born on the 17th of December, 
1873; John F., Dec. 16. 1875; Robert, Nov. 17, 
1877; Ernest, Aug. 12,1885. August is deceased, 
and one child died in infancy. 

Mr. and Mrs. Muller are among the most active 
and devout members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and are deeply interested in Sunday-school 
and church work. In religious circles, and every 
other of society at large, there is accorded to them 
the highest regard of the people. Our subject is 
now serving his first term as School Director, and 
being one who greatly enjoys such work, and in fact 
anj'thing that is for the upbuilding and advance- 
ment of the interests of the future citizens, their 
wives and mothers, his every sj'mpathy and atten- 
tion are sure to be engaged. It is not surprising, 
therefore, that the manner in which he discharges 
the duties arising from this office gives pleasure to 
all [larties concerned. In political relations our 



subject affiliates with the Republican party, of 
which he has been a member ever since he became 
a citizen, and which looks upon him as one of 'ts 
active supporters, tried adherents, and stanch, un- 
wavering friends. Upon another page of this vol- 
ume will be found a view of the farm of our 
subject, which, faithfully delineating the general 
features of interest, will without doubt be fully ap- 
preciated bj' the interested reader. 



■^ AMES R.BURKS, who may usually be found 
at his business place, corner of Court and 
Sixth street, deals quite extensively in farm 
machinery and road vehicles. He is a fair 
representative of the solid element of the commu- 
nity, and no unimportant factor among its business 
interests. A native of Boone Count}', Mo., he was 
born near Columbia, the county seat, Jan. 22, 1836, 
and is the son of James P. and Martha (Newman) 
Burks, who were natives respectively of Kentuckj^ 
and Virginia. The father of our subject was of 
Scotch and English descent, and his paternal grand- 
father, L'iam Burks, was one of the earliest settlers 
of the Blue Grass State. 

The parents of our subject emigrated to Missouri 
during its Territorial days, and there spent the re- 
mainder of their lives, the father dying when his 
son James R. was a little lad nine years of age. 
The family being in straightened circumstances 
our subject was thus earlj' in life thrown upon his 
own resources, and at the age of fifteen j-ears began 
in earnest the coming struggle. He managed to 
secure a common-school education, and was mostly 
employed upon a farm during the mild seasons of 
the year. At the age of twenty-five, in order to 
increase his store of learning, he employed a private 
teacher to instruct him evenings, and this he kept 
up for a "period of three years. This action, so 
commendable, was most beneficial in its results. 

In July, 1865, Mr. Burks established himself at 
Ashland, Boone Co., Mo., and began the manufact- 
ure of wagons and plows, while at the same time 
dealing in all kinds of farm machinery. This busi- 
ness he continued there uninterruptedly for a period 
of sixteen years, and built up a lucrative patronage. 




^I^ 



■•► 



C42 



GAGE COUNTY. 



In tlie fiill of l.sT'J he cliangcd bis ri'sulence to 
Beatrice, Neb., and the following spring established 
the business in which he is now eng.aged at this 
point. He carries a full line of everything per- 
taining to this depaitraent of agriculture, including 
the J. I. Case steam threshers, which are so popular 
among the progressive farmers of the West. The 
well-known reliabilit}' of Mr. Burks, his integrity, 
and his straightforward methods of doing business, 
have secured for him a large patronage throughout 
Southern Nebraska, where his word is considered 
as good as his bond. 

Our subject established family and domestic ties 
in November, 1872, when he was united in mar- 
riage with Mrs. Nettie Dozier, daughter of Jacol) 
and Frances Strode, of Boone County, Mo. Mrs. 
Burks was born there in October, 1840, and is now 
the mother of two bright children— James R., Jr., 
and Mattie F. 

Besides these there are three children of Mrs. B. 
by a former marriage : Lizzie, a resident of Sedalia, 
Mo., and the wife of Orvis Wilcox; William, of 
Beatrice, and Ida, who remains at home with her 
motlicr. The family residence, a neat and tasteful 
structure, handsomely furnished, is situated on the 
corner of Fourth and EUa. streets, and is the fre- 
quent resort of the most cultivated people. Mr. 
Burks is of that peculiar genial temperament which 
attaches to him hosts of friends. Politically, he 
affiliates with the Democratic party. He has been 
connected with many of the moving enterprises of 
Beatrice, and served four j'ears as President of the 
Board of Trade. The mother of Mr. B. continued 
a resident of Boone County, Mo., until her death, 
which occurred in 1877. 



^5?iABRIEL JEFFRIES. This highly esteemed 
III j_-, citizen of Glenwood Township came to this 
^^jj county in the spring of 1881, and purchased 
160 acres of land on section 28, where he has since 
resided, and effected the improvements which have 
conduced to the comfort of himself and his family, 
and enabled him to carry on agriculture in a profita- 
ble manner. He has good buildings, a fair assortment 
of live stock, and the farm machinery suitable for the 



proper cultivation of the soil and the harvesting of 
his crops. An ap[)le orchard and a goodl3- assortment 
of the finer fruits administer further to the comforts 
of the family-, who in their home surroundings pre- 
sent that picture of contentment and peace which 
is so pleasant to contemplate and comparatively so 
seldom seen. 

The branch of the Jeffries family to which our 
subject owes his origin is traced to Monmouthshire, 
England, where his father, George Jeffries, was 
born and reared. The mother, Mrs. P^sther (Dando) 
Jeffries, was born near the cit}' of Bristol, and after 
marriage the parents settled in Monmouthshire, 
where the father engaged in mining, and where 
they lived untd the year 1852, when they decided 
to seek their fortunes in the United States. Soon 
after setting foot on American soil they made their 
way to Alleghany Count}", Md., where the father 
engaged in mining, and where both parents re- 
mained until called hence. George Jeffries departed 
this life in June, 1883, and his estimable wife in 
1864. Their family consisted of ten sons and two 
daughters, of whom the subject of this sketch was 
the sixth child. Ten lived to mature years. 

Gabriel Jeffries was born March 3, 1844, in Mon- 
mouthshire, England, not far from the cldldhood 
home of his father, and there received the rudiments 
of his early education. He was a lad nine years of 
age when his parents emigrated to America, and 
remembers many of the incidents of the ocean 
voj'age and their arrival upon the soil of a strange 
land. Me settled with his parents in Maryland, and 
remained with them until reaching his majority, 
assisting his father in the maintenance of the family'. 
Upon appro.aching manhood he entered the coal 
mines of Maryland, and followed the occupation of 
a miner until removing to Lee County, 111., in 1869. 
There he rented a farm two years, but the results 
not being entirely satisfactory', he crossed the Mis- 
sissippi into Carroll County, Iowa, and purchased a 
tract of land, the soil of which he cultivated until 
1881, when he sold out and came to his present 
home. 

While a resident of the Prairie State Mr. Jeffries 
was united in marriage with Miss Urith U. AV'iUiani- 
son, the wedding taking place at the home of the 
bride in Dixon, 111., Oct. 11, 1870. Mr. and Mrs. 



•#-lh^- 





1 f^ 





■^i*- 



GAGK COUNTY. 



r.i:. ik 



Jeffries spent the flrst, two j'ears of tlieir wedderl 
life in Lee, and thence went to Iowa. Tney are 
now tlic parents of four ehiiilren — Howard J., Ross 
W., Esther and Uritii, the eldest sixteen years of 
age and tiie youngest two. Our subject with his 
estimable wife is a member in good standing of the 
Melhodi.sl Episcopal Cliurch, with which they became 
identified in 1856 and 18G8. In politics Mr. Jeffries 
votes tlie straight Uepnblican ticket, and is in favor 
of everything tending to improve and elevate tiie 
people. He has been connected with the School 
Board of this district, and is a man in whom his 
neigiibors have confidence, and whose esteem he 
enjoys in an unlimited degree. 

Mrs. Jeffries is tiie daugliter of John and INIar- 
garet (Llhl) Williamson, tlie former a native of Ire- 
land and the latter of Maryland. Her father died 
a prisoner of war in Libby Prison, being starved to 
death by the rebels; the motlier died in (Jarroll 
Count}', Iowa, Jan. 29, 1887. Notice will be found 
of them in the sitetches of her brothers, Ilenrj' and 
George Williamson, on another page in this work. 
Mrs. J. was born in Frostburg, Md., Sept. 29, 1848, 
and spent her childiiood and j'outli under tlie pa- 
rental roof, remaining with the household circle until 
her marriage. She received the advantages of the 
common school, and was trained to those house- 
wifely duties so essential to the happiness of the 
home. 



WiILLIAM BLAKELY, Supervisor of Bl.akely 
Townshi[), and one of the best known and 
most prominent men of G.age County, also 
one of its oldest -ictual settlers, is still located on 
his original homestead in Blakely Township, which 
was named in his honor, and where he has a good 
f.arm of 160 acres on the southwest quarter of sec- 
tion 20. Adjoining this he has a similar ajuount 
on section 29, which was secured from the Govern- 
ment by pre-emption before the Homestead Law 
went into effect. His possessions all together ag- 
gregate 520 .acres, situated on sections 19, 20, 29 
and 30. 

Mr. Blakely has been a resident of this county 
since 1857, a period of over thirt}- years, having 
landeil Jul}' 17th of that \xar, with his brother 



Nathan, upon the present site of the city of Bea- 
trice. It is hardly necessary to say that the "city" 
at that dale bore little resemblance to its present 
state, being then a bleak prairie. The land selected 
by Mr. Blakely lies along Cub Creek, which was 
formerly called Minnehaha Creek, the finding of 
two bear cubs in this vicinity inducing the change 
of name. This proved a most fortunate invest- 
ment, the land being exceedingly fertile, owing 
largely, of course, to the judicious treatment it has 
undergone at the hands of its owner. The creek 
has proved valuable, not only in furnishing ample 
water facilities, but as a means of drainage, and 
has also fed a stretch of fine walnut timber, besides 
oak and hackbcrr}'. 

The original log house built on his first pre- 
emption claim is still occu[)ied bj' our subject, al- 
though having been transferred some distance from 
its original site and being subjected to the repairs 
and additions required for the comfort and con- 
venience of the modern household. In front of the 
Blakel}' residence is a fine grove of trees, planted 
by the hand of our subject man}' years ago, and 
now 3'ielding a most grateful protection from the 
heat of summer and the storms of winter. In 
1841 Mr. Blakely commenced as a clerk with S. <fe 
G. Smith in South Britton, Conn., in a general 
country store, they dealing in about everything 
that could be handled in a store, and received the 
sum of ^50 with board for two years' services. In 
1843 he was with Edwin Marble in the largest dry- 
goods store in New Haven. His business was large 
and the clerks were confined to the building twenty- 
two hours out of twenty-four, and all for 5100 per 
3'ear, including board. The close confinement and 
change from countr}' to cit}' living was more than 
his constitution could withstand, and before the 
close of the year he w.os carried home upon a bed, 
his friends claimed, with the same fatal disease 
which had taken awa}' more of the family, viz: 
consumption. He was placed in the care of an old 
family physician, and in a few months was able to 
buffet with mankind for a living. 

In 1844 Mr. Blakely went to Middletown, N. J., 
and commenced teaching a district school, and re- 
mained in the school eighteen months. In 1846 he 
removed to Long Branch, and was teaching three 



f 



* ► i r ^ 



GtO 



GAGE COUNTY. 



years in one district, averaging Bffy scholars most of 
the time. He, however, became tired of teaching, 
and therefore went back to Connecticut, clerking 
for Packerd Swift, in the old town of Derby, ten 
miles from New Haven. In 1852 he was offered 
the position of chief clerk and good p.ay by Lucins 
Blackinan, of the cit^' of Birmingham, Conn., which 
Mr. Blakely accepted, and here found plenty of 
work, as Mr. Blackman not only carried a large as- 
sortment of all kinds of goods usually carried, but 
in addition dealt heavilj' in carpets, oil-cloths and 
paper-hangings, which occupied eight different 
rooms, and in less than two years Mr. B. once more 
returned home to rest. 

At home Mr. Blakely had an opportunity of 
studying upon what he was to do in the future, and 
soon made up his mind to follow the lamented 
Greeley's advice, and started for the Western coun- 
try. In 1855, Mr. Blakely, together with J. E. 
Barnes, who was soon after Superintendent of 
.Schools in Henderson Count}', 111., and his brother, 
purchased a section of university land in Hardin 
County, on the Iowa River, and attempted to 
open up a new farm, but .as this was hard work he 
soon concluded to start with an ox-team for an ex- 
ploring trip in the northern and western part of the 
State. In July he went to Dubuque with two yoke 
of oxen, and bought a full load of everything 
which would be useful to them while in the wilder- 
ness. 

J. E. Barnes, Nathan Blakely (our subject's 
brother) and himself started from Eldora, the 
county seat of Hardin County, Iowa, in August, 
1855. with the two 3'oke of oxen and a fine cow. 
which not only followed with the two dogs with- 
out any care or attention, but also afforded them 
plenty of both milk and butter. They first 
went north through Franklin and Cerro Gonlo to 
Mason City, which contained six log cabins; then 
to Clear Lake, where they remained three days 
near a band of the Winnebago Indians. They ap- 
peared to be very hospitable, always appearing 
about meal time, and soon devoured everjthing 
either eatable or drinkable after they left the mess 
box. There were only four families living around 
the lake, but they had true Western cheek, and 
claimed all the timber and all the water front 



around the lake, either for themselves or some 
imaginary persons. Mr. Blakely and [)arty left for 
the West liirough Hancock and Kossuth, and there 
found the county seat on the East Fork of the Des 
Moines, called Algona, and occupied by a man 
named Call. Starting West from here, they did not 
see either a sign of an inhabitant or a white person 
for six weeks, and in that time passed through the 
countj- of Palo Alto, up the West Branch of the 
Des Moines to the six lakes, called the Six Sisters, 
in Emmet County, townshii) 98 north, range 33 
west. They were obliged to follow the I)es Moines 
across the State line into Minnesota before attempt- 
ing to cross, and kept up along the east bank for 
five days, then, in crossing, became fast in the mud 
and unloaded for tiie first time. Mr. Barnes had 
been sick with the ague for three weeks, and Nathan 
Blakely one week. Besides this trouble a band of In- 
dians annoyed them b}' attempting to steal anything 
they wanted, and wouLl not give them the name of 
their tribe. Our subject and party would not allow 
them to take the least thing, although they knevv 
they were entirely at their mercy, if an Indian has 
any, but showed them that they proposed to main- 
tain their own rights, and the}' finally left them. 
They then turned south, and found the corner of 
ranges 35 and 36 west, township 100 north, on the 
north line of Dickinson, and soon found Spirit Lake 
and Okoboji, and explored them for nearly a week. 
The Sioux paid them a visit here, but gave thera 
no trouble. From the lakes the}' went to Oceola, 
O'Brien, Clay, Bu.ena Vista, Pocahontas and Hum- 
boldt, where they once more found white people; 
thence to Webster, at Ft. Dodge to attend the sale 
of Government lands at the opening of the land- 
ofBce at that place, and there encountered the first 
snowstorm, on the 22d of October, 1855. The}' 
soon went back to Eldora, after an absence of three 
months, and immediately began selling goods for 
J. W. Jones, and remained with him until leaving 
for Nebraska, in May, 1857. 

Mr. Blakely looks back to those early days as one 
of the happiest periods of his life. He was a great 
lover of Nature in her wild solitudes, enjoying noth- 
ing better than to travel over the quiet country, 
which in many sections lay yet undisturbed by the 
hand of man. When making settlement here Mr. 



•^^ 



■•► 



GAGE COUNTY. 



(547 



Blakely found tliat his nearest iieiglibor was two and 
one-linlf miles away. It was no uncommon occur- 
rence to travel thirty miles to visit a neighbor, the 
journe}' usually oc-cupyiug from five to six days. 
The people at that time were each interested in the 
welf.are of the other, and such was the confidence a 
man had in his neighbor that it was seldom the for- 
mality of a note was given for the loan of money. 
Their religion was the maxim of the Golden Rule, 
each man striving to do unto his neighbor as he 
would be done by. With the influx of a mixed 
population, however, more stringent measures be- 
came necessary. 

The Blakely family' traces its later origin to New 
England, where the subject of our sketch w,as born 
in Litchfield County, Conn., July 3. 1821. His 
father and his paternal grandfather, who both bore 
the name of Daniel, were also natives of the same 
State, and followed farming all their lives, the latter 
spending his wholly upon the soil of Connecticut, 
where his bones were laid to their final i-epose. 
Daniel, Jr., was reared in his native county, fol- 
lowed farming like his forefathers, and was married 
first to Miss Chatfield, a lady of iincestry similar to 
bis own. William and his brother Nathan contin- 
ued in the '-land of steady habits" until after the 
deatli of the motlier, which took place in 1839, to- 
gether with the death of a daughter, Sophia. Will.- 
iam L., the eldest son, died when a lad. Daniel 
Blakely left his native State in 1856 and joined his 
sons in Iowa. Our subject and his brother Nathan 
had left Connecticut in the spring of 1 854, and com- 
ing to the West, located fust in Hardin County, Iowa, 
near the embr^'o town of Eldora, among the early 
pioneers. At this place Daniel Blakely, Jr., looked 
his last upon the things of earth, passing away in 
Februarj', 18G1. 

William Blakely came to this county a single 
man, but after determining upon his future course 
in life, took to himself a wife and helpmate in the 
person of Miss Cornelia D. Bailey, who was born in 
Racine County, Wis., Oct. 24, 1843. Her parents, 
Asa F. and Janet (Ford) Bailey, were natives of 
New Hampshire and New York, and came to Ne- 
braska in the spring of 18G3. They endured the 
common lot of pioneer life, its struggles, hard- 
ships and privations, and are still living at an 



advanced age, their home now being in the city of 
Beatrice. 

Mrs. Blakely had grown to womaniiood when her 
parents came to this county, and has had her full 
experience of life in a new country. She is the 
mother of three children, the eldest of whom, Je.-sie 
L., followed teaching in the schools of this county, 
but is now married. George A. and Albert C. con- 
tinue at home with their ])arents. Mrs. B. and her 
daughter are members of the Congregational Church, 
of Blakely Township. Mr. Blakely, politically, 
votes independently, and has held other ollices be- 
sides his present one, to which he was elected in the 
fall of 1885. 

Mr. Blakely has been a prominent and useful 
man in his county, beginning his public services as 
early as 1858, when he was appointed Probate Judge 
for a term of two years. From 18G2 to 18ti5 he 
was Government Assessor for the .South Platte Dis- 
trict, and in 1870 served as Deput}' Marshal, and 
likewise took the census of Gage Countj'. He w.as 
also one year the Assessor of Gage County, lie was 
one of the organizers of the Republican party in 
Southern Nebraska, and has never felt that he had 
reason to depart from the principles to which he then 
gave his cordial support. During the Grange move- 
ment in 1872 and 1873, he was appointed Deputy 
Grand Master, and also served on the Executive 
Committee for the State from 1873 to 1876. He in 
the meantime organized a number of Grange Lodges 
in this part of the State, and distinguished iiimsclf 
here as elsewhere by his industry and usefulness. On 
the 28th of July, 1886, he was api)ointed and com- 
missioned bj' James W. Dawes, Governor of Ne- 
braska, as a rielegate to the National Farmers' 
Congress, which met in St. Paul, Minn., and was in 
session three d.ays, August 25, 20 and 27. 

The Old Settlers' Association finds in Mr. Blakely 
one of its most ellicient members. In the I. O. O. 
F. he has been actively interested for fortj' years, 
being Grand Master of the State in 1885-86, and a 
member of Subordinate Lodge No. 19, and Encamj)- 
ment No. 1 6, both of Beatrice. As one of those who 
looked u|)on this section of the Great West in its 
primitive days, he is held in due consideration and 
resiwct, and has built up the record of an honest man 
and a good citizen. In a short time he will have 



*► i r^ 



■•► 



G4« 



GAGE COUNTY. 



reached his threescore years and ten. He has 
gathered from a varied experience of men and 
things those lessons by which he has been enabled 
to perform well his part,, and leave to his children 
a name of w^hich they need never be ashamed. The 
Album of Gage County is greatly enhanced b^' giv- 
ing the portrait of Williaui Bhikely. which has been 
made from a recent picture. 



'->'^^^VH^^:5<^ 



-t-r-V 




^i OSEPH K. LANG DON, one of the most en- 
I terprising and successful merchants of Pad- 
1 dock Township, of which he is a pioneer, is 
/ conducting a large business as a dealer in all 
kinds of implements in Odell. He is a native of Lu- 
zerne County, Pa., born Aug. 9, 1852, to Samuel P. 
and Nancy (Emory) Langdon, natives of Pennsylva- 
nia. In 1854 his parents removed to Wisconsin, and 
continued to reside in that State for many years, 
the father engaged in the hotel business. Mr. Lang- 
don died May 2!', 188G, having attained the ripe 
old age of nearly eighty years. He was a man of 
sound principles, and of much decision of character, 
readily commanding the respect of all with whom 
he came in contact. The mother of our subject 
makes her home with him, surrounded by all the 
comforts that loving hands can provide to make 
her declining 3-ears pleasant. 

The subject of this sketch was reared in Wiscon- 
sin, and received the preliminaries of his education 
in her public schools. He subsequently entered 
the Normal School of White Water, where he re- 
ceived a thorough practical training, fitting him for 
any career that he might choose to adopt in after 
life. Upon leaving school, being desirous to become 
m.aster of some lucrative trade, he set himself to 
work to learn that of wheelwright, and was thus 
employed in Wisconsin until the spring of 1880, 
when he deteiniined to tiy life in the West beyond 
the Mississippi, and we soon find him located in 
what is now Paddock Township. As this township 
was not laid out until tiie following fall, he thus 
became one of its early settlers. He soon found 
work at his trade, and was engaged in a wagon- 
shop for two years. In the spring of 1882 Mr. 
Langdon, with characteristic enterprise and fore- 



sight, saw a fine opportunity in this new and rapid Ij' 
growing country to establish himself in his present 
business, immediately availing himself of it, and 
has since carried it on with gratifying success. He 
came here a poor man, but by industry and good 
management he has made money, and has increased 
his sales from $300 the first year to from $12,000 to 
$15,000 per annum. He has besides acquired con- 
siderable properly by judicious investments; he owns 
two pieces of desirable resident property, has his 
business house and lot, and also owns some stock 
in the county, horses, cattle and hogs. 

Mr. Langdon was married in Wisconsin, July 3, 
1877, to Miss Emma Thompson, a daughter of Ed- 
win and Alma (Folsom) Thompson. Her mother 
died in Wisconsin in Februaiy, 1809. Her father 
is still a resident of that State. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Langdon have been born two children: Fay, their 
only son, and a daughter, Lona, who died Sejit. 23, 
1884. 

Mr, Langdon is a young man of education and 
fine business talents, that promise to place him 
among the moneyed men of Gage County within a 
few years. His geniality and ready tact make him 
well liked by all who have the pleasure of knowing 
him, and he has secured many warm friends since 
coming to Nebraska. In his political views, he is 
an unswerving Republican ; he does not aspire to 
oflflce, although he takes decided interest in pro- 
moting the prosperity of his township. 



ORRIS JONES. It is quite common to re- 
mark among the prominent men of a com- 
munity in almost every department and 
circle, that they who are looked upon and 
spoken of as the successful men have come up 
through trial and difficulty from the lower plane 
to the higher level in life, the fact being, that by 
just such piocesses of disappointment, difficulty 
and adverse circumstances is the man developed, 
and abilities and powers that would otherwise have 
remained unknown, although possessed, have been 
brought into action, and thus ever}' opposing force 
has become a blessing and a benediction. This is 
true throuohout the whole realm of nature. 




-U 




GAGE COUNTY. 



CIO 



The biograiihy of Mr. Morris Jones might well 
serve as a case in point, and illustration of the 
above. He is the son of David and Margaret Jones, 
the former of vviiom is now deceased. They were 
natives of Wales, in which country our subject was 
born in Jul}', 1849. He accompanied his p-irents to 
the United States in 1870; settling in Wisconsin 
he engaged in d.ay labor until 1879. when he came 
to this count}', and rented some land and began farm- 
ing. In this good fortune continued to attend 
him, so th.at to-day he is the owner of 160 acres of 
good land for purposes of agriculture and stock- 
raising, which he follows exclusively, devoting 
more especial attention to the latter, finding the 
breeding of higher grades of stock verj' remunera- 
tive in a rapidly developing countrj' such as Ne- 
braska. 

While living in Wisconsin our subject m.ade the 
acquaintance of a verj' excellent young lady. Ann, 
daughter of Thomas J. and Margaret Jones, of 
LaFayelte County, Wis. She was born in said 
county. Dec. 9, 1858. On the 22d of February, 
1875, this lady, Ann Jones, and our subject plighted 
their troth and sealed their marriage vows. Their 
union was fruitful in the birth of five children, 
whose names are a-s follows: Margaret, Miriam, 
James. Thom.as O. and William L. 

The wife of our subject is a member of the Welsh 
Methodist Church, with which she has continued 
since childhood. Our subject is affiliated with the 
Republican part}', and has for many years been an 
active worker in behalf of the same. 






^^EORGE W. KIERSEY, of Glenwood Town- 
Ill (— -, ship, is spoken of as one of its solid and re- 
^^Jj liable men, steady-going and thorough in 
his farming operations, prompt to meet his business 
obligations, peaceable and law-abiding as a citizen. 
He cast his lot witii the people of this county in the 
spring of 1879, and has since been numbered among 
the most highly respected members of the com- 
munity. 

The property of our subject embraces 160 acres 
of Uind on section 20 in the western part of Glenwood 
Townshi(), where for a pcrioil of nearly eleven years 



he has labored industriously in the cultivation of the 
soil and the production of the crops best ada|)tcd 
to tiie region of Southern Nebrjiska. For this task 
he was well fitted both b}' experience and early 
training, having spent the greater part of his days 
amid the peaceful employments of country life. In 
his young manhood ho became a soldier of the 
Union Array, and for a period of four years de- 
voted himself to fighting successful!}' the battles of 
freedom and Union. 

A native of Licking Count}-, Ohic), Mr. Kiersey 
was born June 29, 1846, and there lived until the 
death of his mother, which occurred when he was 
eight years of .age. He w.as then taken into the 
home of his uncle in Allegany County, N. Y., where 
he spent several years, and then moved with the 
latter to Pennsylvania. After eighteen months 
spent in the Keystone State, young Kiei-sey moved 
to Licking County, Ohio, making his home this time 
with a sister of his. Later he migrated to his native 
county in Ohio, and from there in a few months 
proceeded to Ogle County, III., where he was en- 
gaged on a farm until the outbreak of the late Civil 
AVar. 

Soon after the first call for troops Mr. Kiersey 
enlisted, Nov. 5, 1861, in Company H, 46th Illinois 
Infantry, and followed the fortunes of war until its 
close. He endured the hardships and privations 
incident to the life of a soldier, meeting the enemy 
in many important battles, and gathering from his 
army experiences a fund of practical knowledge 
with which he would not willingly part. He fort- 
unately escaped wounds and other injury, with the 
exception of the often severe strain upon strength 
and endurance, and at the close received his hon- 
orable discharge at Baton Rouge, La. 

Upon retiring from the service Mr. Kiersey re- 
turned to Illinois, and located upon a farm in White 
Rock Township, in the vicinity of Rochelle. Ogle 
County, where he carried on agriculture most of the 
time until the beginning of 1868. Then, disposing 
of his interests in the Prairie State, he crossed the 
Mississippi and located in Story County, Iowa, and 
worked on a farm there and in W.ashington County 
about three years. From the former he came to 
Nel>raska in April, 1879, anil in 1884 secured the 
quarter-section of land which he has since owned 



V 



^ 



••► 



650 



GAGE COUNTY. 



and occupied. In llie moantime lie visited Kansas, 
spending three years in Wasiiington C'oiint3'. 

In Washington County, Kan., Mr. Kiersej' married 
Miss Harriet P.. Atwood, Pel). 19, 1882. Mrs. 
Kiersey is the dangliterof Moses and Marj' Atwood, 
and was liorn in Georgetown. Mass., Feb. 1, 1.S50. 
Her |>arents were natives of New Hampshire, and 
came west to Iowa abont 1855, and to Kansas in 
1878. Tlie mother passed away at their lioine in 
Washington Connty, Kan., in September, 1880. The 
fatlier is still living. Their family consisted of 
eight children, five of whom are living. 

To our subject and his wife there has been born 
r>ne child only. William L., Nov. 15, 1883. Mr. 
Kiersey carries on general farming, and has a fair 
assortment of live stock. He has planted a goodly 
array of fruit and shade trees, and with his little 
family is surrounded with all the comforts of life, 
besides having a piospeet of something to fall back 
ujion on a rainy day. Politically, he is a Repub- 
lican. 



■-^Q 






i= 



■jw? EROY PAYNE. The subject of this sketch 
I 0) came to this State in the fall of 1868, tak- 
jl'— ^^. ing up his abode first in Saunders County. 
He had moved to that region from LaSalle County, 
HI., where he had carried on farming. In Saun- 
ders County he took up a homestead claim of 
eighty acres, and resided there until the spring of 
1878, when he came to this count}' and bought of 
the Government 100 acres of land on section 
10, in Glenwood Township, to the improvement 
and cultivation of which he has since given his 
time and attention. The present condition of his 
property would indicate that he has labored to ex- 
cellent advantage, for he has substantial buildings 
and the other appliances necessary for the comfort 
of his family and the carrying on of agriculture 
in a successful and profitable manner. 

A native of Wayne Connty, Pa., our subject was 
born March 12, 1842, was reared on a farm and 
educated in the common schools. His father. 
Homer Payne, was a native of the same county as 
his son, and married Miss Louisa Greeley, also a 
native of the Keystone State. Thej' lived there 
^« 



for a time after their marriage, then changed their 
residence to Luzerne County, and from there emi- 
grated to LaSalle County. III., where the father 
engaged in farming, and where the death of the 
mother took place in April, 1855. Homer Payne, 
after the death of his wife, went to Smith County, 
Kan., where he still resides. 

To the parents of our subject there were born 
six children, five sons and one daughter, of whom 
Lero3' was the second child. He was eleven years 
old when his patents left his native State, and he 
resided with them until a youth of twenty 3'ears. 
He was thereafter a resident of LaSalle County 
most of the time until his marriage. This most im- 
portant and interesting event of his life took pl.ice 
in Ottawa, III., on the 28th of September, 1805, his 
bride being Miss Almira White, who went with her 
parents to LaSalle County, HI., when about ten 
years old. Mrs. Payne was born in Schenectady 
County, N. Y., Sept. 16, 1846, .and is the daughter 
of Williur and Catherine (Leevey) White, who were 
both natives of New York State and lived there 
until going to Illinois. The}' are now residents of 
Saunders County, Neb. Their family consisted of 
five children, of whom Mrs. P. was the eldest. 
She acquired her education in the district school, 
and remained with her parents until becoming mis- 
tress of a home of her own by her marriage with 
our subject. 

Mr. and Mrs. Payne spent the first few years of 
their wedded life in LaSalle Count}', III., and 
there their first child was born. They are now the 
parents of four sons and four daughters, seven liv- 
ing, namel}': Charles, Alice L., Ada, Nellie, Almira 
May, Leroy and Glenn. Elmer died when one year 
old. They are being properlj' trained and edu- 
cated, and there is every reason to suppose will do 
honor to their parents as good and worthy citizens 
of the future. 

ISIr. Payne was reared in the principles of De- 
mocracy, and to this party has given bis honest 
adherence since becoming a voter. He has been 
prominent in local affairs, holding the office of 
Township Assessor nine years, four years in Saun- 
ders County and five years in Glenwood Townshij), 
this county. He has also served .as Commissioner 
of Highwaj-s. Socially, he belongs to the I. O. O. F., 




t. 



^•■ 



gagp: county. 






V 



being Past Grand, and a delegate to the meeting of 
the Grand Lodge at Omaha in the fall of 1888. 

Mr. Payne, when a lad of tliirteen j^ears, while 
driving a team of spirited horses whicli ran awaj', 
was thrown out of the wagon and suffered the 
In-eaking of his right arm. It was improperly set 
and never recovered its former strength. In some 
respects this has proved quite a drawback and con- 
siderably interfered with his strength and efficiency 
in the often arduous labors of the farm. His boys, 
however, are growing up, and will soon be able to 
take his place, and the industry with which he has 
labored in former j-ears has secured tu him the 
fair prospect of something for his ease and comfort 
in liis declining years. 

^^ AMUEL ECCLE.S, one of the highly re- 
^^^^ spected and valued citizens of Rivei-side 
lv^-3) io'fiisli'P' s"'^' whose residence is situated 
upon section 3, was born in Chautauqua 
County, N. Y., on the 19th of September, 1847. 
When about three yeai-s old, his parents, John and 
Mary (Whitehead) Eccles, removed across the 
State line into Warren County, Pa., which adjoins 
Chautauqua County'. Our subject was about three 
years of age when this removal was made. There 
he was brought up and educated, continuing thus 
employed until he was in his sixteenth year. 

Not long after p.assing his fifteenth birthd.ay 
our subject enlisted in Company- M, 21st Pennsyl- 
vania Cavahy, and served about seven months, 
then was honorably discharged. His regiment was 
in the battle of Gettysburg, and saw considerable 
service in conflicts of lesser note. His armj- expe- 
rience, while no less dangerous, though perhaps 
somewhat briefer than that of many of his com- 
rades, left him unwounded, although the horrors of 
war will always present to his memory a picture 
aglow with terrors, cruelties, sorrows, pain and 
carnage. 

When twenty years of age Mr. Eccles removed 
to Henry County, 111., and there made his home for 
two years, when he removed to Guthrie Countj', 
Iowa, and staid for one jear. Thence he removed 
to Michigan, and there made his home for another 

< • 



year. His healtli then failed him, and he went to 
Tennessee, and resided at Pomona in that State for 
about two years, and was rewarded by a complete 
recovery of vigorous, rugged health. 

Upon the 24th of September, 1872, about the 
time our subject left Tennessee, he was united 
in marriage with Miss Alzada Howd. After a 
happy wedded life of about seven j'ears this l.adj* 
died, on the 17th of September, 1879, leaving two 
children, viz: James P., who was born on the 17th 
of Se[)tember, 1877; and Esther M., who was born 
Feb. 22, 1876, and died April 14, 1881. Our 
subject w.as married a second time, on the 7th of 
June, 1881, to Mary E. Cole, of Plattsmoutli, Neb., 
and there have been born to them two children, 
whose names are Grace and William L. 

Mr. Eccles has a fine farm of 114 acres upon sec- 
tion 3, and u|)on this he has erected a prett.y, sub- 
stantial dwelling, well situated, and in the midst of 
attractive surroundings. He has made ample pro- 
vision for the comfort and welfare of his stock, his 
stables being well constructed and arranged. The 
date of his entrance to this county was March, 1874, 
and at that time what is now a well-cultivated 
farm was then native prairie in all its wildness. 
By far the greater part of the life of our subject 
h.as been spent in farming, and he is thoroughly 
conversant with the various phases and parts of this 
work. During the time spent in Michigan he was 
eno^aged in handling lumber, and in Iowa was en- 
ira.o'ec} in railroading. With these exceptions and 
that of his army experience, he has followed agri- 
cultural pursuits. 

On coming to this State our subject had in his 
possession some 8700 as tlie foundation of his fort- 
une. The first year was an entire failure, owing 
to the grasshoppers, and by them his crops were 
entirely destroyed, leaving him to start the next 
year with one team, a cow and a few implements. 
That year he was more fortunate, and has been in- 
creasingly so from that on; patience, perseverance 
and industry Ijroughthim through that time of tri.al, 
and have carried him on to prosperity. The 
pleasant home which he to-d.ay enjoys, and his well- 
stocked farm, are the harvests these have produced 
forliim. He lias had all the trials and difficulties that 
crowd upon one in beginning life in a new coun- 



-■1 ^ ° 



-•► 



cr)-2 



GAGE COUNTY. 



try, but hns borno thein all, has eanied the coiifi- 
(Ipiiceand csteom of all his neij^hbors, and attracted 
to himself many friends liy his most praiseworthy 
conduct throughout. The farm lies chiefly in the 
valley of the Big Blue River, and is. therefore, 
superior to the higher land, which is liable to suf- 
fer from drouth, besides not being so rich in soil, 
and this is one of the best farms in the county. 

In 1886 our subject was elected Justice of the 
Peace, and the following year Supervisor of the 
township, and re-elected in 1888, which otHce he 
still holds. Religiously, our subject and wife are 
connected with the United Brethren Church, of 
Beatrice, and are among its most devout members. 
Mr. Eccles is also a member of the G. A. R., Raw- 
lins Post No. 35, and Beatrice Lodge No. 19, of the 
I. O. O. F. Politically, he is a Republican. There 
are few families more appreciated in the com- 
munity than this of our subject, few more highly 
esteemed, and none more ^vorthJ^ 



■*- 



-^ 



I'^'AMESAV. BRIDKNTIIAL. Of the count- 
less numbers who have gone to settle up the 
new West, few have been more enthusiastic, 
fj more thoroughly absorlied with the thought 
that they were working foi' the future as well as for 
their own interests, and therefore, more public- 
spirited and liberal-minded, and better prepared to 
undertake the hardships and trials of frontier life, 
than many of those who came into this county. 
The gentleman of whose life an epitome is here- 
with presented affords a hap|iy illustration of the 
above fact. 

In Sicily Township, on section 23, is a beautiful 
farm of 320 acres, in an excellent state of cultiva- 
tion, the property of our subject, whose residence 
thereon is one of the most pleasant homes in the 
county. Mr. Bridenthal is a native of Pennsyl- 
vania, and was born at Chambersburg, in that State, 
on the 28th of April, 1836, and there spent the 
first nine years of his life. In 1845 his parents 
removed to AVayne County, Ohio, he of course 
accompanying them, and in that place the greater 
))art of his education was received, both that ob- 
tained in the common schools, and that which gave 



him a knowledge of the work and management of 
the farm. 

Sul)scquently Mr. Bridenthal removed to Indi- 
ana, and located successively in Huntington, Whit- 
ley and Marshall Counties. From the latter, about 
the year 1855, he removed to AVoodford County, 
111., where he remained r.ntil the fall of the same 
year, then moved to Peoria County, 111., where he 
remained until 1 8G0, then went to Warren County. 
During this time he had been laying broad and deep 
a solid foundation for other days, and making pro- 
vision for the successand prosperity that have since 
come to him. The removal of our subject from 
Illinois to Gage County was made in April, 1884, 
when, after prospecting for some time, he concluded 
arrangements which led to his present settlement. 
Every 3'ear has seen his property increasing in value, 
and the harvests more abundant. 

While in Warren County, 111., our subject made 
the acquaintance of Miss Ella S. Butler, who is a 
(laughter of Isaac and Ann L. (.Tones) Butler, who 
were n.atives of Virginia and Pennsylvania respect- 
ively, but were married in Ohio, and in that State 
made their home for several years, afterward re- 
moving to Indiana, from thereto Illinois in 1864, 
settling in Warren County. In the latter State her 
father died, in 1875, aged seventy -one years, and 
her mother, who is in her eightieth j'eai', is still 
living. In ea.r\y life both became members of the 
Christian Church, and to this communion Mrs. 
Butler is still devoted. 

The marriage of our subject was celebrated at 
Plymouth, Marshall Co., Ind., on the 2Glh of Oc- 
tober, 1860, and- there were six children born to 
them, whose names are recorded as follows: Ken- 
neth D., Lake, Maude, Mae, Charley W. and Dick. 
All these are living except Maude, who passed 
througli "the vallej' of the shadow of death" upon 
the 1st of Jul}', 1887, having reached the age of 
iwenty-two }'ears. Her death was as peaceful as 
her life had been beautiful, and the mortograph 
"So He givelh His beloved sleep" is most happily 
fitting in her case. Kenneth was married, Feb. 5, 
1884, to Miss Lizzie Rankin, of Warren Count\-. 
111., and Lake is cashier of the Wymore Citizens' 
Bank. 

The parents of oui- subject, John and Lydi.a 



-►jl-^ 







I ]im- 




rET 



"^ 



J3J 




"ai 



3^ 



u. 



=u 



GAGK COUNTY. 



G;j5 



(Leiglity) Bridenthal. were natives of Pennsyl- 
vania, where thej' were married, and lived until 
their removal to Ohio in 1845. Their familj' com- 
prised eleven children, of whom six survive. The 
father of our subject departed this life in the year 
1858, the mother in 1877, both at their home in 
Indiana. Tlie names of the surviving ciiildren are: 
Sarah, ICUen, Lydia, David and George. 

Mr. and Mrs. Bridenthal, with their daughter 
Mae, are very devoted members of the Christian 
Church, of Wymore, and are most highh' esteemed 
in that communion. For a niiuiber of years our 
subject held the ofiice of Townsiiip Supervisor in 
Warren Countj', 111., and also several other town- 
ship olfices. In matters of political economj^ he is 
ileepl}' interested, and although usually voting the 
Democratic ticket, is more concerned to leml his in- 
fluence to the elevation to office of a good and able 
man than a mere partis.in. 

Accompanying the birgraphies of many of the 
leading men of Gage County presented in this 
volume are their portraits, while of others views of 
their residence or farm property are given. Among 
the latter class is Mr. Bridenthal, and the view 
referred to is presented on an accompanying page. 



•€-** 



-^ 



(^^^ AMUEL KING. ,Ir. Among the men who 

^^:;2, have had the forethought to discern the 

%£Jj) S^'^^^ possibilities of the State of Nebraska 

is the subject of this sketch, who has been 

willing to labor and to wait, and who has suffered no 

discouragements to dism.ay him. He has had his 

battles to fight, having met with bitter reverses, but 

has now found the open sea, and, with the comforts 

of the complete modern home, is enjoying a large 

measure of the good things of life. 

This branch of the King familj' is of excellent 
old Peiinsj'Ivanian stock, the father of our subject, 
Samuel King, Sr., having been born in Chester 
County, that State, in 1774. He was reared to 
manhood among his native hills, where he carried 
on farming for himself a few j'ears, and then 
changing his location to the cit}' of Baltimore, 5[d., 
changed also his occupation somewhat, and tried the 
experiment of keeping hotel. The venture proved 



>► m ^ <• 



a success, and he followed the business for fifteen 
j-ears, conducting one of the largest houses there. 
In 1824, however, he went back to Pennsylvania 
and purchased a large tract of land, erected tene- 
ment houses, and engaged extensively in general 
farming, including stock-raising, and making a 
specially of the latter, dealing in stock, and feeding 
and shipping. He was thus occupied until his 
death, which took place June 11, 1841. 

The mother of our subject was in her girlhood 
Miss Ann Phillips, and was also born in Chester 
Countj', Pa., in 1783. The parents were married 
Oct. 4, 1804. The Phillips family were of Englisli 
extraction. Mrs. Ann King survived her husband 
a number of years, and died at the old homestead 
in Pennsylvania, Dec. 12, 1858. The household 
circle included nine children, six sons and three 
daughters, six of whom are now living: The eldest, 
William S., is medi<ral director in a department of 
one of the Philadel[)hia colleges; Samuel, of our 
sketch, is next to the eldest living; Israel 1). is a 
minister of the Baptist Church,. in the Qu.akcr Citj' ; 
Benjamin F. is engaged in the lumber trade at 
Chester, Pa.; Louise B. is the wife of Philip R. 
Davis (deceased), of Kingman Count}', Kan.; 
Amanda R. is the wife of a retired merchant, Ellis 
Adams, of Fairmount, 111. 

Our subject was the seventh child of the parental 
family, and was born in Baltimore, Md., on St. 
Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, 1821. Three years later 
his father returned to Chester Count}', Pa., and he 
continued a member of the parental household until 
the death of his father, acquiring his education in 
the common school, and assisting in the labors of 
the farm. Afterward the family was broken up, 
and our subject spent some time thereafter travel- 
ing, going through the States of Virginia, Tennessee, 
North and South Carolina, and also westward 
through Illinois, Iowa and Michigan. At Ft. Atchi- 
son, Iowa, he visited his brother William, who had 
been sent by the Government to that point as Medi- 
cal Director. The military post organized there at 
that time was for the purpose of protecting the 
Winnebago Indians, and was guarded by United 
States troops. 

Mr. King spent some time in this portion of the 
West, hunting and fishing, and then returned to his 



f 



•► 11 ^^ 



4- 



656 



GAGE COUNTY. 



mother and her family in Philadelphia. He re- 
mained with them a year, then going Into Spottsyl- 
vania County, Va., commenced farming, and a j-ear 
later, in 1844, was married to Miss Eliza Adams. 
This lad}' was the daughter of Joseph and Martha 
(Post) Adams, and was born in New York about 
1822. Her parents were natives of New Jersey, 
and spent their last days in Virginia. Our subject 
followed farming in the Old Dominion until the 
outbreak of the Rebellion. He had been born in a 
peaceable Quaker community and did not believe 
in fighting, much less in fighting against the Union, 
and suffered all sorts of persecution. He was finally 
ordered into the Confederate army, but refused to 
serve, but as the means of saving his life took an 
oath to countenance the Hebellion. He was then 
allowed to return home, and was left in peace for a 
year. 

At the expiration of this time there was a general 
conscription into the rebel army, and Mr. King was 
again chosen as a victim, but through the interven- 
tion of friends his release was again secured. Later 
he was arrested on the charge of disloyalty, and 
thrust into Libby Prison, where he was confined 
five months, and suffered in common with the other 
unfortunates there all the cruel outrages and pri- 
vations which have become a matter of history. 
Three out of every four succumbed to their sufferings 
in tliat terrible place during the spjourn of Mr. King 
there, and he barely escaped with iiis life. He was 
finally summoned before Judge Baxter of the Con- 
federate Court, and his release again effected 
through the intervention of influential friends. 

Mr. King, after reaching his home once more, to 
which he had been transported in a public con- 
veyance, remained with his family a month, and 
then determined to escape the surveillance to which 
he was subjected by the rebel authorities. Taking 
one of his blooded horses, remarkable for its speed 
and endurance, he set forth one night, and, swim- 
ming the Rappahannock, managed to escape the rebel 
guards and pass in safety through the Union lines 
into Alexandria. There he told his story, and was 
summoned before the Provost Marshal and ex- 
amined as to his allegiance to the United States 
Government. The result being satisfactory' he was 
sent on to Washington, and shortly afterward his 



knowledge of the face of tlie country .South was util- 
ized in the mapping out of that section for the benefit 
of the Union Army. He was thus engaged about three 
months, and in the meantime his propertj' in Vir- 
ginia was. being destroyed bj' the rebels, and his 
family suffering all the indignities wliich the Con- 
federates dared to heap upon them. His mill 
building was razed to the ground, the household 
furniture and piano broken up, and the whole prem- 
ises laid waste. His farm had been very productive, 
his crops of melons alone sometimes realizing for 
bim the sum of 15,000. 

The family of Mr. King finally joined him in 
Washington, and, broken in health and spirits, 
without means and far from his friends, Mr. King 
commenced as best he could the desperate struggle 
before him. He finally returned to his native city 
of Baltimore, and engaged in life insurance, but this 
proving a failure he next tried farming. He finall}' 
effected an exchange of his land for property in 
Tennessee, to which he repaired after the close of 
the war, as even then he did not dare to return to his 
old home in Virginia. The Tennessee laud, how- 
ever, was unproductive, and in 1875 he left that 
section of country for Vermilion County, 111., where 
he followed farming a year, then moved to Dakota, 
and engaged in wheat-raising quite successfully, 
having fine crops. He still owns the forty acres he 
filed there, and which was about the last of the land 
gubject to pre-emption in that region. 

Mr. King came to this State in 1887, and pur- 
chased his present farm of 160 acres on section 2, 
in Filley Township. He is now upon his feet again 
and prospering, ra.aking a specialty of corn and 
stock. The wife of his youth departed this life at 
their home in Virginia, Sept. 17, 1857. Of this 
union there had been born four children : Frank 
M., who was born Dec. 22, 1856, is farming in 
Pembina Countj', Dak. ; Anna L., born March 23, 
1847, is living in Westport, Conn.; Laura M., born 
April 20, 1849, is in Illinois; and Kate E., Mrs. 
Booker, born July 16, 1851, is a resident of Dakota. 
The second marriage of Mr. King occurred l\Iay 
19, 1859, with Miss Ann Elizabeth, daughter of 
James P. and Susan (Phillips) Chartters. who spent 
the last ytars of their lives in Virginia. Mr. Chart 
ters was born on the Atlantic Ocean during the 




r. LUart- 
ring the X 




GAGE COUNTY. 



f>57 



4^ 



passage of his parents from Scotlaii<l, and his wife 
was a native of the Old Dominion. Mr. C. was a 
farmer by occupation, and lived to a good old age, 
his death taking phice in Virginia, Jan. 4, 188C. 
The mother passed away Aug. 29, 1885. 

Mrs. Ann Elizabeth King was born in Spottsylva- 
nia, Va., March 15, 1838, and of her marriage with 
our subject there wore born the children whose 
record is as follows: Lillie, now INlrs. Emmons 
Davis, was married twice; her first husband w.as 
Robert E. Lucas, who was drowned while trying to 
cr<_iss a river in April, 1882; Mr. Davis is occupied 
in farming in Eilley. James W. is farming in Dakota ; 
Mary P. is the wife of Henr}' R. Haines, of Wash- 
ington, D. C. ; David F., Ilarrj' M., Edgar H. and 
Lelia M. are at home with their parents. It is 
h.ardly necessar}' to say that Mr. King is a member 
of the Repulilican party, and in religious matters 
he and his family Itelong to the Baptist Church. 

The liomestead, a view of which accompanies this 
sketch, is pleasantly situated, the dwelling sur- 
rounded with fruit .and shade trees, ai.d is without 
question the abode of plenty and comfort. Mr. 
King enjoys the confidence and respect of his neigh- 
bois. and is contributing his quota toward the de- 
velopment of the resources of this part of Nebraska. 

j^^TEPHEN A. SMITH. Old i)ioneers and" 
^^^ settlers of Nebr.aska have often remarked 
lll/_^) upon the change of climate, difference of 
rainfall, and conseqvient improvement of 
soil, since throughout the State so much attention 
has been given to the planting of all kinds of fruit, 
shade and other trees. If. as is stated, Nebr.aska 
has been so largely benefited by forestry, men who, 
like our subject, devote their time, attention and 
skill to raising trees and bringing them to a con- 
dition where thej' m.ay be safe to set out in the 
open with everj' reasonable expectation of their 
flourishing, are much-lo-be-prized members of a 
communitj'. 

The subject of this sketch, proprietor of the Blue 
Springs and Wymore Nurseries, which are situated 
on section 1 5 of Blue Springs Township, has brought 
to this work an intimate knowledge of trees and 



soils, the various advantageous and deleterious in- 
fluences affecting favorably or otherwise the tender 
life of the young tree. To this is owing the large 
measure of success it is his pleasure to enjoy in his 
business. He was born on the 17th of March, 
1815. in McMinn County, Tcnn.. and is the son of 
Elijah S. and Mary J. Smith, of McDonough County, 
111. His father is a native of South C-irolina, who 
migrated to Illinois about the year 1818. 

In the matter of education our subject is better 
off than many of his fellows, for. in addition to re- 
ceiving the usual instruction in the classes of the 
common school, he took the full course in the Bur- 
lington Collegiate Institute, in the city of that 
name in Iowa. After this he gave liis attention 
to farming until the jear 1870, when became to 
this county and settled in Sicily Township, six miles 
west of Blue Springs and seven miles south of 
Beatrice. 

In 1870 our subject settled upon the property he 
occupies at present, which includes IGO acres, all of 
which is devoted to bis special line of business. It 
is his successful endeavor to keep on hand every 
stage of developing perfection, every variety of 
budded fruit, and the large miscellany of standard 
trees for which there is always a demand. Those 
of the Russian species, which are more adapted to 
this climate, receive from him speci.al attention. 
His business has grown steadily and rapidly, it 
being his reputation to be in all points strictly hon- 
orable, and in all matters of business of unquestion- 
able integrity. 

Our subject was united in marriage, on the 1 1 tli 
of November. 1874, with Ettie Tob^'ne, who vvas 
born in Ogle County, 111.. July 19. 1855, .and is the 
daughter of James and Caroline Tobyne. natives of 
Can.ada and Germany respectively, and the former 
of whom is deceased. To our subject have been 
born three children, whose names are as follows: 
Allen, Elton and Estelle. 

Mr. .Smith and his wife are members in good 
standing of the Methodist Ejiiscopal Church, and 
enjoy the entire confidence and regard of not sim- 
ply their fellow-members, but of the communitj- at 
large. Alive to his responsibility as a citizen, and 
ever ready to take his part in the same, he is, how- 
ever, not enamored of ollice, and has never sought 



!*::+-^ 



658 



GAGE COUNTY. 



any of these public trusts, Political questions are 
by him earefullj' studied, and he is well posted 
upon the issues before the country and State. He 
usually votes with the Prohibition party, but re- 
serves for himself the privilege of voting rather ac- 
cording to principle than party. 



-^ ^^ ^ 

/p!5)E0RGE BLACHART. In Adams Town- 
(j[ (— — , ship no man is more highly respected than 
^^J the subject of the following narrative, who, 
the onl^' unmarried child of his aged parents, is 
giving to them his tender, filial care, and smoothing 
their pathway down the decline of life. With them 
he occupies a good farm in Adams Township, and 
in his agricultural and business operations is meet- 
ing vvith deserved success. 

William and Catherine (Fuller) Biaciiart, the par- 
ents of our subject, are natives of Fulton County, 
Pa. The father engaged in keeping hotel at Blairs- 
ville, Indiana Co., Pa., until being burned out in 
1856. This involved the loss of all his earthly pos- 
sessions, and left him a poor man with a family' of 
five children on his hands. Believing that he could 
do better in the young and rapidl3' growing State 
of Illinois, he repaired thither with his family, set- 
tling in Henderson County, where he engaged in 
farming several years, and until coming to Ne- 
braska. 

The father of our subject upon coming to this 
section secured 320 acres of land in Adams Town- 
ship, and here he has since continued to reside. 
He has now reached the advanced age of eighty 
years, and the mother is seventy years old. Their 
son William B. married IMiss Anna Grund ; J. E. 
married Miss Jennie Helems. and has two chil- 
dren — Katie M. and Fayette E. ; Mary became the 
wife of J. O. Morris, and is the mother of three 
children — Lily, Myrtle and Darley; Anna, Mrs. 
D. H. Moore, resides in Adams Township, and is 
the mother of seven children, namelj': Guy W., 
Raj' I., Fred, Leon, Ernest and Burnus (twins), and 
Hugh. 

George Blachart was born in the native county 
of his parents, Fulton, Pa., Oct. 9, 184'2, and re- 
ceived a good education in the schools of Indi- 



ana County, that State, to which his parents re- 
moved when he was a child. As the oldest boy he 
was at an early age invested with serious responsi- 
bilities, especially after his fatlxer lost so mucii prop- 
ert}' by the burning of his hotel. Upon the outbreak 
of the Civil War, however, he devised a way by 
which he could be spared from home to go and as- 
sist in the subjugation of the enemies of freedom 
and union. He enlisted in Companj' H, 156th Illi- 
nois Infantrj-, for one year or during the war, and 
with his company was most of the time engaged in 
the reconstruction of railroads, guarding rebel pris- 
.oners, and such other duties as were inseparably 
connected with the success and well-being of the 
Union forces. At the time of Lee's surrender Com- 
pany H was stationed at Memphis, Tenn., and there 
Mr. Blachart received his honorable disetiarge. 
Our subject after leaving the array hastened home, 
and since that time has been the mainstay of those 
now dependent upon him. He has little time to 
devote to matters outside, but keeps himself well 
posted upon current events, and uniformly votes 
the Republican ticket. 



>*^^gl/OT^»^~-\/v~.- 



->'W»\«2j2£r©^ 



VtJOHN W. WAGNER, of Midland Township, 
is numbered among the early citizens of this 
count}', his residence here dating from July, 
^^// 1867. He is the owner of a whole section 
of land, the accumulation of a life of industry and 
economj'. A native of County Cork, Ireland, he 
was born on the 28th of March, 1816, and about 
the year i819 his parents, William and Barbara 
(Patterson) Wagner, left their native country and 
came to America, locating on a farm embraced in 
the parish of WestHeld, near St. Johns, New Bruns- 
wick. The mother died about 1852, and the father 
ten years later, in 1862. They left a family of 
eight children, of whom our subject is the eldest 
and the only one born in Ireland. Of the sisters 
and brothers two are deceased, their names being 
Sarah and Jane; the latter departed this life on the 
1st of September, 1839. Mary, the wife of Thomas 
Seelej', and Ann, Mrs. John McCluskey, are resi- 
dents of New Brunswick; Margaret is the wife of 
Joseph Burden, of Chelsea, Mass. ; Richard remains 



T 



'^M.iuby^.- 



■^-fe-sivfeS:?:'-'- 








■"-^-^ . 






^^^-sa^ggcj^j^j^a^^caBaa^i^^Sj^sa^s^rS^ 



S^^«^^^^ii^^ 



RESIDENCE OF THOMAS LE POIDEVIN , 5 EC . 13 , IVl I D LAN D TP. 




■ 'i-.v;r-»e^?-o*:-:~ 






-/fl!^S>«8J!ii^^^. 







RESIDENCE OF J.W.WAGNER , 5EC. 2Z , MIDLAND TP 



'4^• 



^*»iHK-^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



G61 



in the country of his birth, and Henry is a resident 
of tiiis county. 

At the time of liis journey across the ocean Wr. 
Wagner was too small to be impressed with nn}' of 
the incidents of tlie voyage. He spent his early 
3onth on liis father's farm, and attended school at 
St. Johns, making his home with his parents until 
he grew to manhood. In August, 1841, he was 
united in marriage with the present companion and 
sharer of his joys, who in her girlhood was Miss 
Eleanor Lane. Mrs. Wagner is also a native of 
County Cork, Ireland, the daughter of William and 
Margaret (Daily) Lane, and was born on the 2d 
of M.1J'. 1822. About the time of the great famine 
in Ireland ( 1 847-48), the family emigrated to Amer- 
ica, also choosing New Brunswick as a place of resi- 
dence, and settled near St. Johns. The mother died 
in that place, and after Miss Eleanor's marriage 
with our subject her father came to Nebraska and 
made his home with her, living to the age of one 
hundred and six 3-ears and three months. The follow- 
ing is the record so far as known of the nine children 
who comprised the famil3' of Mr. and Mrs. Lane: 
Henry and Eliza died in Wisconsin; William died 
in Rochester, N. Y., leaving a huge famil}'; John 
resides in New Brunswick, and of the remaining 
members of the family all are deceased except the 
wife of our subject. 

After their marriage our subject and his wife re- 
sided in New Brunswick until 1858, when the}' re- 
moved to Kenosha Count}', Wis., where they were 
engaged in farming until their removal to this State. 
The estate embraces 480 acres of land on section 22, 
Midland Township, and 160 acres on sections 10, 15, 
4 and fi. The homestead is noticeal)le for its good 
improvements, which include a substantial dwelling 
and the necessary barns and stock buildings. Mr. 
Wagner gives attention to the growing of cereals 
.ind general farm products and the raising of cattle. 
He and his estimable wife have reason to feel grati- 
fied with the result of their labors, surrounded as 
they are by all the comforts of life. 

The Wagner familj' includes eight bright, intelli- 
gent children (three others, named Ilenr}' L., War- 
ren C. and Ella A., having been called from the 
happ}' fold), and to them liave been given the names 
of Frank T., William A., John P., Richard W., 



Sarah Jane. George A., Abel E. and Margaret E. 
The ancestors of our subject were adherents of the 
Episcopal faith, and Mr. and Mrs. Wagner are mem- 
bers of the same church. Among his fellowmen he 
bears an unblemished reputation, and has received 
from their hands the election to the office of Town- 
ship Treasurer, which proves to what an extent he 
enjoys their esteem. Where political matters are 
discussed, our subject speaks heartily in favor of 
the Republican party. 

A view of the Wagner homestead and its sur- 
roundings, which will be found on another page, 
indicates perhaps better than any words which we 
might use to what good purpose the time and talents 
of the proprietor have been employed. 



S'HOMAS LeFOIDEVIN is one of the pio- 
neers of the year 1806. and one of the large 
land-owners and substantial farmers of this 
county, residing on section 13, Midland Township, 
where he is very pleasantly located. He was born 
on the Island of Guernsey, one of the beautiful 
little islands in the English Channel, on the 25th of 
March, 1840. His parents. Job and Rachael Le- 
Poidevin, were also natives of Guernsey, and had 
cared for a family of seven children, whose names 
are appended : Thomas, Rachael, Amelia, Alice, 
John, Joseph and Alfred. All of the sons came to 
the United States, Joseph and Alfred being resi- 
dents of New York City, John and Thomas of this 
county. 

The parents of our subject lived on a f;iriii. and 
he, as the eldest son, was carl}' called to assume his 
share of the family burden in assisting his father to 
provide for their maintenance. Consequently he 
was permitted to attend school but a short time, 
and his education is the result of a business contact 
with many people rather than a close acqu.aintance 
with text-.books. In 1863 he left his native home 
and came to the United States, going direct to 
Wisconsin, and first stopping in Racine County, 
where he for a time engaged as a farm hand. In 
1866 he came to this State, and took advantage of 
the generous ofifer of the Government to provide 
him with a homestead, selecting the southwest quar- 
ter of section 13, Midland Township, on which he 



■^^ 



0(52 



GAGE COUNTY. 



4- 



still resides. He now owns 240 acres of land, all 
in an improved condition, which is the result of his 
own perseverance and industry, on which he has 
erected an attractive and substantial dwelling, with 
convenient barns and farm buildings for the storage 
of the farm produce and the shelter of the stock. 
He gives attention to the raising of cattle, horses 
and hogs, and from a financial standpoint his voca- 
tion has |)roved successful. 

On the 5th of December, 18C7, our subject was 
united in marriage with Miss Teanna Tanner, a na- 
tive of Switzerland. She was born on the 14th of 
January, 1847, near Berne, and is a daughter of 
John and Catharine Tanner, who are now residing 
in Logan Township, this county. The family of 
our subject and his wife includes nine children, the 
older members budding into young manhood and 
womanhood, attractive and intelligent, on whom are 
bestowed the following names: Adelia. Amelia, 
John, Bertha, Mabel, Kzra, Charlie, Marie and Jose- 
phine. The parents of our subject were religious 
people, who did not shrink from the duty of plac- 
ing before their children the truths of religion anil 
the example of Christian lives; thus our subject was 
early in life taught to believe in the Scriptures, ac- 
cording to the doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, but while he Is a believer in the Christian 
religon he has not yet identified himself with any 
church. 

During his residence in his native land our sub- 
ject was loyal to his Sovereign, and served for seven 
years in the militia of H. R. II. (^ueen Victoria. 
Since his removal to his adopted country he has 
informed himself on all topics of public interest, in 
order that he might be qualified to act as an intelli- 
gent and enterprising citizen, and in matters of 
politics affiliates with the Republican party. 

A view of the farm property of Mr. LePoideviu 
is shown in this connection. 



ji^REDERlCK H. LOHMEYER. In February, 

|l-^gi 1883, the subject of this sketch came to 
jis Glenwood Township with iiis wife and one 
child, settling on his present farm of IGO acres on 
section 18. Since that time his little homestead has 



received his entire attention, and is rising into 
inorainence as one of the most desirable pieces 
of property in the locality. He understands the 
proper cultivation of the soil, and is effecting the im- 
jjrovements consistent with his means, adding each 
3'ear something to the beauty and value of the 
premises. He has recently completed a handsome 
() welling, and has around him alread3' many of the 
comforts and conveniences suggestive of an older 
man and a longer residence. 

The early home of our subject was on the other 
side of the Atlantic, he having been born in the 
Province of Hanover, Germany, Ma}' 7. 1849. 
When a lad of twenty j'ears he emigrated to the 
United States alone. He first settled in the count}' 
of Iowa, in the State of that name. After occupy- 
ing this four years, he removed to the vicinity of 
Fremont, Dodge Co., Neb., and from there a year 
afterward changed his residence to Dawson County. 
They lived there tiiree years, where he took a claim, 
but which he kept about three years, then went to 
Mitchell County, Kan. Our subject, after a sojourn 
of three years in tlie latter, moved into Washington 
County, that State, living there also three years, 
and at the expiration of this time took up his abode 
in this county. 

In the Fatherland 3'oung Lohmeyer assisted his 
father at blacksmithing, locksmithing and farming, 
and also worked some in the distillery owned by 
the latter. The father, Frederick Lohmeyer, was a 
native of Hanover, and married Miss Margaret En- 
gel, a native of his own Province. The}' were the 
parents of six children, of whom Frederick, Jr., 
was the eldest son and second child. Our subject 
is considerably interested in stock-raising, and will 
probably extend his operations in this direction, as 
he gradually gathers about him the facilities for 
doing so. 

In Washington County, Kan., Mr. Lohmeyer was 
married, Nov. 9, 1880, to Miss Caroline, daughter 
of Jacob and Elizabeth Ann (Day) Gundelfinger^ 
wlio were natives respectively of German}' and Illi- 
nois. Mr. G. emigrated to America when a young 
man, and is now living in Hanover, Washington 
Co., Kan., having settled there in June, 1860. The 
motiier died in Hanover, Kan., Aug. 29, 1885. 
I They were the parents of eleven children, of whom 



^•••Hh-^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



GC 



Mrs. L. was tbe si'Coiul horn. She first opened her 
ej-es to the light in Hanover, Wasliington Co., Kan., 
Oct. 3. 1861. and was there reared to womaniiood, 
remaining with her parents until her marriai^e. She 
is now the mother of four ehihlreu, three of whom, 
Maggie E. C, Anna and John G., thej' with sad 
hearts consigned to little graves in infancy. Their 
only child, Frederick Jacob, was born Aug. .5, 1881. 
Mr. and Mrs. Lohmeyer are members of the 
Lutheran Church, in the doctrines of which they 
had been trained from childhood. Mr. L. believes 
in progress and reform, .ind politically, is a decided 
Republican. 



4 



ff^ TEPHEN S. JONES, editor and proprietor 
^^^ of the Blue Springs Motor., comes of excel- 
Illy D) '(^'it Welsh ancestry. His father, Edward 
S. Jones, was born in Wales in 1818, and 
emigr.ated to America when a joung man twenty- 
two years of age. Locating in Pittsbuigh, Pa., lie 
followed his trade of stair-builder, finally becoming 
a eontr.nctor, and w.as a resident of the Smoky Citj' 
for a period of twenty years. 

Upon leaving Pennsylvania the father of our 
subject took up his abode in Tiiurman, Ohio, where 
he has resided since 1855. He followed his busi- 
ness of contractor a number of years, then retired, 
anil is spending his last days in peace and comfort. 
The mother, Mrs. Eliza (Evans) Jones, was born in 
Wales also, and emigrated to America when a young 
lady of eighteen years. She subsequently lived in 
Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Youngstovvn, Ohio, 
and departed this life at iier home in Thurniau, 
Ohio. April 21, 1888. The family included eight 
children, five sons and three daughters, six of whom 
are living, and are now residents mostly of Ohio. 

The subject of our sketch was born at Pittsburgh, 
Pa., Oct. 8, 1850, and when five years of age re- 
moved to Thurman, Ohio, with his parents. He 
received a common-school education, comi)leting 
his studies at the academj' in Gallipolis, and the 
Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio, in 1870. He 
afterward was employed as a teacher in the schools 
of Thurman until 1872, and in May of that year 
started for the West. His first residence in tliis 



State was in Rulo, where he officiated as Principal 
of the schools of that place two years, and from 
there went to Galipolis, Ohio, and for a year was in 
the teachers' department of the academy there. 
Later he returned to Thurman, where he taught 
school and studied law. He was admitted to the 
bar, and returned to Rulo in 1876. There he was 
again made Principal of the city schools, and in due 
time was elected County Superintendent, serving as 
such two years. Next he had charge of the Ster- 
ling schools, with which he was connected for 
one year, and in 1880 was called to Liberty, the 
schools of which he was connected with one year. 
Then becoming interested in newspaper work, he 
purchased the Liberty Journal, wiiich he con- 
ducted a year, then sold, and invested his capital in 
the Blue Springs Motor, Feb. 1, 1883. This paper 
he also sold a year later, and for two years follow- 
ing was editor of the Beatrice Republican. At the 
expiration of this time he returned to Blue Springs, 
repurchased the Motor, and is now giving his at- 
tention to the business connected therewith. 

Mr. Jones was married, May 14, 1873, to Miss 
Alberta R. Easley, of Rulo. and they have become 
the parents of two children — Blanche and Easley. 
Mrs. Jones was born in Halifax County, Va., July 
11, 1855, and is the daughter of Albert and Eliza- 
beth Easley, who were natives of Virginia, and are 
now residents of Falls City, this State. The father is 
retired from active business. Mrs. Jones was care- 
fully reared and educated, and lived at home with 
her parents until her marriage. 



OHN S. JONES, a late resident of Barnes- 
ton Township, having silent many 3ears in 
well-doing, has gone to receive the reward 
which is promised to those who lead con- 
sistent and Christian lives on earth. He was born 
in AVales, in September, 1844, and was a son of 
Thomas Jones (deceased), who was a native of the 
same counUy. When he was about twenty-seven 
j'ears old he made up his mind to come to America, 
and in 1872 he departed from his native land, and 
after enduring the voyage across the water arriveil 
safely' in the harbor for which he was bound. He 



:^Ml^ 



-4«- 



■•► 



0G4 



GAGE COUNTY. 



made liis home in Shenandoah County, Pa., and 
for five years worked in ihe cij:il mines, after which, 
in 1877, lie went to Willianisburo, Iowa, and liegan 
farming. For four j'oars lie continued the pur- 
suit of agriculture in that place, and in the spring of 
1881 he brought his family to this county, making 
his home where the family- now live. 

On the 18th of August, 1869, our subject was 
united in marriage in his native country to Miss 
Ann S. Lloyd, a daughter of John and Elizabeth 
Lloyd, who were natives of the same country. She 
was horn in September, 1842, and came with our 
subject to the United States in 1872. By their 
marriage they have become tlie parents of eight 
children, whose names and thedates of whose births 
are noted as follows; Lizzie was born on the loth 
of August, 1870; Saraii, on the 4th of October, 
1872; Maggie, on the 31st of March, 1 875 ;John T., 
on the 3d of August, 1877; Mary E., on the 10th of 
October, 1880 ; Robert V., on the 10th of November, 
1882; Edith, on the KUhof April, 1885; and Lu- 
ther E., on the 1st of March, 1887. At the time 
wiien this growing family so much needed the care 
and protection of a kind father he was taken from 
them, leaving to his bereaved wife the burden of 
caring for a family whose oldest son was about 
eleven j-ears old. He died on the 10th of Jul}', 
1888, and his family was not onl^' deprived of an 
affectionate husband and a tender father, but their 
loss was mourned by the community. 

Our subject was one of the pillars in the Welsh 
Presbyterian Church of Blue Valley, a good Chris- 
tian man, respected and loved b}' all. He was a 
friend to the i)oor man, sympathizing with him, and 
as far as he was able assisting him in the accumula- 
tion of this world's goods, and in the preparation 
for a useful life. He had provided well for his 
family, showing in that respect his love for them, to 
the end that if he were taken from them they 
might not be left in destitute circumstances. His 
farm of 160 acres on section 18, Barneston Town- 
ship, is managed by Mrs. Jones, who has assumed 
the responsibilities from which her sons ma}' soon 
be able to relieve her. When our subject died he 
legretted to leave his loved family, but knowing 
that he could not be with them always, and con- 
scious of having led a useful and Christian life, he 



was ready to answer the summons and sulwuit his 
life to the hands of Him who gave it. None 
knew him but to love him, and his memory will 
long be cherished in the hearts of his warm and ad- 
miring friends, who have much sympathy for the 
widovv and family so earl}' bereaved of his tender 
care. Me has gone to receive his reward, having 
left an example worthy to be followed by his sons, 
and worthy of the admiration of all. He was 
forty-four years, nine months and twenty-seven 
days old at his demise. 



ENRY THEASMAEIR, of Clatonia Town- 
ship, is numbered among its leading farmers' 
and is considerably interested in stock- 
raising. His homestead, a view of which is 
given in this work, is pleasantly located on sec- 
tion 15, and indicates the manner in which he has 
labored during the years of his residence here, 
which commenced in tlie spring of the year 1875. 
A native of Germany, our subject was born in Dat- 
mold, Feb. 21, 1850, and is the son of Henry and 
Amelia (Talle) Theasmaeir, who left hiin an orphan 
at an early age, the mother passing from earth when 
he was two years old and the father four years 
later. 

Our subject was reared by relatives, and when 
ten years of age began the struggle of life by work- 
ing out on a farm, and was thus occupied four 
years. He then engaged in a brickj'ard, where he 
remained until 1869, then resolved to emigrate to 
America. In the spring of that year he secured 
passage on a sailing-vessel bound from the port of 
Bremen to New York City, and after an ocean 
voyage of twelve days landed upon American soil. 
Proceeding directly to Stephenson County, 111., he 
hired out on a farm, and was engaged in agricultural 
pursuits in that region for a period of seven years, 
working for onl}' three different parties during that 
entire time. His first wages were 811 per month 
and board, but he was soon promoted, and during 
the last four years of his labors as an employe re- 
ceived the creditable salarj' of $225 and his l)oard. 

Mr. Theasmaeir in the spring of 1875 crossed the 
Mississippi, anil coming into this county purchased 



||| ■ -.^l^ffSt 



«■ ^ 



y 




^CUIO / o/ccyyCc \ 



-#»■ 



1 



GAGE COUNTY. 



COT 



eighty acres of railroad laiul on section 15 in Cle- 
tonia Tuwiisliip. Tliis, it is hardly necessary to saj', 
had been undisturbed by the plowshare, and tiiere 
was neither shelter for man nor beast, but lie soon 
erected a luiinhle dwelling. He was married to 
Miss Susie Lauber, in Gage Count}', April 21, 1875, 
and tliey took possession of theii' first abode with 
hearts strong and hopeful for tlie future. In due 
time the little household embraced five children: 
Henry, l)orn Nov. 23, 1876; Anne, Aug. 28, 1878; 
Emma, Oct. 23, 1880: George, .July 26, 1882, and 
Nana, Aug. 5, 18^7. They are all living and con- 
tinue under the home roof. 

Mrs. Theasmaeir was born Julj' oO, 1852, in Ste- 
phenson County, III., and is the daughter of Jacob 
and Doretha (Rub}') Lauber. the former now de- 
ceased and the mother a resident of Clatoniu Town- 
ship. Mr. T., politically, votes the straight Repub- 
lican ticket, and in religious matters is a member in 
good standing of the Methodist Ei)iseopal Church, 
being one of its chief pillars and most liberal sup- 
porters. He rejjresents a fine jjroperty, accumulated 
by his own industry and energy, and is one of the 
thrifty and reliable citizens who have assisted in 
bringing this county to its present condition. 

* ^^f^^^^^s^i^ 5. 

JACOB TAYLOR, one of the leading farmers 
and land-ownei's of Sicily Township, was born 
on the 3d of Sejjtember, 1827, in England, 
and at the age of thirty-one years he left 
his native country to come to America. .StarlTing 
from Liverpool on the loth of October, 1858, he 
endured a voyage of six weeks and two days, land- 
ing at the end of that time in New Orleans. Go- 
ing at once to Peoria, III., he stopped for six weeks 
with his uncle, John (Jreeiihalgh. and thence mi- 
grated to Wyoming. Stark Co., III., where he re- 
mained for twenty-four years. At that place he 
had a farm of 170 acres of land. He came to his 
present home in March, 1883, where he has since 
lived, having a fine farm of 551 acres splendidly 
improved on section 36, Sicily Townshi|). He also 
has 480 acres on sections 35, 2 and 7, on one of 
which farms his son Sherman and daughter Eliza- 
beth, now Mrs. John L. Dawson, reside. Our sub- 



jeet gives attention to the raising of grain and live 
stock. 

On the 20th of August, 1650, Mr. T.aylor was 
married, near Haywood, England, to Miss Alice Ho- 
worth, and they have a family of seven children: 
Elizabeth, who was married on the 20th of August, 
1879, to Mr. John Dawson; Esther Ann, now Mrs. 
John Kelly; James, John J., Edwin J., Sherman 
and Albert D. The three eldest children are mar- 
ried and live in this vicinity. 

When Mr. and Mrs. Taylor arrived in Wyoming, 
III., they luad about the sum of §60 in money, and by 
industry and strict application to business, they 
have since accumulated the valuable property men- 
tioned. The farm is one of the best and finest im- 
pioved in the neighborhood, being well stocked, 
and having all the modern conveniences for the 
pursuit of agriculture. The fine horse-teams draw- 
ing the riding or buggy-plow, now seen in the fields, 
present a great contr.ast to the teams of the earlier 
settlers, they very often consisting of the slow and 
harmless oxen, drawing the rude and i)rimitive 
bre.aking-plow. 

The father of our subject, John Taylor, was also 
a native of England, in which country he married 
Miss Ann Greenhalgh (our subject's mother). There 
were ten children of this family, all of whom, with 
the exceittion of our subject, remained in England, 
and there the father and mother died. Jacob re- 
ceived a common-scho<jl education in his own coun- 
try, and at about the age of seventeen years he 
beo^an learning the carpenter's trade with his father, 
who then carried on that business; but later he 
took a fancy to machinery, and then learned the 
machinist's trade, at which he worked until he came 
to America. The wages which he received as a 
machinist were twenty-five shillings per week, being 
the highest w.ages he ever received there. 

Having adopted America as his country and future 
place of residence, our subject made himself ac- 
quainted with the form of govern meut and general 
political information, that he might be enabled to 
enjoy the privileges of an American citizen and 
voter, and the policy of the Republican l)arty hav- 
ing met his approval, he joined himself to that 
organization. He takes an active interest in the 
welfare of the country, in her educational and politi- 
•^ 



"i 



■ ► 1 1^ 



008 



GAGE COL'^TY. 



cal advancement and prosperity, and in every way 
he has striven to inaiie himself an lionorable resi- 
dent of his commiinit}', winning li}' his own qiiali- 
fieations of worth tlie highe-st esteem and the entire 
approval of his feUowmen and associates in busi- 
ness. 

The poitrait of Mr. Taylor, which will be found 
on an accompanying page, occupies its rightful posi- 
tion among those of the men of wealth and influence 
in Gage County, to the progress and development 
of which he has contributed his full quota. 




lENJAIMlN F. MOORE is entitled to honor- 
able mention in this collection of biogra- 
phies, because of his illustrious ancestors, 
"^^^' and their connection with the American 
struggle for independence, and subsequent wars; of 
liis own war record, which lias been most gratify- 
ing; of his early connection with this State, and the 
subsequent manner in which he distinguished him- 
self in its behalf, as well as tiie present position 
which he so ably fills. His parents, James and 
Harriet (Barton) Moore, were natives of Pennsyl- 
vania, the former being born in Juniata County', 
and the latter in Union County. The grandfather 
of our subject. John jMoore, was a Major in the 
Revolutionarj' War, and had two brothers killed in 
the same war, one at Brandywine and one at Ben- 
nington. The grandfather was born in Ringgold's 
Manor, in Maryland, but the inhabitants were driven 
out by the Indians to Juniata County, Pa. The 
great-grandfather of our subject was of Scotch- 
Irish descent, a Protestant in religion, and came to 
Maryland with Lord Baltimore, being one of the 
colon3' which settled in that State. They were 
molested l)y the Indians, and they removed to 
Pennsylvania, where the^- were among the first 
permanent settlers. This illustrious ancestor of our 
subject assisted William Penn in surveying the 
boundary line for the State which bears his name. 

The father of our subject was a ph^'sician, and 
for fifty-eight years he practiced his profession in 
Juniata Valley, Pa., living to the advanced age of 
eighty six years, longevity being a characteristic of 



this family. Some of the ancestors attained the 
remarkable age of one hundred and five years, 
others ninety-five, and thus transmitted the vigor of 
advanced years to their descendants. Maj. Moore 
was atone lime a slave-holder, but becoming con- 
vinced of the curse of slavery, he liberated his 
own servants and became a very strong Whig. 
There is not a battle-field of the Union that is not 
stained by the blood of this illustrious family, 
unless it be that of the Seminole War. The father 
was an examining surgeon in the War of 1812, 
and in the late civil uni)leasantness eight of his sons, 
including our subject, enlisted and served through- 
out the war, all returning home alive, an incident 
not duplicated in the history of the war. The 
mother of our subject died on the 14th of Septem- 
ber, 1864, in Fulton Count}', Pa., when she was 
sixty-three years old, and had been a loving and 
devoted mother to a family of twelve children. 
Her death was an irreparable loss, not only to her 
family, who deeply mourned the bereavement, but 
to a laige circle of friends and acquaintances, who 
understood and appreciated her true worth and 
Christian character. Of her children we have the 
following record: Kinebar A. resides in Adams; 
Ellen died at the age of three years; Rebecca is 
now Mrs. J. B. Alexander; John C. makes his home 
in Harrisburg, Pa.; Dr. C. W. is in Sterling, Neb. ; 
Julia is now Mrs. Gr.ay, of Adams; Harriet, now 
Mrs. Kennedy, of Sterling; Maj. Joseph A., of 
Harrisl)urg, Pa.; James M., of Adams; Lieut. Ben- 
jamin Franklin (our subject) ; William H., deceased, 
and'Curran E., in Cropsc}'. 

Our subject was born on the 30th of January, 
1838, at Shirleysburg, Huntingdon Co., Pa., under 
the rafters of the old homestead. When he was 
three j'ears of .age his father sold the homestead in 
Huntingdon County, and went to Fulton County, 
where he built a woolen factory and sawmills on 
a large tract of land, thus the earliest scenes of 
our subject's recollection were in the latter count}-. 
He began to work when he w.as but a young 
lad of eleven j'ears, lending his assistance in lum- 
bering and farming, and attended the subscrip- 
tion schools, although the educational advantages 
were not great. The first school which he at- 
tcndeil was held in a log house that he had hcli)ed 



•^^ 



GAGE COUKTY. 



^•^T^ 



669 



to biiilil, and all llie siimjiiiuliiigs were of the most 
primitive fashion. His father was a strong Whig 
and a personal friend of Henry Clay, tlius our sub- 
jeet was early imliued with ideas of freedom and 
libertj', as were his seven brothers, and as lie grew 
to manhood his strength of character and intellect- 
ual faculties were developed from the association 
with the greatest minds of the age. He served a 
regular apprenticeship b^' which he learned the 
plasterer's trade, which he followed for some time. 
From his earliest recollections he h.is had a fond- 
ness for collecting and preserving relics and bric-a- 
brac, and has now quite a large collection of old 
and interesting articles, many of which savor of 
startling reminiscences of Colonial and Revolution- 
arv times. 

Having the patriotism thus inborn and innate in 
a maul}' breast, at the breaking out of the Rebell- 
ion our subject at once enlisted in Battery A, 1st 
Pennsylvania Light Artillery, for three months' 
service, and participated in the engagements at Sir 
John's Run and Bath. He then re-enlisted in the 
United States service for three years, or during the 
war, in the same battery, and fought at Cedar 
Mountain. Chancellorsville, South Mountain and 
Antietam, when he was transferred, in Se|)tember, 
1862, to Company K of the 6th United States 
Cavalry. He next served at Sulphur Springs, Fred- 
ericksburg, Stoneman's raid and Beverl3' Ford, 
where they met the enemy in a hand-to-hand en- 
gagement which was the largest and hardest fought 
cavalry tight in the war. In this engagement his 
horse was shot under bim, the bullet passing through 
the unfortunate animal's bod^-, and it fell dead to 
the ground, pinning underneath it our subject's left 
leg, in trying to extricate which he was severely 
and permanently injured. He next fought at Mid- 
dleburg, then Upperville, and at Gettysburg he was 
one of Gen. Me.ade's special detached officers. He 
was in the center of the fight, and when the illus- 
trious Hancock was shot our subject was right be- 
side him. He was also at Brandy Station, and in 
Ma3', 1S64, the time of his enlistment having ex- 
pired, he re-enlisted as Second Lieutenant in Com- 
pany A, 12th Maryland Infantry, for services of 
bravery and valor being afterward promoted to the 
rank of First Lieutenant. He was then appointed 



aide on the staff of Gen. Lew Wallace, in the cam- 
paign at Monocacy, against Gen. Earl}'. 

Our subject was under fire in thirty-seven skir- 
mishes and battles, and he assisted at the unloading 
of the Anderson ville prisoners at Annapolis, being 
retained six months longer in the special service of 
the United .Slates, from which he obtained his final 
discharge after the close of the war. His seven 
brothers also fought long and valiantly, and it 
seems almost due to the special protection of a kind 
Providence that while they were in some of the 
hottest engagements of tl»e Rebellion they all came 
home alive. From a letter written by our subject 
after the battle of Cedar Mountain, and one written 
in reply by his loving mother, wc take the fi/Uowing 
extracts : 

"Artilleiu' Camp, near Clli>epek ) 
•■Court House, Aug. 17, 1862. ) 

"Dear Brother and Home: — Again having leis- 
ure to write I thought it prudent to keep my pen 
moving, and not forget home. We are again get- 
ting fixed up and settled after the fight. I know 
by this time what the reality of war is, and if I 
should never happen in another engagement I should 
be perfectly satisfied. But if I am called into other 
engagements I will try to do the best I can for the 
cause for which we are all battling. The old flag 
is more precious to me th.an ever it was before. 
Just to see the rebels carrying their motto before 
them and trying to put down the old National 
colors, I tell you it does stir up the so-called 
•Yankee' blood within me. Yon can see none of 
the Southern boldness at home in the North, here 
plenty of it can be seen; however, we boys under 
Gen. Pope make it hot for them when we get hohl 
of them. Yesterday' a number of us went out to 
the battle-field to get the hod}- of the man that was 
killed on our gun. We buried him on Monday 
right on the battle-field, but having made a coflin 
for him we raised his body out of the first grave 
and gave him a burial in the Soldiers' Cemetery. It 
was a disagreeable and disheartening job, but we 
thought it was right to give him a proper burial. 
I was nearly all over the field and found where 
many a brave fellow struck the dust for the last 
time, both •boys of the blue' and "boys of the gray.' 
The graves are large and many, and mark the 



•^f^ 



CTO 



GAGE COUNTY. 






batlle-fiekl of Cedar IMoiintain. It is no job to find 
many trophies of the batlle-ficid, but I felt I could 
not touch an3thinf; that belonged to the poor un- 
fortunate ones who fell. The dying groans and 
last struggles of the dying ones can never be de- 
picted by the pen ; it is a sight those present alone 
can behold, a sight which never can be expressed. 
* * * Now write often to your affectionate 
brother. Direct as liefore. Do your best for the 
old folks, and [ will try to partly compensate yon 
for your trouble. 1 sent 15 to Ellen for a dress, 
anil when 1 draw my next pay I will send you some 
more if j'ou want it. Good-b}". 

"B. Fkank Mooke." 

The following letter was written by the motlier 
of our subject in reply to his of the 17th. above 
noted : 

"New Gkanada, August, 1862. 

"Deak Frank: — You do not know what comfort 
your letter gave us; as long as you are able to hold 
a pen do not forget to write. * * * jjy sq,j, 
while you are rallying around the flagof the Union, 
do not f(jrget to rally around the standard of King 
Jesus. Y'ou m.ay soon be ushered into His presence; 
go in His fear, your cause is just. Pray that you 
may be saved and restored to us; we pray unceas- 
ingly for your preservation, and that you may be 
guarded from all evil. Act as if every moment 
were your last. Be careful of j'our diet; your 
crackers may be hard, yet thej' are wholesome. 
Avoid all evil companions; be subject to your 
superiors. Give our respects to your Captain. The 
Lord bless and take care of you is the prayer of 
your mother, Harriet Moore." 

"Who can say that it was not in answer to the 
prayers of this loving and devoted mother, who 
could send out her eight boys, not knowing that she 
should ever again look upon one of their faces, and 
yet so bravely encourage them to do their dut^- in 
behalf of their country ? Who can sa}' that it was not 
because of her devotion and sacrifice that her sons- 
were peiinitted to return to their home.'' Having 
served for four years, two months and three d.ays, 
our subject was honorably discharged, and returned 
to Ills home in Fulton County, Pa., on the 18th of 
August, 1866. In the following year he started 
from Pittsburgh ami came to Omaha, eugaging at 



his trade for a few months, and in the same year, 
on the 16th of October, he took up a homestead on 
which the Cropsey post-office, in Adams Township, 
is now located, where he was one of the first set- 
tlers. He started for St. Joseph, stopped at Brown- 
ville until December 24, and in company with two 
of his brothers came to his own homestead. His 
patent on the liomestead was signed by Ulysses S. 
Grant, and was among the first homesteads issued. 
In the spring of 1868, after Lincoln was located, 
our subject worked in that city and through the 
summer at plastering. He had the contract for 
plastering the old cajjitol building, and with eight 
men did the work, completing it on December 8, 
with five men. 

On the 13lh of January. 1869, our subject was 
united in marriage with Miss Amazctta K. McCord, 
daughter of Mitchell K. and Amanda (Howell) 
McCord, the former of whom was born, in Monon- 
gahela Countj', Pa., and the latter in Louisville, Ky. 
The father's parents died when he was very young, 
and he was for a time engaged in working on flat- 
boats on the Ohio and Mississipjji Rivers, vviiere he 
made the acquaintance of young Abraham Lincoln, 
who was engaged in the same work in his early 
struggles with the world. The father of Mrs. 
Moore went to Kentuckj' on a flatboat, and stopped 
for awhile at Louisville, where he went into busi- 
ness, and became a friend of Daniel Boone. While 
there he also made the acquaintance of Peter Cart- 
wright, and was himself widely known as a fron- 
tiersman. He was a stock-trader, but he would 
have no slaves, and in this respect he sympathized 
with his friends James Lane and John Brown. He 
went to Madison, Wis., when there was but one 
traders' post there, about the year 1834, and kept 
the hotel known as the •American House" for 
some time. Li 1856, in company with Harry Gil- 
mar, '-the raider," he started on an expedition tour 
through the West, and in the course of their journey 
they came to the Big Nemaha, which was much 
swollen. In order to cross the stream Mr. Gilmar 
took Mr. McCord on his back and swam the stream 
near its mouth. There they formed the acquaint- 
ance of John Brown and James Lane, of Kunsas_ 
JNlr. McCord purchased a section of land in Rich- 
ardson County and engaged in farming, and he 
•>> 



-L 



GAGE COUNTY. 



-•► 



r.Ti 



i' 



also became the proprietor of a freight anfl stage 
route. It fell to his lot to take the celebrated In- 
dian eiiicfs White Cloud and Tecumseh to Illinois, 
where llie^' took the railroad train to Washington, 
on their first trip, or mission, to settle affairs in 
regard to their lands. Both Mr. and Mrs. McCord 
were very generous; at times the latter cooked for 
.500 Indians, and as long .as they had provisions 
they shared with them. The father was the leading 
man in several gigantic enterprises, and w.as "up 
and down" in the financial world several times. In 
1871 he moved to South Lancaster Countj', where 
he made his home, and after a long and busy life he 
spent a few j-ears in retirement at Bennet. He died 
there on the 13th of September, 1886, when he was 
seventj'-seven years old, and his remains now rest 
in Panama, where a handsome monument marks his 
grave. Mrs.-MoCord still makes her home in Ben- 
net, and is seventy-five years old; she is the mother 
of nine children — William J., Joseph, Josephine, 
Henry, Cassey, Carlton, Aniazetta, and two un- 
named. 

Mrs. Moore was born at Madison, Wis., on the 
3d of Febniar3% 1849, where she passed her early 
days, and she was nine years old when she came to 
Nebraska, her parents moving across eountrj' ivith 
one carriage and one wagon. She and her mother 
rode on the first passenger train which left M.adison 
for Louisville, Ky., and while living in the former 
place her sister attended the acadeniv. After her 
removal to Nebraska she attended a select school in 
Richardson County, taught by a young lady named 
Miss Cooper, in a private house, there being no 
public schools and no churches there at th.at time. 
While her father was keeping hotel in Brownville, 
she made the acquaintance of our subject, and after 
a brief courtship, at the age of twenty' years, she was 
married, and left her father's roof to grace the home 
of her husband, which she has done to perfection, 
combining with her personal charms and fascinat- 
ing manner the refinement of a true womanly 
heart. She is the mother of three children, named: 
Frank V., Thomas W. and Julia J., of whom the 
firet is an engineer in the elevator at Adams, and 
the two last named are at home attending school. 

Our subject owns eighty-five acres of good farming 
land, and a house and lot in town. He is independent 

.^ 



in i)olitical views, sufficiently non-partisan to vote 
for men rather than for the upholding of anj' part}'. 
He w.as elected almost unanimously for Supervisor 
in 1888, which office he is now filling, and luas 
been Constable and a member of the School Board. 
Frank V. Moore was the first white cl>.ild born in the 
Nemaha Valley, our subject having been an early 
resident, and prominently' identified with public 
affairs since that early day. Mrs. Moore owns a 
millinery store in Adams, and her taste, abilit}' and 
.affable ways have built up a fair trade for her. In 
regard to the family of which our subject is a mem- 
ber we clip the following interesting account from 
the Sterling News: "The city of Sterling is the home 
of many members of one of the most remarkable 
families that America h.as produced — we refer to the 
Moore family. Eight stalwart brothers of the said 
family were in the War of the Rebellion at one 
time, fighting for the defense of American liberties 
and the perpetuation of American institutions. This 
family will hold a reunion at the residence of Mrs. 
H. L. Kennedy, one of the sisters, next Friday, the 
occasion being the seventieth birthday of Judge 
K. A. Moore, the oldest member of the family. 
There will be present at this reunion. Judge K. A. 
Moore; Hon. John C. Moore, of Ilarrisburg, Pa.: 
Dr. C. W. Moore, James M. Moore. B. F. Mooie, 
W. H. Moore, C. E. Moore, and two sisters, Mrs. 
W. A. Gray and Mrs. H L. Kennedy. One sister, 
Mrs. Alexander, and one brother, Capt. J. A. 
Moore, who is Principal of the Whitehall Soldiers' 
Orphans' Home, at Ilarrisburg, Pa., will not be 
present." 

A writer in the National Tribune in speaking 
of this family says: "I hope you will allow me to 
offer a tribute to the memory of the mother of 
these eight heroes. When the war broke out she 
was more than threescore j-ears old, and in April, 
1861, the writer saw her approach five of her stal- 
wart sons, every man of whom afterward distin- 
guished himself .and came home only when the war 
was ended, .as they stood in the ranks ready to 
leave the home of their childhood for the bloody 
fra}', and giving each a mother's kiss and a mother's 
parting blessing, told them to acquit themselves 
like men, and if the charge of cowardice ever was 
attached to any one of them he must never intrude 



■♦- 



-•»- 



672 



GAGE COUNTY. 



himself upon his mother again. The dear old lady 
was a most devoted Christian, and thanked God for 
honoring her by making her tlie mother of eight 
soldiers for the Union. She had an unwavering 
faith that God would return all of her sons to her 
alive. In this she was not disai)poiiite(l ; her sons 
all came home, but when they came the grand old 
Spartan mother, whose prayers and bemidictionshad 
made them strong in the hour of trial, had gone to 
receive the crown of immortality." 



-*- 




4 



RANKLIN L. CHAMBERLIN is a suecess- 
(s^< ful farmer and stock-raiser residing on sec- 
tion 20. Blue Springs Township, where be 
has a fine farm of eighty acres. He was born in 
Macomb. 111., on the 14th of February, 1857, his 
father, Isaac G. Chamberlin, having moved to that 
place from his native State. He was born on the 
24th of October, 1817, in Adains County, Pa., near 
Gettysburg, and his earliest recollections were of 
the scenes and events of his home near the foot of 
the Alleghany Mountains. He married Miss Mary 
J. Adair, who was also a native of Adams County, 
Pa. They were married in Illinois, in December, 
1851. The father came to Nebraska with his fam- 
ily in 1878, but owing to ill-health returned to his 
son in McDonough County, 111., where he died soon 
after in 1881, at the age of sixty-three. The 
mother died at the home of her son, the subject of 
this sketch, in Gage County, Neb., in May, 1880, 
aged sixty-two years. Our subject spent the first 
fourteen j-ears of bis life in his native city, after 
which he moved with his parents to a farm about 
eight miles distant, and engaged in the labors of 
agricultural life. He received many valuable les- 
sons fiom his father, which have been of much 
benefit to him in conducting his own well-improved 
and lucrative farm. 

In vScptember, 1878, our subject came to this 
county, the next spring settling on his present farm, 
on which he has since resided, although five years 
of the time he has engaged in business in Blue 
Springs. He now gives his whole attention to his 
farm, making a specialty of breeding graded stock. 
His house, barns and other buildings are in good 

<• 



order, and the general appearance of the place, 
with its well-kept fences and largely productive 
fields, shows him to lie a man of thrift and in(]ustry. 
He was married, on the 9th of May, 1883, to Miss 
Mary Sandrilter, a daughter of Henry and Mar- 
garet (letter) Sandritter, of Blue Springs, who 
were natives of Germany, and came to this connt3' 
in the year 1867. Mrs. Chamberlin was born in 
Peoria, III., on the 20th of October, 1800, and came 
to this county with her parents when she was seven 
years old. She has been a faithful companion and 
helpmate to her husband, and has often assisted him 
in the management of his labor by her kindly ad- 
vice and sympath}', bearing her share of the house- 
hold labors. 

Our subject devotes his time so closely to the 
necessary work of his farm — than which there is no 
occupation more confining, and at the same time 
affording so wide and broad a scope for the de- 
velopment of phj'sical strength and Christian prin- 
ciples — that he does not engage prorainenth' in 
the political field, and does not care to seek office, 
but has well-defined views of the same, and affiliates 
with the Republican partj'. He is a well-known 
member of the I. O. O. F., in which order he has 
passed all the degrees and chairs, and was the dele- 
gate to the Grand Lodge of the State, held in 
Omaha, in October, 1888. He and his wife are es- 
teemed members of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
at Blue Springs, and are well respected by the peo- 
ple of their community. 



f^DGAR C. SALISBURY, manager of the 
i^ Beatrice Ice Company, is well known among 
^ — ^ the business men of the city, and possesses 
the enterprise necessary for the superintendence of 
the industrj' with which he is connected. He was 
born in Georgetown, Madison Co., N. Y., March 
8, 1849, and is the only son of Eber and Mary 
(Atwood) Salisbury, who were also natives of the 
Empire State. Mitchell Atwood, the maternal 
grandfather of our subject, was one of the earliest 
settlers of Madison County, to which he removed 
with an ox-team from Connecticut during its pio- 



*^h^ 



-U. 



GAGE COUNTY. 



G73 






neei- days. On the otlier side of the house Grand- 
father Richard Salisbiirj' vv.asa pioneer in Rensselaer 
Count}', N. Y., and there spent tiie remainder- of 
his days. 

The parents of our subject settled in Madison 
Count}-, N. Y., after their marriage, where the 
father pursued his trade .as wheehvriglit many years. 
Later he became interested in milling and the lum- 
ber trade. He still resides at Georgetown, N. Y. 
The mother passed awa}' in 1882, at the age of 
fifty-eight. Edgar B., after taking a course of 
study in the common school near his early home, 
became a student of Cazenovia Seminary, from 
which he was graduated in 1868. He then began 
teaching, which, however, he followed but a brief 
time, then went into the flouring-mill with his father, 
wiiere he remained until 1874. 

We next find Mr. Salisbury in New York City, 
eng.aged as clerk with the Wells Tea Company, his 
residence in New York City extending over a pe- 
riod of four years. In the spring of 1878 he came 
to this State, and at Beatrice engaged as clerk with 
the firm of H. A. LaSelle, who were carrying on 
general merchandising. His capabilities were such 
that he soon attracted the commendable attention 
of his fellow-citizens, and received the appointment 
of Deputy Sheriff, under Eugene Mack. Subse- 
quently he returned to mercantile business, becom- 
ing the clerk of George H. Clark & Co., with whom 
he continued four years. Next he was with J. E. 
Hill, a grocer. He then entered the real-estate 
office of I. N. McConnell, but six months later pur- 
chased the interest of O. N. Wheelock, grocer, of 
the firm of Wheelock & Richards, continuing in 
partnership with Mr. Richards from the fall of 1 883 
until the spring of 1887, since which time he has 
been settling up the business of the ohl firm. 

Mr. Salisbury is one of the original stockholders 
of the Beatrice Ice Company, which was organized 
in 1885, and is now in possession of two-thirds the 
Stock, the balance being owned by Mr. L. F. La- 
Selle. They h.andle immense quantities of ice annu- 
ally, having four good houses, in which the}' stored 
last winter 2,000 tons. Our subject has served on 
the Board of Education, of which he was at one 
time the Secretary, and is a member of Beatrice 
Lodge No. 26, A. F. & A. M., also of Chapter No. 



10 and Commander}- No. 7. in the latter of which 
he is Grand Senior Warden. Politically, he votes 
the straight Republican ticket. 

The marriage of Edgar C. Salisbury and Miss 
Ellen D. L.aSelle, of Lebanon, N. Y., was celebrated 
at the home of the bride iu Lebanon, March 1 1 , 
1874. Mrs. Salisbury has fine artistic talent, as 
can be seen from her many paintings in oil. The 
wife of our subject is a sister of H. A. LaSelle, a 
well-known and higlily respected citizen of Beatrice. 
Of this union there have been born three children — 
Clayton L., Mary Corinne and G. Marion. 



.N-.v.a /,^^ 



-^ 




ICHARD CLEVELAND HOYT is senior 
i^ member of the firm of Hoyt Bros. & Co., 
dealers in lumber at Beatrice, and com- 
<^ manding a large and lucrative trade. A 
native of New York State, he was born near the city 
of Utica, in Oneida County, Aug. 9, 1855, and was 
the eldest of a family of three children, the off- 
spring of William E. and Mary (Cleveland) Hoyt, 
the latter a sister of the President of the United 
States, and the daughter of Richard F. and Ann 
(Allen) Cleveland. 

AVilliam E. Hoyt, the father of our subject, em- 
barked in business as a dry-goods merchant of 
Theresa, N. Y., and later was an assistant in the 
Paymaster's department of the army for a period 
of ten years, during which time he was a resident 
of Onondaga County, N. Y. The parental family 
included two children, sons: William E. resides at 
Fayetteville, N. Y., and his brother in New Orleans. 

Richard C. passed his boyhood in Onondaga 
County, and when a youth of sixteen years left 
home and moved to Rock Island, III., where he 
entered the office of Keater & Wilson, lumber deal- 
ers, filling the position of book-keeper for that firm 
for a period of seven years. Upon leaving this 
house he became book-keeper in the Rock Island 
National Bank, which position he occupied one year. 
In the spring of 1879 he came to Nebr.aska and lo- 
cated in Steele City, where he remained four years, 
acting as agent for the lumber firm of J. S. Keator 
& Co., of IMoline, with which he continued four 
years. The month of June, 1883, found him in Bea- 



f 



^ 



••»• 



674 



GAGE COUNTY. 



tiice, this State, as a niember of tlie firm of his 
former erii|>h)y('rs, and in this firm continues. Suli- 
spquentl^' tlie firm of Hoyt Bros. & Co. came into 
existence, and has now become one of the indispen- 
sable institutions of this part of the county. They 
handle all grades of lumber, both soft and hard, be- 
sides plasterers' material, lime, cement, hair, etc. 
Their large and commodious office is convenienll3'' 
arranged and well fitted up for the prf)])er trans- 
action of an extensive business. The fittings and 
furnishings are especially noticeable, the paneling 
containing forty kinds of wood, both native and 
foreign, the products of South America. 

The marriage of Eichard C. Hoytand JMiss .Susan 
Upson, of this county, was celebrated at the home of 
the bride, June 4, 1«84. Mrs. Hoyt is theilaughter 
of Lyman Ui)Sou; both her parents are deceased. 
The latter were natives of New York, and went lo 
Rockford, 111., subsequently coming to tins count}'. 
Mr. and Mrs. Hoyt occupy a snug home in the 
northern part of the city. Both are members of the 
Congregational Church, in which Mr. Hoyt is an 
active worker and a Trustee. 

Charles G. Hoyt, the yr)unger brother, and 
junior member of the firm of Hoyt Bros. & Co., was 
l)orn in Jefferson County, N. Y., Aug. 19, 1800, 
and completed his education in Onondaga and 
Oneida County, near Utica, to which his parents sub- 
sequently removed. He also early in life started 
out for himself, his first venture after leaving the 
home roof being in the capacity of cleik in the 
office of the Rock Island Railroad Company at Rock 
Island, ]11. Later he entered a wholesale hardware 
establishment as book-keeper, but desirous of a more 
active life started out on the ro.id for the same firm, 
and continued as a traveling salesman until the 
spring of 1881. 

At the date above mentioned Mr. Hoyt made his 
way to this State, locating first in Diller, and 
officiating as airent for J. S. Keator & Co., lumber 
dealers, with whom he remained two years. At the 
expiration of this time, coming to Beatrice he be- 
came the partner of his brother Richard C. and the 
Keator Lumber Company. Mr. Hoyt was married, in 
May of 1882, to Miss Rebecca Diller, of Diller, 
Neb., and they are now the |)arenls of two bright 
childien — Willct C. and Mary Catherine. 



Mrs. Hoyt is the granddaughter of Samuel Diller, 
who is among the early residents of Jefferson County, 
this~State. and in honor of which family the town 
was named. Charles G. is prominently connected 
with the Presbyterian Church, and greatly interested 
in the trail ing of the young, officiating as Superin- 
tendent of the Sunda3-school and otherwise fur- 
thering the Master's cause. He is a Director of the 
Chautauqua Society at Crete. Jn 1 883 he identi- 
fied himself with the Masonic fraternit}', and is at 
present a member of Beatrice Lodge No. 26, Liv- 
ingston Chai)ter No. 7, and Mt. Hermon Command- 
ery. The brothers, iioliticall}', are Democrats. 



^?^EORGE W. PHILLIPS, a well-known and 

II (— , highly respected citizen of Paddock Town- 
"^^41 ship, is a piduiiuent grower of fine blooded 
stock, paying special attention to rearing Clydes- 
dale and Percheron-Norman horses, and also mules. 
Mr. Phillips is a native of Ogle County, 111., Sept. 
15, 1853, being the date of his birth. His parents, 
Jacob and Mary K. (Brantner) Phillips, were na- 
tives respectively of Maryland and Pennsylvania. 
His father died in Illinois in Jul}', 1887, aged sixty- 
five years, and his death was felt to be a loss to the 
community in which he had lived, as he was a man 
of rare stability of character, honest and upright in 
his dealings, and none knew him butto respect him. 
The mother of our subject, a lady of great worth, 
still makes her home in Illinois. 

The subject of this sketch was reared in his na- 
tive county, and received a substantial education 
in its public schools. He remained a resident of 
Illinois until 1879, and in the meantime mai-ried, 
Jan. 2,*187G, beinghis wedding ilay, and established 
a home of his own. Miss Catherine Pyfer vvas the 
maiden name of his wife, and she is a daughter 
of George and Mary (Sw.agart) Pvfer. Her father 
lives in Ogle County, III., where her mother died 
Jan. 17, 1874. To Mr. and Mrs. Phillips have been 
born four children, all of whom are living. 

Mr. Phillips was reared on a farm, and has fol- 
lowed agricultural pursuits all his life. In 1879 he 
decided to try farming in Iowa, and on the 1st of 
January moved with his famil}' to that State, and 



1 ^ ■<' 



-U 



GAGE COUNTY. 



677 k 



settled in ^laislmll County. He did very well 
Iheii', but conceiving that he could do still better 
in Nebraska, the 1st of March, 18«5, found him in 
this State, accompanied by his wife and children. 
He purchased his present farm of eighty acres on 
section 27. This is well improveil, and is amply 
provided with all the necessary farm buildings, in- 
cludingacommodions house, stable, etc.. and ever}'- 
thing about the i)l:icc indicates the master hand of 
a thrifty, practical, methodical man. Mr. Phillips 
is making a great success in his stock-raising vent- 
ures. He keeps several broo<l marcs, and his thor- 
oughbred Norman-Percheron stallion and Clydes- 
dale stallion are the finest in the township. He 
also makes a specialtj' of laising mules, and has a 
fine jack an<l ass. 

Although Mr. Phillips has been aresidentof Pad- 
dock Townshi]) but little more than three years, j-et 
he has gained the confidence and esteem of the en- 
tire comraunitj', and b^' his genial and ever courte- 
ous manner he has won many warm friends. His 
ability' and business tact have received due recog- 
nition at their hands, as they elected him to the 
office of Justice of the Peace for this township in 
the fall of 18.S7, despite his reiterated protests at 
having the office thrust upon him, as it were. He 
still holds the position, and is discharging its duties 
with fairness and to the entire satisfaction of his 
fellow-citizens. He takes an intelligent interest in 
politics, and uses his influence in an honorable way 
to promote the interests of the Republican party. 



<* l^ILLIAM CRAIG, Mayor of Blue Springs, 
\rJ/i and largely identified with its business af- 
\y^ fairs, represents considerable real estate in 
which he is largely interested, the greater portion 
being citj' propert3'. He is also conducting a flour- 
ishing stove and hardware business, and as a man 
and a citizen ranks among the most highly respected 
residents of this county, and we are pleased to pre- 
sent his portrait on the opposite page. 

Our subject is of staunch Pennsylvania stock, his 
father, Thomas Craig, having been born in North- 
ampton (now Carbon) Count}-, that .State, in 1797. 
The latter upon reaching manhood engaged in farm- 



ing for a time, and later for near!}' a quarter-cent- 
ury occupied himself as a hotel-keeper success- 
fully at Lehigh AValer Gap, ami operated a large 
store of general merchamlise at the same place. He 
was also owner of the stage line running between 
Mauch Cliiuik ami Eiston, from which he derived 
a handsome income. In addition to this he was ex- 
tensively engaged in boating or transporting lum- 
ber from his mills on the Upper Lehigh over the 
Lehigh Coal anil Navigation Company's canal to 
Easton, Mauch Chunk ami other points, having his 
own boat and making consideral)le money in this 
enterprise. He had three sawmills and owned an 
immense tract of timber land. During the memora- 
ble freshet of 1841 he lost heavily in boats and 
lumber, and his entire store and contents were swept 
away. He continued as a hotel-keeper until within 
about four years of his death. 

The father of our subject was married in early 
manhood to Miss Kuntz. who died young, leaving 
two children. Subsequently, in 1828, he was mar- 
ried to Miss Catherine Hagenbuch and they became 
the parents of six children, five of whom lived to 
mature years. He died in 1859, at Lehigh Water 
Gap, where he had his home for so many years. 
Mrs. Catherine Craig, the mother of our subject, 
also a native of the Keystone State, was a daughter 
of a hotel-keeper at Lehighton, where he spent 
many years of his life, and where he entered upon 
his final rest. Mrs. Craig remained with her par- 
ents until her marriage, and survived her husband 
twelve years, her death taking place at Lehigh Gap, 
in 1871. 

The father of our subject was reared a Presby- 
terian, and the mother a Lutheran, and the former 
was especially prominent and active in all those 
matters pertaining to nKjral and religious education. 
The paternal grandfather of our subject, Thomas 
Craig, Sr., a native of Northampton County, Pa., 
served as a General in the Revolutionary War, and 
after the independence of the Colonies had been 
established, returned to his native place, where he 
engaged in fai-ming, and lived to the ripe old age 
of ninety years. He was the father of six children. 
The subject of this sketch was born at Lehigli 
Gap, Pa., April 22, 1811. His primary studies 
were conducted in the schools of his native village. 



i~ 



■^^^i^ 



•► ii ^^r 



678 



GAGE COUNTY. 




Later he became a student at Allentown Seminar3^ 
and completed his education in the Agricultural 
College in Center County, Pa. He then began 
teaching, but subsequently, in company with his 
brother. Col. John Craig, embarked in general mer- 
chandising at Lehigh Gap, to which he added the 
business of boat-builder and railroad contractor. 
These interests he operated extensively and suc- 
cessfully, and alsu dealt largely in lumber, railroad 
ties and coal at the same place, where he continued 
to live until the fall of 1882. Socially and politi- 
cally, he was prominent in the county and com- 
munity; .and in fact the entire family wsis widely 
and favorably known throughout that region as 
comprising a portion of its best element. Three 
of his brothers were in the Pennsylvania Legisla- 
ture, and two were also elected to tlie Stite Senate. 

Mr. Craig in 1882 disposed of his interests in 
the Keystone State, and coming west into Southern 
Nebraska located at once in Blue Springs, this 
county, establishing himself in his present business. 
Each year has added to his stock and his patronage, 
so that his present business building, of which he is 
owner, is entirely too contracted for the wants of 
his trade, and a more capacious building will be a 
necessity in the near future. His promptness and 
reliability in his business transactions have made 
him a general favorite with the men of his com- 
munity, while socially, together with his family, he 
occupies an enviable position. He takes a warm 
interest in the buililing up of the town, and does 
whatever lies in his power to further its moral and 
educational interests. He cast his first Presidential 
vote for McClellan, but soon changed his politics 
and sustained the Republican party until 1880, when 
his strong temperance proclivities led him to give 
his support to the Prohibitionists, and he voted for 
Neal Dow for President. He has been a member 
of the School Board almost from the time of com- 
ing lierc, and was elected to his present position of 
Mayor in the spring of 1888. The fact that the 
Republicans lead in this locality speaks well for his 
standing in the community. Religiously, he be- 
longs to the Evangelical Association, and is an ener- 
getic laborer in the Sunday-school. 

Mr. Craig was married, Sept. 26, 1807, to Miss 
Mattie E. Gish, of Berlinsville, Pa., and they are 



now the parents of five children, viz: Annie E., 
William A.. Frederick G., .lesse V. and Mattie F. 
The}' are all living at home with their parents, and 
being given the training and education which will 
qualify them for useful and worthy members of so- 
ciety. Mrs. Craig was born Jan. 29, 1844, in 
Berlinsville, Northampton Co., Pa., and is tiie 
daughter of Abram and Elizabeth (Ilummel) Gish, 
who were natives of Pennsylvania, and are now de- 
ceased. Her father w.as a man of prominence, a 
farmer and merchant combined, and officiated as a 
Justice of the Peace for many }'ears. He was a mem- 
ber of the Evangelical Church, and departed this 
life at his home in Berlinsville in 1878. His ex- 
cellent wife was a member of the same church, and 
departed this life in June, 1884. 

During the six years' residence of Mr. Craig in 
this county he has fully established himself in the 
esteem and confidence of the people about him. He 
was nominated by the Prohibition convention of 
1888 as candidate for Senator, an indication of the 
estimation in which he is held, and a great compli- 
ment to his worth and nobilitv. 



ENRY RICHARDSON. Perseverance and 
industry are necessary conditions to true 
t^ success in any calling. These qualities are 
(!^ possessed in an eminent degree by the sub- 
ject of this sketch, a thrift}' and prosperous farmer 
and stock-raiser on section 15 of Grant Town- 
ship, and owner of a ver}' fine farming propert}' 
of IGO acres (a partial view of which may be seen 
upon another page), through which the Soap Creek 
winds its way, and which Mr. Richardson secured 
soon after coming to the county in October, 1867. 
The previous owner w.as the venerated and beloved 
" Uncle Sam," who has made generous provision 
for thousands of his sons, and stands ready to as- 
sist thousands more. 

Previous to his arrival in Nebraska our subject 
lived in Delaware County, Iowa, where he had 
made his home for eighteen years. He was born in 
that greatest city of the world. London, England, 
on the 8th of January, 1847; his father, James 
Richardson, was a full-blooded Scotchman, and was 



u 



GAGE COUNTY. 



^^►Hh-^ 



679 



born ami brought up near the city of Glasgow, 
upon the Clyde, removing from his Scotch home to 
London vvhen about thirty years of age. After 
leaving school he had served a full aiiprenticeslilp 
as a carpenter and joiner, whiciitnade he continued 
to follow in London, and was looked upon as a 
very excellent, precise and aitistic workman. 
Shortly after his removal to the great city he was 
united in marriage with Eliza Timniins, a lady of 
English birth and parentage. 

Mr. and Mrs. Richardson, Sr., became the par- 
ents of seven children, of whom our subject was the 
eldest. Accoiniianied by two of these thej' came 
to the United States, and settled at once in Chicago, 
where the father found employment in tlie carshops, 
in the department where the more finished and 
skilled work was demanded. There he continued 
for a number of years, and finally moved with his 
family to Delaware County, Iowa, locating upon a 
farm upon which they are 3'et living. The father 
is now about seventy-five years of age, and the 
mother is seventy-seven. Both en^oy excellent 
health, and retain their natural faculties in a re- 
markable degree. They come of families noted 
for longevity. Grandfather Richardson, who lived 
and died in Scotland, survived over ninety years, 
and the prospect, so far as it is possible to judge 
''3' appearances, is that both Mr. and Mrs. Richard- 
son will, in all probability, likewise live to a ripe 
old age. 

Our subject received his education in the schools 
of Delaware County, Iowa, and after leaving his 
studies he devoted his attention to farming. Upon 
coming to Nebraska he found a great deal of liard 
work before him, but his father had wisely inured 
him for just such a life, and he was not altogether 
unfitted to fill the position. The success that has 
attended his efforts, the improvements that he h.as 
made upon his land, and the reputation he has es- 
tablished, all testify to the fact of his enthusiastic 
devotion to his work. 

Having provided liis house our subject early 
realized that some one was needed to make it a 
heme, and such a one he found in Miss Julia F. 
Burgess, to whom he was married in Grant Town- 
ship, Oct. 13, 1870. The wife of our subject is 
the daughter of N. E. and Sophia (Woodman) 

■<• 



Burgess (for further details see the sketch of Mr. 
Burgess), and was born in Racine County, Wis., 
in 1856, coming to Nebraska with her parents 
vvhen about twelve years of age. Fler parents pro- 
vided her with the opportunity to obtain agood edu- 
cation in the common schools, of which she took 
ever}' advantage. There have come to the home 
of our subject and wife ten children, of whom, 
however, two arc since deceased, viz: Pearl and 
Ralph. Those still living are Willis, Lewis, Jean, 
Arthur, Chloe, Elsie, Walter and Ida. 

For several years oursuliject has been connected 
with various township and district oHices, and is 
now Township anil School Treasurer. He is also a 
member of the A. O. U. W. All his life he has been 
a stanch Republican, energetic in behalf of the 
party he admires. At the same time he is a poli- 
tician only in the most exalteit use of that word, 
and is identified with almost ever}' good and 
honorable effort and project for the true progress 
and benefit of the community, and by his rectitude, 
manly character and strict business integrity, has 
won for himself and family the respect of all. 



♦^5»tj»>- 



•>^«:s> 




V ANIEL PENROD, an industrious and 
1) highly respected young carpenter of Bea- 
trice, came to this count}' with his parents 
in the spring of 1880, and soon afterward 
began his apprenticeship at the trade which he is 
following, and of which he has novv a thorough un- 
derstanding in all its details. He was born in the 
town of Wooster, Wayne Co., Ohio, and is the third 
son and seventh child of Jacob and Sarah (Fouch) 
Penrod, whose family consisted of eight sons and 
five daughters, ten of whom lived to mature years. 
John Fouch, the maternal grandfather of our 
subject, was a native of Germany, and spent his 
last years in Pennsylvania, living to be nearly one 
hundred years old. He had followed farming 
mostly as one occupation, and as the result of a 
temperate life and correct habits, was hale and 
hearty as many a man of younger years. He 
walked to the house of worship, three miles from 
his home, the week before his death. Michael Pen- 



^?^:^f-^ 



680 



GAGE COUNTY. 



.t 



\ 



rod, the paternal grandfather, was of substantial 
German ancestry ; he spent the last j'ears of his life in 
Pennsylvania, also passing away when ripe in years. 
His son Jacob, the father of our subject, was born 
in Somerset County', Pa., where he was reared to 
manhood, receiving a common-school education. 
There also he was married, and settled for one year 
in Dale City, Pa., whence he removed at the expi- 
ration of tills time to Wayne Count}', Ohio, where 
he secured a tract of land and carried on farming 
until coming to this State. 

The father of our subject, upon coming to this 
county, abandoned farming and took up his abode 
in McConnell's subdivision in West Beatrice, where 
he now lives retired from active labor. He was 
born in 1 823. and is consequently sixty-five years 
of age. He votes the Democratic ticket, and is in 
the enjo3'ment of good health. The mother, who 
was born in 1829, departed this life in the spring 
of 1881. at Beatrice. 

The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood 
daj's upon the farm of his father in the Buckeye 
State, attending the district school in winter and 
working around the homestead in the summer sea- 
son. After coming to Beatrice he began his ap- 
prenticeship at the trade of carpenter, serving three 
years, and obtaining a thorough knowledge of the 
business. His enterprise and adaptability to his 
business are noticeable from the fact that he has 
purchased land and put up buildings for sale, 
having in this manner fitted up eight houses, and 
disposed of most of them at a figure which, while rea- 
sonable to the purchaser, has netted him a good profit. 
He is thus becoming one of the important factors 
in the business interests of this go-ahead town. 

The marriage of Mr. Penrod and Miss Selma R. 
Arpke was celebrated at the home of the bride in 
Jefferson County. Neb., Jan. 1.1S83. Mrs. Pen- 
ro<l is the daughter of Adolph and Caroline (Luh- 
raan) Arpke, who were natives of Germany, and 
came to America with their parents when children, 
and to Nebraska in 1880. Of this union there 
have been born two children — Carrie L. and Elsie 
S. They occupy a snug home in the western part 
of the city, on Court street, and are in the enjoy- 
ment of the friendship of a large circle of acquaint- 
ances. Mr. Penrod has but very little time to de- 



vote to political matters but maintains the interest 
which every intelligent man feels in the welfare 
and prosperity of his county and State. He uni- 
formly votes the straight Republican ticket. 



/p!?lEORGE ENDELMAN. Upon section 1.5, 
III (— -, Lincoln Township, is one of the most fertile 
^^^ and best-improved farms in the entire town- 
ship, and the farm dwelling thereon is one of the 
most substantially built and admirably arranged 
within quite a large territory. Upon entrance, one 
is instinctively led to remark the prevalence of a 
quiet elegance and harmony of taste that are most 
pleasing to the eye. It is the home and property 
of the subject of this sketch, one of the most enter- 
prising and thoroughly practical of the German- 
American farmers of the district. 

The possession of the above property by Mr. 
Endelman dates from 1881. At that time it was 
entirely' unimproved, and in a state of nature. The 
change that has passed over it, the buildings that 
have been erected, the home that has been furnished, 
are the results of continued and earnest effort. 
Previous to becoming a resident of this State the 
home of Mr. P^ndelman was in Logan County, 111., 
where for twelve j-ears he had farmed on rented 
land. The ten years immediatel}' preceding he had 
resided in Pekin, Tazewell Co., 111., where he had 
been employed as a laborer. 

In Barum, Germany, and not far from the North 
Sea, our subject was born on the 15th of August, 
in the year 1824. His father, Harr^' Endelman, 
was a laborer throughout the whole of his life, 
and died in his native Province in 1888, aged 
ninety-five j'ears. Upon arriving at the usual .age 
he entered the German military service, and fought 
in the battle of Waterloo. The name of his wife, 
the mother of our subject, was Gertrude Cramer, 
who lived to be about seventy years of age. She 
was a Lady of most lofty character, happj^ disposi- 
tion and fair intelligence, and her added years sim- 
ply increased her attractiveness. The old and 
3-oung alike seemed to feel the refreshing, elevating 
and brightening influence that was inseparable from 
her presence, and upon her demise she was mourned 
as one most loving and lovable. As maiden, wife 



.^h^- 







Residence OF George Endelman,5ec.15. Lincoln Township. 



.:3. ~^.. 



'^'i^'^^^ttti : -"2^^^^. 



.i-r«<i' 




Residence or William Retchless 5ec.10. Liberty Township. 



*► II <• 



GAGK COUNTY. 




G83 



and mother, hov life presented a perfection of 
beauty seldom met with and never excelled. She 
was the mother of nine children, four of them being 
sons. Only four are now living, our subject being 
the second child. 

The days of the boyiiood. youth and early man- 
hood of our subject were spent in his native Prov- 
ince, and there he received his early education ; 
tiicre, also, in February of the year 1858, he 
was married, the lady of his choice being Anna 
Ruinka. She was born and lirought up within a 
short distance of her husband's home, and they had 
l)ractical!y grown up together. Almost immediately 
after their marriage they came to this country, and 
this excellent wife stood by the side of her husband 
throughout all the daj's of his early struggles in 
Illinois. After bringing up a family of four chil- 
dren, this most admirable and excellent lady de- 
parted this life upon the 14tli of February', 1883, at 
the age of fiftj-two years. 

Our subject and his wife continued from youth 
consistent and devout members of the Lutheran 
Church, and in the same faith their four children 
have been brought up. These are named as here 
a|)i)cnded: Harry, who mairied Sarah Nies, resides 
upon his farm, which is situated in Lincoln Town- 
ship; Fred remains at home, the assistant of his father 
upon the farm; iSlinnie is the housekeeper for her 
father, having ever since her mother's death striven 
to perpetuate the home comforts; John, an intelli- 
gent young man, is actively engaged upon his father's 
farm, and gives promise of much ability. 

IMr. Endelman and his sons usually vote the Dem- 
ocratic ticket, Mr. E. having been a member (,>f that 
party since becoming a naturalized citizen. The 
family is held in high regard in the communit}', and 
represents the best class of German-American citi- 
zens. A view of their home and surroundings is 
given ou another page. 



J/ ESSE RICMAHDS. senior member of the 
grocery firm of Richards & Parker, is num- 
bered among the leading men of Beatrice, 
and became a resident of the county April 
8, 18(3!). His earl3' home was on the other side of 



■♦- 



the Atlantic, in "Wiltshire, England, where his birth 
took place .July 3, 1846. AVhen a little lad four 
years of age his parents emigrated to America and 
settled on a farm in Herkimer County. N. Y. There 
the father, .Tasijer Richards, is still living, havingar. 
rived at a ripe old age. The mother, Christina 
(Knee) Richards, departed this life at the old home- 
steacj in New York, Feb. 3, 1857. 

The boyhood and youth of our subject were 
spent in Herkimer County. N. Y., where he attended 
the common school, and being of a studious dis- 
position made good proBciency. At the age of 
eighteen, leaving the i)arental roof, he migrated 
to Ogle Count}', 111., where he worked on a farm, 
the emploj'e of one man until reaching his majority. 
In 1869 he came to Beatrice, walking into the town 
from Brownville. His tirst emplo^'ment was build- 
ing a rail fence around the present residence of 
Albert Towle. Later he worked in a sawmill at 
Blue S|)rings. In the meantime he homesteaded 
160 acres west of the latter place, and on the 23d 
of December, the same year, was married to Miss 
Fanny V. Dodge. 

The young people spent the following winter in 
Ogle County, 111,, which had been the home of the 
bride, and in Februar}-, 1870, our subject returned 
to his homestead claim in this county, and with his 
j'oung wife took possession, moving into the frame 
house which he had erected. 'J'hey resided there 
six years, when Mr. Richards purchased a farm near 
the growing city of Beatrice, where they spent 
another six years. Our subject now sold out again, 
and in company with O. N. Wheelock, of Beatrice, 
endiarked in the groceiy business. Two years later 
Mr. Wheelock transferre<l his interest in the busi- 
ness to E. C. Salisbury, and the firm of Richards & 
Salisburj' during the three years of its existence 
built up a good trade. Our subject then purchased 
the interest of his partner, and continued alone 
until in October, 1887, when he associated himself 
with Mr. F. A. Parker. Ricliards & Parker carry a 
full stock of groceries and all other goods in their 
line, their quarters being in the Masonic Temple 
and post-office block. Their storeroom is 25x120 
feet in dimensiofis. 

The family residence is located on Ninth and Mar- 
ket streets, and comprises with its pleasant sur- 



■<^ 



6«4 



GAGE COUNTY. 






roundings one of the most desirable homes. To 
our subject and his wife there have been born three 
children, one of whom, Harry E., died wiien two 
j'ears old. The survivors are Jasper \V. and Flora 
M. ; they are students in the schools of Beatrice. 

Mr. Richards while a resident of Sicily Town- 
ship served as Justice of the Peace and was other- 
wise prominent in local affairs. Politically, he votes 
the straight Republican ticket. He is a member in 
good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
of which he has been Treasurei' a period of five 
years. Socially, he belongs to Lodge No. 26, A. 
F. & A. M., Livingston Chapter No. 10, and Mt. 
IJernion Commandery No. 7. He was Master of the 
lodge four years, and High Priest three years. He 
is warnil}' interested in the principles of Masonry, 
to the furtherance of which he has generously con- 
tributed of his lime and means. 

ALVIN STARR, M. D. The medical pro- 
fession of Beatrice is worthily represented 
>f by the subject of this sketcli, who was born 
near the city of Columbus, Franklin Co., Ohio, 
on the 2d of April, 1 822. He was the youngest 
son of a family of eleven children, all of whom 
lived to mature years, but onl}' three of whom now 
survive. 

John Starr, the father of our sul)ject, was an 
enterprising faimer and one of the early settlers of 
the Buckeye State. Upon settling in Franklin 
County, he purchased a tract of heavil3' timbered 
land, from which he cleared and improved a fine 
farm, and which, had it been kept in the family, 
would have proved the source of an independent 
fortune, as upon it now stands the city of Columbus. 
John Starr upon reaching manhood was united in 
marriage with Miss Betsey Havens, who was a 
native of Grotou, Conn. John Starr was born 
in Nova Scotia, whence he removed to Connecticut 
during his younger years and from there to the 
young State of Ohio, settling in Franklin County, as 
above stated, as earl3- as 1M12, and when there was 
l)Ul one log house upun the present site of the cit^' 
ol Columbus. There he spent his last days, and there 
rested from his earthly labors. The parents of 



Dr. Starr are long since deceased, the father passing 
away at the old homestead near Columbus, in 1837. 
He was a very capable and Intelligent man, and 
spent a portion of his early life as a scliool teacher. 
Politically, he was a Whig. The mother of our 
subject died in May, 1805, in Columbus, Ohio. 

The boyhood of Calvin Starr was spent after the 
manner of most farmers' sons, assisting his parents 
around the homestead and receiving his first book 
knowledge in the district school, mostly in the 
summer season. He was bright and ambitious to 
learn, and when of suitable years became a student 
of Central College, at Blendon, Ohio, where he con- 
tinued for a period of four years, and at the end of 
which time in consequence of too close application 
his health was considerablj'- impaired. After a 
season of recreation, however, he was restoreil, and 
entered upon the study of medicine under the in- 
struction first of Dr. Morrell and later with Dr. B. 
F. Gard, of Columbus. Later he entered the Ster- 
ling Medical College, where he took two full courses 
of lectures, and then prepared for admission to the 
Cleveland Honueopathic College, from which he 
was graduated on the 20th of February, 1851, with 
honors. 

Dr. Starr commenced the practice of his profession 
in Xenia, Ohio, where he remained one year, then 
removed to the city of Springfield, Ohio. After a 
five-years residence at that point he turned his face 
westward, and crossing the Mississippi in May, 1857, 
took up his abode in Johnson County, at Iowa City, 
Iowa, where he built up a large and lucrative prac- 
tice and continued for a period of twenty years. 
In November of 1877. desirous of a change of 
scene and surroundings, he removed with his family 
to Nebraska Cit}', where he followed his profession 
until the summer of 1882. He then came to Bea- 
trice, where he has since resided, and is now in the 
enjoyment of a fine patronage from the best people 
of this region. His career as a man and as a phy- 
sician has been such as to commend him to the 
people generally, among whom he has hosts of friends 
and patrons. 

The Doctor has been twice married, his first wife 
been Miss Soi)hia J. McPherson, a native of Xenia, 
Greene Co., Ohio, and wiio became the mother of 
five children — George B., Clarence A., Emma H., 

•► 



•^f^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 




Mary P. and Jolin A. Mrs. Sophia Starr departed 
this life at her liome in Iowa Cit}% April 23, 1876. 
The present wife of our siihjuct, to whom he was 
married June 27, 1878, was formerly Mrs. Julia C. 
Scudder, nee Candee, of Muscatine, Iowa. Her 
l)arents, Nelson S. and Luc}' A. Candee, were na- 
tives of Connecticut and Ohio respectively, and 
are now living at Alma, Neb. Mrs. Starr bj^ her 
first husband has one son. Horace Scudder, who 
bears the same name as his father. Mrs. Starr is 
the partner of her husband in his profession, being 
educated in the medical department of the Iowa 
Slate University, and attends upon patients equally 
with him. Their joint office is at their residence 
on Sixth street, where they have an attractive home. 
Both the Doctor and his wife are people of intelli- 
gence and culture, and in the duties of their pro- 
fession are guided bj' the modern school of medi- 
cine, and keep themselves well posted upon the 
matters pertaining thereto. Socially, they have 
many friends wherever it has been their lot to re- 
side. He and his wife are both members of the 
First Congregational Church, of Beatrice. 



■nMHeS.'®^^ 



*-^^i/Z»2W»v 



'jfJOIIN K. TREKELL, a native of Tippecanoe 
County, Ind., was horn July 20, 1835, and 
has been a resident of Highland Township 
since the spring of 1882. He is recognized 
as one of the most enterprising and industrious of 
its farming community, is a successful stock-raiser, 
and a man generally occupj'ing a leading position 
among his felluw-citizens. 

The offspring of an excellent family, our subject 
is the son of Stephen and Jemima (Kinser) Trekell, 
the former a native of Maryland, and the latter of 
Ohio. His paternal ancestors were of Scotch origin, 
and the mother traced her forefathers to Germany. 
Adam Kinsef, the maternal grandfather, it is be- 
lieved served as a soldier under Gen. Harrison at 
Tippecanoe. 

To Stephen and Jemima Trekell there were born 
nine children, of whom the following survive: 
Thomas J., of Henry Count}", 111. ; George W., liv- 
ing in Washington Territory'; William H., residing 



in California; John K., our subject; Harriet, Mrs. 
Frj', and Rebecca, the wife of John May, also rcsi- 
<lents of the Golden State. When John K. was a 
little lad two years of age his parents left Indiana, 
and took up their abode in Stark County, 111., 
where the father followeil farming, and where they 
lived for a period of ten years. Thence they re- 
moved to Henry County, that State, where our sub- 
ject attained his m.ijorily, and became acquainted 
with tiie labors of pioneer life, the family being 
among the earliest settlers of that region. 

The educational advantages of young Trekel', 
like those of Ids brothers and sisters, were exceed- 
ingly limited, far inferior to those extended to the 
generation of to-day. His services were utilized 
on the farm as soon as he was old enough to be of 
service, and he also worked considerably in a saw 
and grist mill. He also became quite expert as a 
carpenter, at which trade he labored when not 
otherwise engaged. He was married in Henry 
Countj', III., March 3, 1862, his bride being Miss 
Theresa Walters, who was born in Ohio, in Tuscara- 
was County, and is the daughter of David and 
Susan (Baltzly) Walters, natives also of the Buck- 
eye State, and who came to Nebraska in 1880, where 
the father still resides. The mother departed this 
life at her home in Highland Township, Aug. li), 
1888. 

Mr. and Mrs. Trekell after their marriage settled 
in Henry County, 111., where they lived until the 
spring of 1882, then came with their little family 
to this county. They have three children: George 
H. and Frank, who are residents of Alliance, Neb.; 
Fred, who lives in Cortland. The propertj' of our 
subject lies two miles west of the latter place, and 
comprises 320 acres, which he purchased from the 
Burlingt(m & Missouri River Railroad Company; 
he also owns 365 acres of well-improved land in Illi- 
nois. The homestead proper comprises eighty acres, 
to which Mr. Trekell has given particular attention, 
putting up a ver}' fine residence, and a large and 
commodious barn, besides planting fruit and shade 
trees, and adding other embellishments. A self- 
made man in the closest sense of the word, he has 
accumulated his proi)erty solely through his own 
efforts, and accordingly knows how to take care of 
it. He is progressive in his ideas, interested in 





G«C 



GAGE COUNTY. 



those projects tending to the builrling up of his 
county, and uniformly gives his support to Re- 
publican principles. 

The Trekell homestead, a view of which will be 
found on another page, bears fair comparison with 
its neighbors, and is fully worthy of representation 
in a work designed to perpetuate the lives and labors 
of the leading men of Gage County. 



"if; OSEPII BROOKS, who resides on section 23, 
Glcnwood Township, and there owns a good 
farm including eighty acres, was l)orn Sept. 
15, lSi37, in Athens County, Ohio, where he 
made his home until 1S71. He had few opportuni- 
ties for education and was reared upon a farm. The 
first disturbing element in liis life was the late con- 
flict, when, realizing the need of the Union, he en- 
listed, on the 2.5th of Jul^', ISGl, in Company C, 
30tli Ohio Infantry. 

In the beginning of his militarj' service our sub- 
ject took his place in the ranks as private, in which 
he continued about one year and until the battle of 
Vicksburg, where he received special mention for 
bravery and efflciencj', and was commissioned Sec- 
ond Lieutenant. In October, 1864, he was again 
promoted and received the First Lieutenancy of 
his companj'. In 1865 he was a|)pointod Captain 
of Company C, and served until the 25th of August, 
the s;ime 3'ear, wlien he was mustered out of the 
service. He was an active combatant in twenty- 
three general engagements, besides a number of 
lesser important skirmishes, etc. Upon being mus- 
tered out he returned home to Athens County. 
When he had left it he h.ad marclied in the ranks a 
simple private in his company; upon his return he 
was at its head, its Captain and Commander. 

Our subject now resumed the old occupation of 
farming, and continued in the same until the spring 
of 1871, when he removed to Iowa and settled in 
Warren County, and purchased a farm and made it 
his home until February, 1876. The next two 
years were spent farming in Fremont County; from 
there he removed at the end of that period and 
settled on section 23, Glenwood Tovvnship, of this 
county, where he bought of the Government eighty 



acres of good land which formed a part of the Otoe 
Indian Reservation, which he has improved by cul- 
tivation and upon which he erected the usual farm 
buildings and residence. 

While a resident of Ohio our subject had made 
the acquaintance of a lady of most amiable disposi- 
tion and attractive womanly character, and upon 
the 13tli of January', 1866, consummateil this ac- 
quaintance by making her his wife. The Lad}' of 
his choice was Miss Nancy A. Criss, who was born 
in Washington County, Pa., on the 1st of .Januarj', 
18'15. They became the jxarents of six children, 
three of whom survive. Those deceased were named 
listher I., Alice and Dallas; those still living are 
Effie and Etta, who are twins, and jNIattie. Our 
subject was called upon to part from his most esti- 
mable and faithful partner in life on the 2()th of 
December, 1873, and has since that lime never fully 
recovered the brightness that was previously his. 

The parents of Mr. Brooks, Mathew and Lydia 
(Reeves) Brooks, were born in Athens Count}'. 
Ohio, and continued to make their home in that 
county until 1853, when the father of our subject 
was called to his long home on the 18th of Septem- 
ber. Not long after this his widow removed to 
AVarren Count}', and made her home with our sub- 
ject until her death, which occurred on the 28th of 
July, 1875. Their family included ten children, 
five of either sex; of these our subject was the sixth 
child. Mrs. Brooks is the daughter of William and 
Hester (Gilmore) Criss, natives of Pennsylvania. 
Their family comprised seven children, all of whom 
are dead with the exception of the eldest daughter. 
The husband died in Athens County, Ohio, in the 
year 1885, and Mrs. Criss in Harrisonville, Meigs 
Count}', about the year 1883. 

Mr. Brooks is most devoted to all that pertains 
to the religious life, and is one of the most respected 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of 
which communion, also, his wife vvas a lifelong 
member. At the age of sixteen years he was ap- 
pointed Class-Leader, and has never since been 
long out of office. For several years he has been 
one of the Stewards of the church, and has at some 
time or other filled every office connected with the 
church. In the engagements incidental to his con- 
nection with this communion, our subject finds his 



"'t*^-:- 







Residence or J. W. Breunsbach,Se:c36. Liberty Township. 




Breeding Barn of James G.Ladd & Son. Fairgrounds, Be atrice.Neb. 



-M- 



GAGE COUNTY. 



4 

C8a i i 



greatest interest and pleasure, and has always been 
most devout. His political sympathies are with the 
Republican party, although they have alvvaysjbeeu 
adjudged a secondary place in his consideration and 
interest. At the same time he is most loyal to his 
responsibility as a citizen of this great Reiiublic. 

lAMKS G. LADD. Tlie farmers and stock- 
growers of Gage Count}' find one of their 
most energetic representatives in the subject 
of this sketch. He is especially devoted to 
the breeding of line trotting horses, in which he 
takes great pride and in which he has been uni- 
formly successful. An excellent judge of horse- 
flesh, he exhibits with pardonable pride some of the 
finest specimens of that noble animal in Southern 
Nebraska. 

Our subject was born at the farm of his father, 
near the city of Utica. Herkimer Co., N. Y., May 
10, 1826, and there his boyhood days were passed. 
Olney Ladd, the father, owned a wide extent of 
land where he raised horses and cattle, and thus 
James G. .acquired the experience and knowledge 
which have been invaluable to him in his later 
years. The mother, Mrs. Jane M. (Powell) Ladd, 
was a native of Wales, an<l emigrated to America 
with her parents when a young girl of twelve years. 
Her father was a sea captain for many years. After 
coming to the United States lie settled on a farm in 
Herkimer County, N. Y., where both he and his 
faithful partner spent the remainder of their da3's. 
Olney Ladd and his wife are botii deceased. 

The subject of this sketch received the advan- 
tages of a common-school education, and remained 
with his parents until reaching his majority. .Soon 
afterward he and an elder brother assumed the 
management of the home farm, and during their 
two 3'ears' oiierations together netted a handsome 
sum as the reward of their labors. James G. con- 
tinued farming and soon began dealing in horses 
and cattle, selecting the most profitable breeds, 
which he exhibited at the various count}' fairs in 
that locality, sometimes to the extent of fifty head, 
and which he was enabled to sell at high prices. His 



business increased rapidly, and even at that early 
date he soon began shipping by the carload. 

A career which had l)een uniformly prosperous 
was unfortunately checked by the action of our 
subject in signing notes for a friend to the extent 
of 118,000, which, as is usually the case in such 
transactions, he was called upon to pay. To meet 
this he was obliged to sacrifice a large amount of 
property, and his feelings at that time can be better 
imagined than described. Determined, however, 
not to give way to discouragement, he resumed 
business as soon as possible, but this time west of 
the Mississippi, having secured a small amount of 
money with which he came to Nebraska. 

Upon coming to this State Mr. Ladd began 
purchasing swine, which he fed and sold to good 
advantage. He then took up a section of wild land, 
of wiiich he retained possession five years, then dis- 
posed of it for the snug sum of $14,000. With 
this money he purchased 4cS0 acres, 200 of which 
was improved, and the balance he devoted to past- 
ure, placing upon it 100 head of cattle. These he 
sold for $r),500, and thus completed the payments on 
his land. 

In March of 1886 Mr. Ladd visited Kentucky, 
and purchased the noted horse "Counselor," which 
has since made a record of 2:24, and in consider- 
ation of which he gave his note for $6,000. This 
horse, a picture of which is shown in the view of 
Mr. Ladd's farm. Mr. Ladd brought with him to 
Gage County, and he is now without doubt the most 
valuable animal of his kind in the State of Nebraska. 
He has already made over $10,000. He was on ex- 
hibition at the State Breeders' Association, which 
met at Lincoln in August, 1888, and last spring 
Mr. Ladd refused an offer of $20,000 for him. 
"Counselor" was bred from the most noted of Ken- 
tucky stock, by Robert I*. Pepper, of Frankfort, 
that State. 

Mr. Ladd in the spring of 1888 removed from 
his farm to the city of Heatrice, where he has a 
comfortable residence in its northeastern portion. 
He was married in the twenty-first year of his age 
to Miss Klizalxah. daugiiter of Hiram Burton, late 
of Herkimer County. N. Y., and who was killed by 
the kick of a horse. The mother of Mrs. Ladd is 
also deceased. This union resulted in the birth of 



«► i r ^ 



t;;)0 



GAGK COUMTY. 



five children, namely: Olney B., William M.; 
James A., now the partner of his father; Flora J. 
ant) Lizzie. 

Mr. Ladd is a very stirring and industrious man, 
his busy brain always devising some project for the 
benefit of himself or his neighbors. He is a favorite 
in the social and business circles of Beatrice, a man 
genial and companionable, and one who has given a 
decided impetus to the agricultural and stock- 
breeding interests of this section. Politically, he 
supports the Republican party. 



^ OHN W. BREUNSBACH. Not many years 
ago Illinois was considered the Far West, 
but many of her sons have gone still further 
in the direction of the setting sun, and 
proved themselves to be among the most enterpris- 
ing, prosperous and useful citizens of the new Ter- 
ritories. Among these might be mentioned the 
subject of this biography, whose farm is situated on 
section 36 of Liberty Township, and comprises 
eighty acres of fertile land, devoted largely to the 
raising of such hay and gi'ain as are required forbis 
stock, marketing only the surplus. 

Our subject was born in LaSalle Count}'. 111., 
Oct. 30, 1856. and is the son of Frank D. and Chris- 
tinia Breunsbach, also natives of Germany, but 
now residents of Pawnee County, Neb., where thej- 
seltled in 18G9. John W. received no education 
to speak of, but was brought up on the farm and 
formed an intimate acquaintance with all the details 
of farm work. His settlement in this county dates 
from the year 187i». 

In Januarj-, 1883, Mr. Breunsbach united his life 
interests with those of Miss Maritni Cameron, who 
has presented her husband with three children. 
These received the names William D., Francis D. 
and Robert R. Mrs. Breunsl)ach is the daughter of 
Robert Cameron, of Brown Count}', Neb., and was 
born in New York City, June 29, 1859. 

Our subject and his famil}' receive the respect of 
the community because of the high character always 
sustained by them, and their uniform readiness to 
interest themselves in the enterprises which promise 
to be of value to the community. The homestead. 



as will be seen by the view on another page, forms 
one of the pleasant retreats for which Liberty 
Township is noted, and which has been built up by 
the exercise of the most persevering industry, econ- 
omy and good management. 



'■^l^*"^?!^ 



<*?«s^-«^«<f~ 



OATHANIEL E. MILLER, contractor and 
/ builder, occupies a good position among the 
1 artisans of the city of Beatrice, and enjoys 
an ample share of the patronage of the business 
men. He is a Pennsylvanian by birth, his early 
home having been in the vicinity of Sporting Hill, 
Lancaster County, where he was born June 30, 
1849. To his parents, George R. and Catherine 
(Eicholtz) Miller, there were born seven sons and 
two daughters, of whom our subject was the fifth 
child. Of these eight are still living, all married 
and with families of their own. 

The parents of our subject were likewise natives 
of the Keystone State, where the father is still liv- 
ing. He was born in 1816. During his earlier 
years he was engaged in the butcher business, and 
made a good living for his famil}'. The mother, 
who was born in 1813, died at the old homestead 
April 18, 1881. The family was one of the most 
highly respected in that region, possessing those 
high moral principles by which their own lives 
were uniformly guided, and which led them to rear 
their children in such a manner as to make of them 
useful and worthy members of society. 

Nathaniel E. Miller remained on the old home- 
stead until sixteen years of age, acquiring but a 
limited education, attending school about two 
months each j"ear. He then began an apprentice- 
ship at the carpenter trade, of which he obtained a 
thorough knowledge in two years, and w.as then 
employed as a journeyman five years. At the ex- 
piration of this time he established in business on 
his own account as a contractor and builder, still 
continuing in his native county. In 1870 he 
migrated to AVayne County. Ohio, spending one 
year in the Buckeye State, and then took up his line 
of march toward Illinois. Locating in Decatur, he 
spent one summer there, then changed his residence 
to Sterling, where he met his future wife. Their 



■^•- 



■•► 



-^*- 



••► 



GAGE COUNT V. 



G'J! 



wedding was celelinited Nov. 7, 1872. This ladj-, 
fuimeriy Miss Fanny M. Pernod, was born Jan. 1, 
1852, in Wayne County. Ohio, and is the daughter 
of Jacob and Sarah (Koueh) I'eniod, who were 
both natives of Pennsylvania. 

After his marriage our subject returned with 
his 3'oui)g wife to Ohio, sojourning for a time with 
his father, wlio was carrying on a store of general 
merchandise in Wajne Count}'. N. E. continued 
a resident of the Buciieye State until 1880, then 
making his waj- westward across the Mississippi to 
Nebraska, took up his residence in Beatrice, and at 
once established himself as a builder and contractor, 
being successful from tlie start. A large propor- 
tion of the prominent business houses in the city 
were erected under his supervision, as well as many 
of its fine residences. Being a thorough and skilled 
workman himself, he consequently has the judg- 
ment and discretion to give employment to none 
but the same class of men. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Miller there have been born 
two children only, a son and a daughter — Amanda 
L. and Arthur Laverne. Their pleasant and comforta- 
ble home is situated on the corner of Eleventh and 
Ella streets. Besides his town propert}- Mr. Miller 
has a good farm of eighty acres in Midland Town- 
ship, and has three dwellings aside from the one he 
occu|>ies, the rents of which assist in swelling his 
comfortable income. Politically', he is a stanch 
Republican, and while a resident of Paddock Town- 
ship was Moderator in liis school district. Con- 
sidering the fact that he commenced in life without 
other resources than his own industry and resolu- 
tion, he has ample reason to be satisfied with the re- 
sults of his labors. He and his wife are members of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

--^'—- -*»-#- ^~ 



y-ii I^ILLIAM BEER Amor 
" and well-to-do farmers of 
ship is the gentleman wl 



*>1LLIAM BEER Among the prosperous 
I of Barneston Town- 
vhose life is herein 
sketched, who resides upon his farm, which is sit- 
uated on section 29. He was born in Allegheny 
County, Pa., on the 26th of June, 1819, and is the 
son (jf William and Margaret Beer, natives of 
Pennsylvania, the former born in Beaver County. 



They were married in that State, and became the 
parents of twelve children. The father is now 
deceased. The educational facilities were such that 
our subject could not do more tiian receive a rudi- 
mentary education, there being none but subscrip- 
tion schools, and these not of the best, besides which 
the terms were quite brief and it was easier to forget 
between the terms than to learn while they were in 
progress. 

With the exception of perhaps about three years, 
farming has been the occupation of our subject 
since his youth. He removed to Fulton County, 
III., in 1836, and settled in Young Hickory Town- 
ship. In 18a2 he started overland for California, 
driving an ox-team the entire disUmce. In cross- 
ing the forty-mile desert they took a supply of 
water and grass for the oxen, giving them one feed 
and one drink about midwaj'. Their pathway was 
strewn to the right and left with the bodies of dead 
horses, mules and cattle, and although many of 
them had lain there for three or four years the}' 
had not decayed, only dried hard. 

Upon arriving in California our subject contin- 
ued mining gold for about three years, and then 
returned in 1855 and settled in Peoria County, 
III., where for twenty years he made his liome and 
engaged in farming. At the end' of that period, 
i. e. in 1875, he removerl to Page Count}', Iowa, 
and in 1881 he came to this county and settled 
upon his pi-esent projjert}'. He is the owner of 200 
acres of splendid agricultural land on section 29. 
which he operates as a grain and stock farm. His 
long experience has made him fully acquainted 
with all the minutia of such work, and his success, 
other things being equal, is quite good. He has been 
enabled year by year, slowly but surely, to .accu- 
mulate a comiJCtence that will remove ail fears 
from the future, wherein labor will be an impossi- 
bility. 

On the 23d of Jul}', 1844, our subject was united 
in marriage with Adeline Belsliee. This lady was 
born in Ohio, March 22, 1828, to Joseph and 
Hannah Belshee, the former of whom is deceased. 
Of the above union there have been born to our 
subject twelve children, eight of whom are still 
living. The names these have received are here 
subjoined, viz: John T., Angelinc, William C, 



l ^j ^ ^l l ^> 



A 692 



GAGE COUNTY. 




Louisa, George M., Ella. Nellie anrl Paul. The five 
oldest of them are married, and have homes of their 
own not far from the old homestead. 

Our subject has seen many ups and downs in life, 
and it has often seemed as though the difficulties 
presented were insurmountalile, but courage and 
hard labor have presently devised a way and effected 
a method that left him the victor. He is connected 
with the membership of the United Brethren Church, 
and is considered by all worthy of entire confidence 
and respect. His life is an illustration of what may 
be done by those who will courageously utilize the 
powers they possess, and the opportunities that 
come within their reach, which are so many rounds 
in the ladder of success. 



'&- 



\f} ACOB UPLINGER bears the distinction of 
being one of the oldest settlers of Highland 
Township, to which he came in the fall of 
the j'ear 1871. His earl}' home was in Lu- 
zerne County, Pa., where his birth took place Feb. 
17, lH4o. His parents, John and Elizabeth (Wood) 
Uplinger, are still living, and residents of DeKalb 
County, 111. Tliis branch of the Uplinger family is 
traced back through eight generations, and believed 
to have been of German origin. The mother of our 
subject traced her forefathers back to England. 
Jacob was one of a family of thirteen children, all 
of whom lived to mature years, and with one ex- 
ception still survive. Mary, the eldest daughter, 
is the wife of Samuel Krisinger, of iSIinncsola; 
Susan married Stephen Santee, of that State; Sarah 
is the wife of H. H. Silver, of Higidaud Township, 
this countj'; Almina died at the age of twenty-five 
years; Amelia is the wife of P. Worthlcy, of Mar- 
tin Count}', Minn. ; Maggie, Mrs. Ida Vanderburg, 
lives in DeKalb County, III., of which Elizabeth, 
Amanda, Martha, Charles, John and Benjamin are 
also residents. 

The subject of our sketch was reared to man's es- 
tate in his native county amid the quiet surroundings 
of farm life, and acquired his education in Llie com- 
mon scliools. When in the seventeenth year of his 
age he lelt home to learn the trade of harness- 



maker, being thus occupied eighteen months at Ber- 
wick, Pa. He subsequently returned to the farm, 
worked for his father a year, then engaged in lum- 
bering on the west branch of the Susquehanna, in 
Center County. Eighteen months later he started 
with a team for Oil City, and continued traveling 
until reaching Sterling, 111. There he disposed of 
his team, then proceeded across the Mississippi to 
Dubuque, Iowa. After a brief sojourn in the 
Hawkeye State he returned to the old homestead 
in Pennsylvania, and a few months later established 
himself as a butcher at the Lehigh mines in Luzerne 
County. This business he conducted about two 
years, and then moved to Illinois. 

The marriage of Jacob Uplinger and Miss Sarah 
Woodring was celebrated at the home of the bride 
in Luzerne County, Pa., June 25, 18GG. Mrs. Up- 
linger was born Dec. 2, 1844, in Luzerne County, 
Pa., and of her union with our subject there have 
been born six children, namely: Charles was bom 
Ai)ril 3, 18G8; Frank, Aug. 31, 1871 ; Edward, Nov. 
9, 1873; William, Oct. 26, 1875; Eosa, Dec. 19, 
1877, and Alfred. The latter died when six mouths 
old. Mr. and Mrs. U. after their marriage and the 
birth of one child, came in 1870 to Nemaha County, 
this State, whence the year following they removed 
to their present homestead. The land upon which 
they settled bore little resemblance then to its pres- 
ent condition, being a wild and uncultivated tract 
with no improvements. Mr. Uplinger secured a 
homestead claim of eighty acres, and put up a very 
simple habitation, which they occupied until able 
to do better. They now possess a fine farm, 240 
acres in extent, with admirable improvements and 
situated amid all the comforts and many of the 
luxuries of life. Aside from having no capital Mr. 
Liplinger was obliged to run in debt at the com- 
mencement, but it was soon found that he was a 
man industrious and persevering, and one whose 
word was as good as his bond. His property is now 
without incumbrance, and he is in possession of 
one of the finest homes in this region, a view of 
which the publishers take pleasure in presenting 
elsewhere in this volume. The farm stock and 
machinery are of first-class quality and condition, 
and everything about the [)remises indicates the 
thrift and intelligence which have traveled hand iu 



I 



M- 



GAGE COUNTY. 



693 



\ 



*■ 



hand, and which have ln'ouglit about siicli admira- 
ble results. Among the ea.v\y pioneers of Highland 
Township none are more esteemed and honored, 
and none more deserving, than Jacob Uplinger. 

jn^EV. JEDIDIAH R. HOAG. One of the 
^V earliest pioneers, in relation to both its ma- 
terial and religious condition and growth, 
^ is the gentleman whose biography is herein 
briefly epitomized. Lyman Iloag. the father of 
our subject, was born ou Long Island, N. Y., in the 
year 1780, and received such education as was ob- 
tainable in the common schools of that time, after 
which he learned the trade of wheelwright, and 
throughout the greater part of his life followed the 
calling of a builder and contractor. When quite a 
young man he removed to Rensselaer County, and 
continued to make his home there for the greater 
part of his life, making one more removal quite late 
in life, and that to Lockport, Niagara County, 
where he purchased a farm and operated the same 
for about twenty years, and died at the age of 
seventy-eight years, in the month of September, 
1858. His wife, the mother of our subject, was 
Mary Robinson, who was born in Rensselaer County, 
N. Y., in the j'ear 1775, and was the daughter of 
Jedidiah Robinson, a farmer in that county. This 
lad\' was married when twenty years of age. and 
lived until the year 1860. She became the mother 
of eleven children, of whom nine grew to mature 
years. Their religious connection was with the 
Society of Friends. William Hoag, the grandfather 
of our subject, was a native of Quaker Hill, Dutch- 
ess Co., N. Y., and was very prominent among the 
Friends. 

Our subject was born in Rensselaer County on the 
2Gth of August, 1822. His education was received 
in the common schools of that place, until at the 
age of twelve years he removed with his parents to 
Orangeport, Niagara County, then considered the 
Far West. Attwentj' years of age he entered tlie 
Theological Seminary, of Me.idville, Pa., and after 
taking the full course, was graduated, and entered the 
ministry, and followed it regularly for thirty-seven 
years, until his settlement in Wymore, in 1881. In 



the discharge of his clerical duties he has held vari- 
ous charges in New York State, Canada, Illinois, 
Ohio, Indiana and Nebraska, coming to the latter 
State in 1880, and locating at Blue Springs, and the 
following year when Wymore was platted came to 
this cit}', and was identified with its founding. He 
was the owner of a homestead which was laid out 
in town lots. This circumstance associated him 
with prominent men engaged in the distribution 
and sale of real estate, and leil to his cannection, 
with the business. Since that time he has disposed 
of more than 530 lots in the city. 

Our subject was a member of the first .School 
Board, and before a school district was organized 
he, with his colleagues, ran a public school on their 
own credit, thus [iroving their faith in the future 
town by their works; our subject has always been 
enthusiastic in educational matters, and whatso- 
ever looks toward the advancement of the young 
people. Upon the 3d of September, 1848, Mr. 
Hoag was united in marriage with Electa E. Free- 
man, at Orangepott, and to them have been born 
eight children, five of whom are still living — Mary, 
Freeman, Eva, Clara and Olive. Mrs. E. E. Hoag 
is the daughter of William and Mary Freeman, na- 
tives of New York. Their daughter was born 
April 15, 1827. 

Since Jan. 1, 1886, our subject has retired from 
active labor and business, and has now reached the 
advanced age of sixt3'-six years. He and his family" 
enjoy the fullest confidence and respect of the com- 
munity at large, and are held in highest esteem. 



*mi 







Jf NDREW KERR. The name of this geutle- 
II man is prominently known throughout 
Sherman Township and vicinity' as one of 
its enterprising and successful farmers, and 
a leader in those projects tending to the moral and 
financial advancement of this community. He has 
built up one of the finest farms in this part of Gage 
Countj% and is one of the self-made men who have 
been instrumental in bringing it to its present envi- 
able condition. 

A native of the Dominion of Canada, our sub- 
ject -w.as born near the city of Kingston, Oct. 8, 
c^ 



-W ^ ' 



••► 



fi94 



GAGE COUNTY. 



-t 



1839. When about fourteen j'ears of age he re- 
moved with his pnrents to ConnpcticMit, they set- 
tling on a farm, where they remained about six 
years. Then, resolving to seek a home in the 
West, they emigrated to Ford County, 111. From 
there six years later Andrew moved to Monroe 
County, Iowa, taking up his residence in Alhia, the 
county seat, where he lived three years. He saved 
what he could of his earnings, and his first invest- 
ment was in eighty acres of land in Ford County, 
111., npon which he lirongbt about some improve- 
ments, then sold. 

In the spring of 1869 Mr. Kerr came to Ne- 
braska, at a time when this county was practicallj' 
unsettled. Young Kerr was without capital, having 
only his willing hands and stout heart, and secured 
employment in breaking prairie by the acre. He 
first rented land a year, then purchased eighty 
acres in Sherman Township, which he improved, and 
in due time added to it 120 acres adjoining. He 
was prospered in his labors, and his next purchase 
was 320 acres adjoining his (irevious purchases, so 
that he l)ecaine tlie owner of 520 aciesin one bodj'. 
Also he began dealing largel3' in live stock, bujing, 
feeding and shipping to the Chicago market, in- 
creasing his operations each year until they include<l 
300 or 400 hogs and 100 cattle annually. This 
industry he still jiursues to quite an extent, although 
not so largelj' as in jears past. He also controls a 
section of land adjoining his farm, which is devoted 
to his stock interests. 

The marriage of our subject with Miss Sarah E. 
Bain was celebrated at the home of the bride, in 
Albia, Iowa, Feb. 14, 18C6. Mrs. Kerr was born 
near Zanesville, Ohio, and is the daughter of James 
and M.ay (Sterett) Bain, who were also natives of 
the Buckeye State, and are now dead. Of this 
union there have been born six children, three sons 
and three daughters — Ida M., George W., Frank, 
AVilbur A., Laura and Pearl. Mr. Kerr has been 
quite prominent in local affairs, having served as 
School Director for a period of thirteen years, and 
filled the various township offices, including that 
of Supervisor. He gives his undivided support, 
politically, to the Republican party, and for a period 
of sixteen years has been chosen as the delegate 
from his township to the county convention. His 



whole career illustrates in a marked manner that of 
a self-made man. who has arisen through many dif- 
ficulties to an enviable position, socially and tinan- 
cialjj', among his fellow-citizens. 

The parents of our subject, James and Sarah 
(Gamble) Kerr, were most excellent and worth}' 
people, the father of excellent Scotch ancestry and 
born in the '-land of the thistle." His ancestors were 
driven from .Scotland to the North of Ireland on 
account of their religious views during that hegira 
which has become a matter of history. James Kerr 
emigrated from Ireland to Canada and later to Illi- 
nois. His wife, the mother of our subject, died 
when the latter was quite small. Andrew received 
only the advantages of a limited education, but has 
made the most of his op|iortunities all through life, 
and there are few men wlio have a better knowl- 
edge of general business, or who are better posted 
upon matters of interest to every intelligentcitizen. 



^ €-*-^-- 




EV. DAVID EDWARDS. The principal 
events in the history of the present pastor 
of Wyniore Presbyterian Church are mainly 
^'as follows. He was born in 18G1 at Bangor, 
a city of Carnarvonshire, North Wales, at the head of 
Beaumaris B.aj', and in the midst of a romantic val- 
ley. The town is traversed mainl}- by one narrow 
street, nearly a mile in length, and has a cathedral, an 
Episcoi'al palace, and a deanery founded in the 
reign of Elizabeth. The town is a popular resort 
for sea bathing. The first years of Mr. Edwards 
were spent at home and in attendance at the British 
schools and the grammar school. 

When a la<l of fourteen years Mr. Edwards was 
deprived by death of his mother, which melancholy 
occurrence left a deep impression upon his mind, 
and seemed to prove a turning point in his life. 
Three years later he left home and w.as employed 
as clerk in a woolen warehouse at Liverpool, En- 
gland, where be staid nearly three j-ears. He had 
always been a lad thoughtful and serious beyond 
his years, liking to be in the company of ministers, 
and conceived the idea that he would like to be a 
pre.acher. As he approached manhood this matter 
took a strong hold upon him, and he talked it over 

w^ 



T 



^ 



-4•- 



GAGE COUNTY. 



095 



with some of his frienfls, who advised him to speak 
in the pulpit as he had opportunity, to also enter a 
private school, and prepare himself for college. 
With this end in view young Edwarils left Liver- 
pool and entered a private school at Oswestr3% in 
Shropshire, and during his st.a}' there w.is admitted 
a regular member of tiie presb^-terj' in 1882. Two 
years later he became a student of Edinburgh Uni- 
versity, Scotland, where he pursued his studies 
faithfully for a period of three years, and then was 
advised to cross the Atlantic and visit America, 
before taking charge of any church. 

In June, 1887, Mr. fid wards sailed from his na- 
tive shores, arriving in New York Citj- the latter 
part of the month, anticipating a stay of four 
months in the United States. The climate, how- 
ever, proving greatly benefici.al to his health, and 
the further f.act that he received a unanimous call 
to become the pastor of the Presbyterian Church 
at Wj'niore, this county, were read}^ inducements 
for him to remain. Altliough having been but 
eighteen months in America he is becoming thor- 
oughl}' accustomed to the ways of her people, and 
by his upright and Christian course has drawn 
around him many friends. He presides over a large 
congregation, and in connection with the church, 
through the efforts of Mr. Edwards, there has been 
built up a flourishing Sunday-school, which is con- 
ducted in the morning and mostly attended by 
children, while the afternoon is given to a sermon; 
there are also occasional week-day services, besides 
the ordinary meetings of the church, thus keeping 
the pastor fully employed. 



JAMES H. JOHNSON. Prominent among the 
pioneers of this county stands the name of 
James H. Johnson, late of Blue Springs 
Township, and although he has passed away 
to enjoj' the recoui])ense due his long and useful 
life, his memor}' still lives, and his honorable and 
successful career stands forth as a fitting example 
of what can be done by earnest and constant effort. 
He was a man of upright, honest character, who 
abhorred trickery and deceit, and in looking about 



I' 



over the long and useful life which he passed, he 
might well feel gratified at the position he had won 
in the esteem and confidence of honest men, and 
the respect of all good citizens. He was ever kind 
and hospitable in his home, to all new comers his 
house was open and a hearty welcome extended, 
free from cold formalitj'. He was born in Logan 
County, Ohio, in March, 1818, and was a son of 
Larkin and Mary Johnson, who were natives of 
Ohio and North Carolina. The former is deceased. 

In 1838 our subject moved to Iowa, whence he 
came to this county about thirty j-ears ago, the 
same time that Nathan Blakel}' and other early set- 
lers came. Throughout his life he had been engagd 
in the occupation of farming, and when he settled 
on his land on section 9, Blue Springs Township 
the Indians lived all through this section. The 
earlj' settlers had to go to St. Joseph. Mo., over 
100 miles distant, to trade and get their provisions, 
and in making those long journeys they had neces- 
sarilj' to undergo many hardships. The post-office 
from which they received their mail was on Turkey 
Creek in Pawnee County, about fifteen miles away, 
and after making the long journey to the post-office 
how glad they were to receive a letter from some 
of their distant friends. The Indians seemed very 
quarrelsome and threatening, and the settlers were 
often obliged to run for their lives to the fort at 
Blue Springs. The men would take their guns and 
scour through the country to drive off the intruders 
who had committed depredations and murder on 
the adjoining settlements. 

At one time during tiie residence of our subject 
here the notorious rebel guerrilla, McCandless, 
planned an attack on the settlers, in which he and 
his .allies expected to blot out from existence the 
thriving little colony, but the noted "Wild Bill 
heard of it, and went to his house and shot the leader, 
when the band of McCandless' men being without a 
leader, disbanded and gave up their murderous in- 
tention, the lives of many of the Blue Springs set- 
tlers being saved by the courageous action of that 
one brave man. But Indians and guerrillas were not 
the only enemies with whom those early settlers had 
to contend, there being wild animals and serpents 
ever ready to increase the dangers, snakes being 
very plentiful and very troublesome. Thej' often 

-•^ 



^ » ^ ll » 



fiOfi 



GAGE COUNTY. 



{•rawled into the house, and even the deadly rattle- 
snakes would sometimes creep in unnoticed. The 
various hardships which were endured by those 
stout-hearted ])ioneers with so mnfh fortitude can- 
not help but inspire others with a great respect for 
them. The wife of our subject grated corn on a 
grater in order to make bread, mills being then quite 
an unknown convenience in this part of the coun- 
try, and sometimes she ground it on a hand-mill, 
often working at it all day out of doors in the rain. 

In 1842 our subject was united in marriage with 
JIartha M. Robinson, a daughter of Richard and 
Elizabeth Robinson, who also came to this country at 
an early daj'. The former is deceased. The}' were the 
parents of seven children, the five surviving members 
bearing the names of Mary, Thomas, James, Richard 
and Martha. One son named Allen R. was drowned 
in the Blue River, when he had lived here but 
one month. He was in his tenth j-ear, and his death 
was the first one which occurred in this community, 
and a ver}' sad one. Mrs. Johnson was the first 
white woman who made her home in this county, 
and the trials which she had to undergo have been 
various and many, but with true womanly courage 
and steadfastness of jjurpose she has passed through 
them all, and is now enjoying more comfortable 
surroundings. 

Our subject was called from the scenes of his 
early labors in the fall of 1865, and in his death the 
family lost an affectionate husband and a tender 
parent, and the community a valuable member of 
society. He was a licensed minister, and exhorted 
in the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which his 
wife is an esteemed member, and was loved and 
respected by all and spent his life largelj- in doing 
good. He was always ready to comfort and help the 
widow and orphans in their afHiction, and went 
about from place to pl.ace trying to lighten the 
burdens of his fellowmen and bring sunshine into 
lives that were otherwise dreary and desolate. 
AVhen administering to the sick he contracted the 
typhoid fever, from which he never recovered, and 
we might s.ay of him what was said long ago, 
"Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay 
down his life for his friends." He saved many 
wayward and dissolute men from going down to 
drunkards' graves, and countless other acts of love 



and charity marked his pathway through life. The 
rewanl which he receives shall be in proportion to 
his labor, and the crown of immortality which he is 
called to wear is surely- a bright one. 



^^" 



Tli'r^ OBERT PRETZER. one of the early pioneers 
lis^r of Clatonia Township, came to this section 
/ii \V of country as early as 1870, and home- 
^@ steaded eighty acres of land in Highland 
Township, this county. He lived there but a short 
time, however, thence coming to Clatonia Township, 
and on section 5 purchased 160 acres at $7 per 
acre. This he settled upon and operated until the 
spring of 1887. bringing about the improvements 
which enabled him to sell it at a good figure. With 
the proceeds he secured his present farm, which lies 
on section 36. Here he has 240 acres of fertile 
land, which under his careful management yields in 
abundance. He is a thorough and skillful agricult- 
urist, and as a member of the community is num- 
bered among its most reliable citizens. 

The subject of our sketch, like many of the well- 
to-do farmers about him, was born in Germany, 
Jan. 30, 1844. His parents. Christian and Caroline 
Pretzer, were also of German birth and parentage, 
and continue upon their native soil. Robert was 
the eldest in the family, and, as is common with 
most of the German youth, acquired a good educa- 
tion in his native tongue. From the time he was 
seventeen until twenty-three years old, he was em- 
ployed as a boat hand on one of the inland rivers. 
In the fall of 1867, determining to seek his fortune 
on another continent, he secured passage on a 
steamer at Hamburg, and after an ocean voj'age of 
about two weeks landed safely in New York City. 
Thence he soon migrated to Cleveland, Ohio, where 
he spent his first winter. 

Young Pretzer in the spring following made his 
way to Wabasha County, Minn., where he was em- 
plo^-ed for a time as a farm laborer, then took up 
the trade of carpenter, which he followed a number 
of months. About 1869 he crossed the Mississippi, 
and coming into Lancaster County, this State, so- 
journed there a brief time, then made his way to 
this county. He homesteaded in Highland Town- 



-U 



GAGE COUNTY. 



607 



ship eighty acres of land, and liis snbseqnent course 
we iiave aheady indicated. In 1874 he was united 
in marriage with Miss Louisa Strucknipier. This 
union resulted in the liirth of six children, namely: 
Lena. Robert, Gustavo, George, Albert and Louisa. 
They are all living and at home with their parents. 
Mr. Pretzer votes the straight Republican ticket, 
and is a member in good standing of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, being prominent in its confer- 
ence and one of its most liberal supporters. He has 
served as School Director in his district for the last 
two years, and is a man who seeks to make himself 
useful in his community. All his neighbors are his 
friends, and his record is one of which his children 
need never be ashamed. 



-\«l2J2i2/©^^ 



•©|.S!^3a Bt\^ -vv-v- 






//^^i RAY "WARNER, well known among the lead- 
llj I—, ing business interests of Beatrice, represents 
^^1) the dry -goods and millinery trade, and com- 
mands a lucrative and steadily increasing patronage. 
A native of Illinois, he was born near Ottawa, the 
county seat of LaSalle County, Nov. 28, 1857, and 
is the seventh of a family of eight children, the 
offspring of Francis and Juliet P. (Back) Warner, 
who were natives respectively of Massachusetts and 
Vermont, and were of English ancestry. 

The father of our subject followed farming dur- 
ing his early manhood in the Bay State, not far 
from the town of Walthani. About 1840 here- 
solved to emigrate, and starting for the West located 
in LaSalle County, 111., and there carried on farm- 
ing until 1852. In the meantime his intelligence 
and good business capacities brought him promi- 
nently before the public, and in the year mentioned 
he was elected Sheriff of LaSalle County, when he 
left the farm and removed to Ottawa to enter the 
duties of his office. Upon his retirement from the 
Sheriffs office he was for ten years engaged in the 
lumber business at Ottawa; then he moved to the 
city of Chicago, where, with his estimable wife, 
he still resides, and is now General Superintend- 
ent of the American Express Company, a position 
he has held for a period of five years. 

Our subject in his boyhood attended the public 
schools of Ottawa, and upon the removal of his 



parents to Chicago he accompanied them, and se- 
cured a position with the late well-known firm of 
Field, LeiterifeCo.,asclerk in their wholesale house. 
With this he was connected until reaching his ma- 
jority'. Then going West he opened up a store in 
Georgetown, Col., where, during a period of seven 
years, he built up a successful trade in dry-goods 
and notions. In the fall of 1883, coming to Bea- 
trice, he spent tiie winter preparing for his spring 
opening of dry -goods in this cit}', and associated 
himself with his brother-in-law, Henry B. Gates, 
which firm continued eighteen months under the 
style of Warner k Gates. Mr. W. then purchased 
the interest of his partner, and has since conducted 
the business alone. This store occui)ies No. 412 
Court street, and embraces an area of 25x125 feet, 
being two stories in height. Here may be seen a full 
line of everything pertaining to the dry-goods and 
millinery tr.ade, and the establishment gives emplo}- 
ment to both young men and young women, and 
presents one of the busiest hives of industrv in the 

city- 
March 25, 1880, Mr. Warner led to the altar 
Miss Carrie L. Griswold, of Chicago. Mrs. Warner 
was born in Janesville, Wis.; her parents sul)se- 
quently moved to Chicago; the latter, Lucien P. 
and Maria L. (Sweet) Griswold, were natives of 
New York. Of this union there are two children, 
both daughters — F211a and Isabelle. The family 
residence is a neat and substantial structure, located 
in the eastern portion of the city, with homelike 
surroundings and everything conducive to the com- 
fort and happiness of the inmates. Our subject and 
his estimable lad^' number among their friends and 
acquaintances the cultivated people of Beatrice, for 
which their attractive home forms a pleasant and 
hospitable resort. 

Mr. Warner purchased his first stock of goods 
from Field, Leiter k. Co., who, on account of the 
fidelity with which he had discharged his duties 
while in their employ, became his personal friends. 
The business traits which were developed in him at 
an early age have* continued to enlarge, and the 
fine trade which he now commands is due to his 
systematic methods of dealing with his patrons and 
his promptness in meeting his obligations. Although 
having little time to give to politics, he uniformly 



f 



698 



a 



GAGE COUNTY. 



supports the Kepublican party, and takes a genuine 
interest in the enterprises set on foot to increase 
the standing and importance of his adopted city. 
He was elected a member of the Common Council 
in 1886, serving with such acceptabilit}' that he was 
continued in the office by the election of 1888. 
Socially, he belongs to Beatrice Lodge No. 26, A. 
F. <fe A. M.. and to Livingston Chapter No. 10, be- 
ing Secretary of the latter. He is also Secretary of 
the Beatrice Flaxseed Company. He is recog- 
nized as one of the most public-spirited citizens of 
his time, a representative man of inestimable value 
in his community. 




4 



R. CHARLES S. BOGGS, a graduate of 
the medical de[)artment of the Nebraska 
State University, and a son of one of the 
well-known early settlers of this county, is 
worthily filling his niche in the busy world of men 
and in his community. He has been located at 
Filley as a physician since the spring of 1884, 
and by his reliable qualities and faithful devo- 
tion to the duties of his profession, is fast as- 
suming that place in the confidence of the people 
of this section which was so long and so worthily 
filled by his honored father. 

From the sketch of the Boggs family found on 
another page in this volume, it will be found that 
nature endowed them with those qualities natur- 
all}' leading to a worthy and successful career, 
among theui being the self-reliance and persever- 
ance especially needed by the settlers in a new 
country. Dr. Boggs, Sr., the father of our subject, 
a citizen as useful as he has been a physician, came 
to Southern Nebraska when spirits such as he were 
most needed, and met right admirably the demands 
made upon him. There was a new town to be 
built up, together with the reputation of this sec- 
tion as a desirable place of residence, and to these 
things Dr. Boggs, Sr., bent his energies, in common 
with the other intelligent men around him, con- 
tributing his full quota to the development of this 
part of Gage County. 

The subject of this sketch was born in North 
Manchester, Ind., June I'J, 18a7, and began his 



■<l«- 



cducatiou in the public schools of Bureau and Mar- 
shall Counties, Illinois and Indiana respectively. 
When a lad of thirteen years of age his parents 
came to Southern Nebraska, and from 1872 Charles 
assisted in the labors of the farm, and attended 
school at Beatrice alternately for a period of four 
years. Afterward he entered the High School in 
that city, and devoted his whole time to his books 
for a year, then commenced teaching, which pro- 
fession he followed four 3'ears in succession in this 
county. At the expiration of this time he turned 
his attention seriously to the study of medicine 
under the instruction of his father three years, and 
in the latter part of 1882 became a student of the 
Iowa State University, leaving this institution a 
year later to enter the Nebraska State University. 
After receiving his diploma he practiced with his 
father two years, and since that time has gradually 
assumed the business of the latter as the elder phj'- 
sician retired. 

Dr. Charles Boggs has inherited much of his 
father's natural adaptation to this important de- 
partment of the professions, and has met with uni- 
form success, building up for himself an enviable 
reputation, both among the people of this countj', 
and among his professional brethren. He makes a 
specialt}' of surgery, and holds the position of Ex- 
aminer for the Union Central Life Insurance Com- 
pany of New York City, in this town. AVhen 
twenty-five j'ears of age he was married to a very 
estimable lady, Miss Mary C, daughter of David 
S. and Elizabeth (Sn3'der) Faulder, of Hanover, 
this county. Mr. Faulder is a native of Beaver 
Creek, Md., and was born .Jan. 9, 1832. He con- 
tinued a resident of his native place until 1875, 
then removed to Ogle County, 111. From there 
three years later he migrated across the Mississippi 
into this State, and is now following farming in 
Hanover Township, this county. He had learned 
the cooper trade when a young man, but later 
abandoned this for the more congenial pursuits of 
agriculture. 

Mrs. Elizabeth Faulder, the mother of Mrs. Boggs, 
was born in AVashington County, Md., June 22, 
1833, and is still living. The parental family in- 
cluded eleven children, six sons and five daughters. 
Nine of these are still living, namely: Jerome, 



•^f^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



699 i , 



Cliarles E. mid Ira E.. farmers ')f Hanover; Irvin 
E.. at iKune; Samuel R.. farming in Hanover; 
Lanra E., tlie wife of James F. Boggs, a farmer of 
Fllloy ; Mary C, the wife of onr subject; AnnaM., 
the wife of M. II. Blackburn, who is studying medi- 
cine in Filley. and Luc}' E., who is at home with 
her parents. 

Mrs. Mary C. Boggs was born in Beaver Creek, 
Md., Dec. 28, 1 SCO, under the same roof where her 
father first opened his eyes to the light twenty- 
eight j'ears before, in 1832. She leceived a com- 
nn)n-school education and excellent home training, 
and lived with her parents until her marriage, which 
occurred Sept. 28, 1882. Of her union with our 
subject there has been born one child, a daughter, 
Mabel M.. Nov. 15, 1885. The Doctor and his 
little famil}- have a pleasant home in the southeastern 
part of the village, ami number among their friends 
and acquaintances the best people of the township. 
IMrs. Boggs is a member of the Christian Church, 
while the Doctor finds religious consolation in the 
doctrines of the Methodist faith. Socially, be be- 
longs to the Masonic fraternity, and the I. O. G. T. 
lie is popular among his fellow-townsmen, and a 
useful factor in his community, both as a phjsician 
and a citizen. 



^- 



-^^-s 



I DWIN B. HINDS is one of the leading mer- 
tpi} chants of Odell, where he is doing an ex- 
'' — '-^ tensive business as a dealer in hardware. He 
owns the flue building in which he conducts his 
business, and also the commodious house in which 
he dwells; and besides these he owns valuable farm 
propert}', one farm of fortj' acres on section 1 9, 
adjoining Odell. in Paddock Township, and another 
of eighty acres within a mile of Lanham, this 
county. He is well and favorably known in busi- 
ness circles throughout Gage Count}-, having a good 
reputation both financially and as a gentleman. 

Mr. Hinds is a native of Vermont, born amid 
the pleasant scenery of Windham County, Nov. 
21, 1842. His parents, Charles C. and Lorena 
(Burke) Hinds, natives of Vermont, left their New 
England home in 1855 to take up their abode in 
Clayton Count}', Iowa. The father died in that 



State March 21, 1877. having rounded out sixty- 
eight years of a Itusy and honorable life. His esti- 
mable wife did not long survive the shock of his 
death, her own occurring on the 14th of the fol- 
lowing August, at the age of sixty-two. These 
good people had but two children, our subject and 
his brother Charles. The latter heroically gave up 
his life for his country during the late war. dying 
May 14, 18G3. at Grand Gulf, Miss., he having 
been a member of Company B, 21st Iowa Infantry. 

Edvvin Hinds, of whom we write, was a lad of 
thirteen years when he accompanied his parents 
from his native place to their new home in Iowa, 
.and there he w;is reared to manhood, continuing 
his education begun in his native State in the Iowa 
public schools. AVhen the war broke out he watched 
the course of events with intense interest and 
longed with ardent patriotism to join the "boys in 
blue" and march forth to fight for his country. At 
length his wish was granted, and he was permitted 
to enlist, although he had not attained his majority, 
and in August, 18G2, he enrolled his name as a 
member of Company M, 1st Iowa Cavalry, and 
during the remainder of the war he faithfull}' 
served the Union cause on many a hard-fought 
battle-field, his military record as a brave and ef- 
ficient soldier being one of which he m.ay well be 
proud. He took part in the battles of Prairie 
Grove, Little Rock, Camden, and many others. 
He was through Texas with the gallant Gen. Custer, 
and received his discharge from the army in March, 
18GC, returning to his home without a scar, although 
he had taken an active part in every battle in which 
his regiment was engaged. 

After his retirement from the service Mr. Hinds 
returned to bis father's residence in Clayton County, 
Iowa, and subsequently made his home in that 
county until 1881. Wishing to supplement bis 
education, be entered Eastman's College, Chicago, 
111., where he remained a student for one term, re- 
ceiving a fine business training. He then engaged 
as a clerk in a store of general merchandise, but he 
afterward turned his attention to farming, and was 
very successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits 
for nine years. He began life without money, but 
by enterprise and close attention to business he se- 
cured a competency, and decided iu wind up his 





i 



700 



GAGE COUNTY. 



affairs in Iowa and roalie his home for the future in 
this part of the country. Acconlingi}-, in May, 
1881, he visited Wasliington County, Kan., and 
after staying there about three months came to 
Odell in August, and shortly after establislied him- 
self in the hardware business, in which he has ever 
since engaged, witli the exception of one 3'ear. He 
lias a fine assortment and an extensive stock, and 
his trade is constantly increasing. His courteous 
and obliging manners win him the esteem of his 
patrons, and his strict attention to business and 
honorable dealings have gained him their full con- 
fidence. 

Mr. Hinds was married to Miss Sarah Shaw, of 
Clayton County, Iowa, Dec. 1, 1870, and they have 
one son, Charles, who lives with them. Mrs. Hinds' 
father. John Shaw, is now living in Hanson County', 
Dak. Her mother died in Clayton Count}', Iowa, 
in 1858, when Mrs. Hinds was a small child. 

When Mr. Hinds came here a few years ago Odell 
was an insignificant place, giving but little indica- 
tion that it would ever reach its present importance 
as a lively trading city. The railway was just being 
built, and when Mr. Hinds commenced the erection 
of his present store building, the weeds were as 
high as a horse's back. Mr. Hinds has taken a 
prominent i)art in the administration of [lublic af- 
fairs in Paddock Township, and has served .as 
Township Clerk since its organization. Politically, 
he is a straight Republican, stanchly defending the 
principles of that party by voice and vote. Mr. 
and Mrs. Hinds are people of high social status in 
Odell. Mrs. Hinds is a member and an earnest 
worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. 
Hinds belongs to Reserve Post No. 148, G. A. R., 
Odell; .also to Odell Lodge No. 97, I. O. O. F. 

WILSON H. GALE. One of the chief points 
-^^ of attraction in Filley Township is the fine 
estate of the gentleman whose name stands 
at the head of this sketch. This property, a view 
of which we give in this Album, consists of 640 
acres of land, all in one body and forming a com- 
plete square. A beautiful residence was erected in 
1885, and this, together with its numerous embel- 



lishments, its shade trees, grounds and buildings 
adjacent, forms one of the most pleasing pictures 
in the landscape of this section. Mr. Gale is princi- 
pallj' interested in fine horses, of which he keeps a 
large number, breeding and training, having for this 
purpose ample barns, stables, and all the other con- 
veniences, including a half-mile track for speeding. 

Next in importance to any man's career is that 
of those to whom he owes his origin, and seldom 
are the deeds of a man spoken of without allusion 
to his ancestry. The father of our subject, Adol- 
phus Gale, was born near the then infant city of 
Columbus, Ohio, in 1816, and was of Welsh and 
Irish ancestry on his f.ather's side, while his mother 
traced her forefathers to Holland. They were an 
agiicultural people, honest and industrious, and 
left a worthy record to their descendants. 

The [)aternal grandfather of our subject died 
when his son Adolphus w.as a mere lad twelve 3'ears 
of age, and the boy then left his native State, and 
making his way to Sturgis, Mich., in com[)any 
with his uncle, made his home with the latter for a 
period of four years. He then returned to his na- 
tive State, and locating in Crawford County, was 
occupied there on a farm until his marriage. Soon 
afterward, with his young wife, he moved to Steu- 
ben County, Ind., where he followed farming until 
1867, then changed his location to Stor^' County, 
Iowa. 

In the Hawkeje State Adolphus Gale experi- 
mented in merchandising two years, although re- 
taining possession of his land in Indiana. In 1869, 
however, he exchanged this property for a tract of 
land 1,440 acres in extent, in Southern Nebr.aska, 
part, l^'ing in this count}' and part in Pawnee, the 
larger part, however, in Gage County. He located 
in Filley Township, landing here with others of the 
family Nov. 19, 1869. On section 14 was a house, 
where the}' boarded until thej' could put up a 
dwelling, having for this purpose to transport lum- 
ber from Brownville, fifty miles awa}'. By New 
Year's Day the house was completed, and the three 
families moved in, nine persons in all, including 
Adolphus Gale and wife, his son, our subject and 
family, and Mrs. F. L. Tinklepaugh, with her hus- 
band and family. 

The '-men folks" were busy all that winter build- 



n 



-4^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



r|r 



ing stables, taking caie of their stock, and provid- 
ing fuel for family use. 'llicre had been broken 
•200 acres of the land, and in the spring of 1870 
this was sowed to wheat. The father of our sub- 
ject continued here until the summer of 1873, and 
in .Tune of that year suffered a partial stroke of 
paralysis, although not wholly disabled. Two years 
later, however, he was stricken severelj-, and then 
sold off his stock and returned to Steuben County, 
Ind., where he remained nearly a year and until 
October, 1876. He then came back to this State, 
and in June, 1878, suffered the third stroke of par- 
alysis, which rendered him ncaily helpless, but 
under which he survived until Sept. 2, 1882, when 
he passed away at his home in Filley Township. 

The mother of our subject was in her girlhood 
Miss Julia A. Miner, daughter of Andrew and 
Fanny (Dart) Miner, of Crawford County, Ohio, 
and was married to Adolphus Gale in 1837. An- 
drew Miner was born in Delaware County, N. Y., 
Aug. 29, 1793, his early home being near the Cat- 
skill Mountains. His wife was born in Connecti- 
cut. June 24, 1795, and when two years of age was 
taken by her parents to the Empire State, thej- 
settling in Delaware County, where she was mar- 
ried to Mr. Gale at the age of twenty -one years. 
From New York Mr. Miner removed to Ohio a 
few years after his marriage, where he carried on 
farming for ten years, and thence went into Craw- 
ford County, sojourning there a period of eight 
years. In 1838, still migrating westward, he sought 
the prairies of Illinois, making his home in Peoria 
County, and then crossing the Mississippi settled 
in Iowa, where, with his estimable wife, he spent 
the remainder of his days, he passing away in 1866. 
Seven children, three sonsand four daughters, were 
born to them, of whom only three are now living, 
namel}' : Betsey Maria, the wife of Thomas Miller, 
of Crawford County, Ohio; Luraan A., who is 
farming in Franklin County, Iowa; and Julia A., 
who is now living with her son, our subject. Miss 
Miner was born in Crawford County, Ohio, May 3, 
1820, and by her marriage with Adolphus Gale be- 
came the mother of two children : Eliza K., the 
sister of our subject, is the wife of F. L. Tinkle- 
paugh, a well-to-do farmer of P'illey Township, this 
County, and represented elsewhere in this volume. 



i^ 



G. H. Gale was born June 29, 1846, in Steuben 
County, Ind., and until the age of eighteen years 
spent his early life on the farm of his father. Upon 
leaving home he engaged as clerk in a store of 
general merchandise in Waterloo, Ind. Subse- 
quently he learned the trade of a barber. In 1866 
he went to Story County, Iowa, and thence came 
to this county with his father. In Noveraljer, 1869, 
he resumed the trade of a barber in Beatrice, but 
three j-ears later returned to the farm. In 1875 he 
migrated eastward as far as Steuben Count}', Ind.. 
and there again resumed farming. The September 
of 1878 found him again in this count}', where he 
has since been contented to remain, engaged in the 
peaceful pursuits of agriculture, and enjoying to 
the full the delights of rural life. 

'Ihe father of our subject in 1878 gave him the 
section of land on which he now lives, and upon 
which he h.as labored to such good advantage. 
Previous to this, in 1870, he had set out a fine ar- 
ray of forest trees along the front boundary line of 
the farm, and perhaps no improvement which he 
has made has been the source of more genuine sat- 
isfaction or real use. Besides these trees there is a 
grove of three or four acres near the house, which 
is the admiration of the country around. In 1885 
Mr. Gale erected the present fine residence of the 
farail}', and which, with its surroundings, indicates 
in a marked degree the tastes and means of the 
proprietor. 

For over twenty years there has presided over 
the domestic affairs of Mr. Gale the amiable and 
excellent Lady who became his wife Aug. 25, 1867, 
and who was formerl)' Miss Flora A. Potter. She 
was born in Fulton County, Ohio, Oct. 26, 1847, 
and they are now the parents of live children — 
Carl A., May, Mell, Roe and Frank, all at home 
with their jjarents. Mrs. Gale is the daughter of 
Joseph and Mary (Harlzell) Potter, natives re- 
spectively of New York and Pennsylvania. The 
father was born in 1815, and died in Ohio in 1857. 
Mrs. Potter was born April 6, 1821. The father 
was a wagon-maker by trade, and the}- had a fam- 
ily of five children, three of whom are living: iCd- 
ward is a farmer of DeKalb County, Ind.; Charles 
is engaged on the Lake Shore & Michigan .Southern 
Railroad there; Mrs. Gale is the youngest living. 



f 



i 



^^ 



702 



GAGE COUNTY. 



She is a very pleasant and intelligent lad}', and the 
suitable partner of sucii a man as her husband, 
adorning and keeping in order tlieir in\ iting liome, 
so that it forms an attractive spot both to her fam- 
ily and to strangers. 

In 1878 Mr. Gale, in company with his brother- 
in-law, Mr. Tinklepangh, and Mr. Welsh, of Fillej' 
Township, organized a Farmer's Club in the school- 
house of their district, which met the approval of 
its best men, and in due time made the call for a 
Stale Alliance, which was duly honored. This little 
movement grew and flourished, and from it sprang 
the present Union Labor part}', in which the po- 
litical sentiments of Mr. Gale are the most nearly 
represented, and to which he gives his support. A 
workingman in the highest sense of the term, he 
believes in giving to the bone and sinew of the 
country its rightful representation and its rightful 
dues. 



if^ AMUEL I. TRIPF. Among the younger 
^^^ farmers of Glenwood Township there are 
|ll/\3) none more industrious and enterprising than 
the subject of this sketch. He has 160 acres 
of finely cultivated land on section 20, and is grad- 
ually bringing about the improvements wjiich will 
place it among the most desirable estates of the 
township. He took i)ossession of it in 1879, and at 
once commenced the labors which are now plainly 
noticeable in their results and speak well for the 
proprietor. 

Mr. Tripp was born in Ogle County, III, July 17, 
1800. His father, William I. Tripp, was a native 
of Ohio, and born in Knox County, where he lived 
until tvventy 3'enrs of age. The mother, who in 
her girlhood was Miss Emily lialland. was a native 
of J<ew York State, and they were marrie<l in 1858. 
Ihe}' lived for the first fevv years in New York State, 
then in Illinois, thence went to Iowa, and in 1879 
to Gage County, Neb., and in 1885 to Washington 
County, Kan., where they still reside, the father en- 
gaged in farming. Their family consisted of eight 
children, five boys and three girls, seven of whom 
are living and residents of Washington. Samuel, 
of our sketch, was the eldest, and was a little lad 
of five years when his parents changed their resi- 



dence to Boone County, Iowa. They were among 
the pioneer settlers of that region; three years later 
they removed to Story County, and there the early 
education of our subject was carried on in the im- 
perfect schools of that period. Subsequently he 
completed his studies in the High School at Ames, 
and in 1879 Samuel I., accompanied b}' his father, 
made his first venture into the State of Nebraska. 
The latter soon selected his location in Glenwood 
Township, and here has since remained. 

Mr. Tripp, in the same year that he came here, 
took possession of the farm which he now owns and 
occupies. lie was married, Nov. 5, 1882, in Stor^' 
County, Iowa, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Will- 
iam and Alvina Arrowsraith, the wedding taking 
place at t'.ie home of the bride in Franklin Town- 
ship. The parents of Mrs. Tripp are natives of In- 
diana, and moved to Iowa about 1852, of which 
they are still residents, living on a farm. Their fam- 
ily consisted of thirteen children, all of whom are 
living. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Tripp there have been born a 
daughter and son, Verna B. and Delbert J., five 
years and four months of age respectively. Mr. 
Tripp is a member of the Cumberland Presb^'terinn 
Church, and Superintendent of the .Union Sunday, 
school in Glenwood Township. Politicall}-, he affili- 
ates with the Republican party. 



OWEN JONES is a very prosperous farmer and 
stock-raiser residing on section 10, Barnes- 
ton Township, where he owns 480 acres of 
well-improved land, and is busily engaged in its 
cultivation. He was born in the northern part of 
Wales, in April, 1834, of parents who were natives 
of the same country, and the father is now deceased. 
When of suitable age to engage in business, young 
Jones became a railroad contractor in his native 
country and was successful, but wishing a broader 
field in which to exercise his talents he decided to 
try his fortune in America. Accordingly, in 1868, 
he crossed the ocean to the United Slates, first mak- 
ing his home in LaFayette County, Wis., where he 
remained for about ten j'ears. 

In 1878 our subject came to this county, settling 



-•► 



<*• 



••»• 



GAGE COUNTY. 



703 



on section 7. Barneston Township, where he en- 
gaged in farming until 1 883. He tlien bought the 
land on wliieh he now resiiles, at the June land 
sales, and has since made his home on section 10. 
His large farm has been well improved b3' his own 
labor and industry, and on it he has erected a good 
house, barns, and the neeessarj^ farm buildings, made 
fences and planted groves of native timber, besides 
orchards of fruit trees. He is extensively engaged 
in general farming and stock-raising, receiving from 
his fertile fields abundant harvests of cereals and 
the ordinary farm produce, while his pastures are 
well stocked with a good grade of cattle, horses and 
hogs. His farm, very pleasantly located, is sup- 
plietl with running water, and is the source of a 
comfortable income. 

Mr. Jones was married in his native country, in 
Januarj', 18G4, to Miss Ruth Williams, who was 
also born in Wales. She grew to womanhood and 
received her education near the home of her birth, 
l)erfecting herself in the womanl3' virtues and ac- 
complishments which have enabled her to make for 
her husband a pleasant and attractive home. Since 
their residence in this county they have gathered 
around them a large circle of friends and acquaint- 
ances. Thej' are members in good standing of the 
Presbyterian Church, and are eminently worthy of 
mention among the citizens of Barneston Town- 
ship. 




,,.., NDREW S. BICKERTON, editor and pub- 
■@^l lisher of the Blue Springs Sentinel, has 
been a resident of this place since the 
spring of 1885. He is popular in his com- 
munity, and well fitted for the position which he 
occupies as the conductor of an important news 
journal. The i)aper is ably edited, and has become 
almost indispensable to the reading classes of this 
part of the count}'. 

The subject of this sketch is of pure English 
ancestry, being the son of Thomas and Margaret 
Bickerton, who crossed the Atlantic in 18.')4. Set- 
tling in Marsliall County, III., the father engaged 
in coal mining until 1870. Then, changing his resi- 
dence to La.Salle County, he became engaged in 
mercantile business, which he continued until his 



death, which occurred on the 11th of March, 1872. 
The mother was in her girlhood Miss Margaret 
Stevenson, a native of the same country as her 
husband, and who crossed the Atlantic with her 
parents in 1854. They settled in Illinois, where 
she was married to Thomas Bickerton that same 
year. They became the parents of three children, 
two only of whom are living: Mrs. Thomas S. Mor- 
gan, residing at Streator, 111., and the subject of 
this sketch. Mrs. Margaret Bickerton departed this 
life May 12, 1879, at Streator, 111. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject, also 
Thomas by name, was a native of Northumlierland, 
?2ngland, and there spent his entire life engaged as 
a coal miner. Andrew S., our subject, was born 
at Sparland, Marshall Co., 111., and there received 
his earl}' education in the common school. Later 
he attended the High School at Streator, and after- 
ward assisted his father in business, until learning 
the printer's trade. He was first employed in the 
office of the Monitor, and was connected afterward 
with various oflSces in that part of the State. He 
finally drifted to Chicago, and was employe<l in 
various job offices in that city until 1885, in the 
spring of which year he came to Blue Springs, and 
shortly afterward established the Sentinel, and is 
rapidly bringing it to the modern standard of the 
local newspai)er. 

A Republican politicalh', Mr. Bickerton is promi- 
nent in political affairs, and has been sent as a dele- 
gate to the State Conventions for the nomination 
of important officials, and otherwise making him- 
self indispensable to the well-being of the party in 
this section. He resides with his family in the 
western part of the cil}', where the}' are in the en- 
joyment of a snug home, and all the other comforts 
of life. The wife of our subject, to whom he w.as 
married in Streator, III., Nov. 25, 1880. w.as for- 
merly Miss Hettie E. Persons, who was born at the 
farm homestead of her parents, near Chatsworth, 
III.. Aug. 24. 1857, and is the daughter of Elihn 
and Emily (Gunsul) Persons, both natives of New 
York. Mr. Persons was reared to manhood in the 
Empire State, where he resided, occupied as a far- 
mer, until emigrating to Illinois, .and was one of the 
earliest settlers of Kendall County. Late in life he 
retired from active labor, and spent his last years 



^ 



•p^i^4^ 



704 



GAGE COUNTY. 



in the town of Salera, III., where his death took 
place in the fall of 1874. 

The mother of Mrs. Bickcrton, Emily (Gunsul) 
Persons, is now living in Streator. The family in- 
cluderl four children, three daughters and one son, 
all of whom are living. The daughters remain with 
their mother, assisting in the duties of the hotel, 
restaurant and bakery, in which thej' became in- 
terested in 1879, after the death of the father. Het- 
tie, Mrs. Bickerton, received a fine musical education, 
having at an early age evinced more than ordinary 
talent in connection with this art. She excels as a 
vocalist, and her voice is considered one of the 
finest in this part of the county-. She is also a 
skilled performer on the piano and other musical 
instruments. 

To our subject and his estimable wife there have 
been born two children, one of whom, a son, died 
when nine months old. The remaining child, 
Emily Belle, was born May 19. 1882, and is now a 
bright little girl of six years. 



-^>^;^^^i^^^)<^^-^ 



4 



"if/OHN O. SAMSEL has seen a great deal of 
pioneer life, having been one of the first 
settlers in Elm Township, where he now 
owns a fine farm on section 12. His father 
was John G. Samsel, who was born in Frederick 
County, Va., and was a harness- maker l)y trade. He 
died in Virginia, after having reared a family of 
six children, of whom our subject was tiie fourth. 
His wife, the mother of our subject, was Rosa 
(Grim) Samsel, who was born in Winchester. Va., 
and is still living at the advanced age of eighty- 
two years. Her father served as a private in the 
Revolutionary War. 

The gentleman in whose honor this sketch is 
written was born in Frederick County, Va., on the 
8th of September, 1830, and there he attended the 
common schools, and received a fairly good educa- 
tion. When he re.ached the age of twenty-two 
years he began to carrj' on business for himself, 
and engaged in farming, lu 1859 he moved to 
Henry Count}'. Ind., where he continued his voca- 
tion for a period of eight years, after which he 
moved to Woodford County, 111. Desiring to see 



still more of tills great undeveloped section, he 
came farther West, and in 1875 settled in Elm 
Township, this count}', on his present farm, con- 
sisting of lUO .acres. There were but a few families 
here when he .came, and in common with them he 
had to undergo many hardships and labor under 
many disadvantages in bringing his farm to its 
present state of cultivation. 

In October, 1851, our subject was married, in 
Monongalia County, W. Va., to Miss Caroline 
Davis, who was born in that county in 182G. Her 
parents, Peter and Kezia Reed Davis, were both 
natives of West Virginia, and reared a family 
of seven children, of whom the wife of our subject 
is the eldest. The mother died in the year 184G, 
and the father in 1887. Mrs. Samsel is a woman of 
great courage and force of character, and it was by 
her encour.agement, sympathy and womanly aid 
that her husband was enabled to persevere and 
overcome the ditticulties which surrounded their 
early life in this section, she having patiently sub- 
mitted to the discomforts, hoping thereby to be 
more pleasantly situated in the future. As a reward 
of their labors they now have a veiy excellent 
farm, on which they have made many improve- 
ments, and have set out beautiful groves of forest 
trees, and an orchard of fine fruit trees. 

Our subject and his wife have been blessed with 
a family of seven children, some of whom have 
already gone forth from the parental roof, and are 
nicely established in homes of their own. Their 
names are: John W., Rosa, Amalva, Millard F., 
Ulysses S., Delia and Eunice. John W. married 
Miss Mary Richison, and they reside at Beatrice, at 
which place he is baggagemaster; they have two 
children — Daniel and RoUin. Rosa is the wife of 
Henry Burke, and they also reside in Beatrice, 
where Mr. B. is engaged in the insurance business; 
they have four children — Carrie H., Effle, Henry 
and Eugene. Amalva M. is the wife of Daniel R. 
Wilson, who is engaged in the mercantile business 
in Beatrice, and in their home they have four chil- 
dren — Stella, Albert, John and Russel; Eunice is 
the wife of William Lenhart, who is a molder in 
the foundry at Beatrice, and they have two chil- 
fli-en — Lulu and a babe; Millard F. married Miss 
Marietta Andrews, and is farming in Sicily Town- 



-#*■ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



70.: 



ship; tlieN' have two children — Osa and Ora. Ulys- 
ses and Delia are living at home with their parents. 

While our subject has been so successful as an 
agriculturist, he has yet shown a great deal of 
enterprise and interest in behalf of the public wel- 
fare, and for five j'ears has acted in capacitj' of 
Treasurer of the schools of his township. He is a 
Republican in politics, and is anxious that the best 
methods should be adopted for the government of 
the countr}'. He and his wife are esteemed and 
active members in the Methodist Church, and as a 
famil}' who have done much toward the building 
up of this township the^' merit an honorable men- 
tion in this work. 

A view of our subject's place appears elsewhere 
in this volume. 

W)ILLIAM E. MUDGE, a view of whose 
homestead appears elsewhere in this vol- 
ume, is a well-to-do farmer of Elm Town- 
ship, having his residence on .section 1. A man 
but a trifle past his prime, he comes of an excellent 
family, being the son of Edwin and Katherine 
(Woollej-) Mudge, both of whom were born in 
Kent, England, where the father in earl3' life fol- 
lowed farming a short time, then became a brick- 
maker. The parental family consisted of four chil- 
dren — William E., Rosanna, Edwin and Eliza. 

The subject of this sketcli was born on tiie Gtli 
of October, 1833, in Kent, England, and remained 
at home with his parents until he became of age. 
In receiving his education he attended the district 
school of his neighborhood until about nine j'ears 
of age; after that time he was employed in the 
brickyard assisting his father. A short time after 
reaching his majoritj' he was married, Dec. 2.5, 
1854, to Miss Elizabeth Homdin, in Kent. This 
lady, a native of the same place as her husband, 
was born on the 8th of April, 1836. Her parents, 
Thomas and Cordelia (Berrj-) Homdin, were also 
natives of Kent. The parental household included 
eight children, namelj-: William, Thomas. John, 
Richard, Robert, Sarah, Mary Anne and Elizabeth. 

On the iSd of March, 1855, Mr. Mudge with ids 
wife and familj' took passage on the sailing-vessel 



"Webster" for America, and landed in Nevv York 
Cit3' on the 30th of April following. They at once 
proceeded to the vicinity of Utica, N. Y., where 
Mr. Mudge engaged in farming three years. In 
1858 they removed to Chillicothe, the county seat 
of Livingston Countj', Mo., in which place our sub- 
ject continued to work at his old trade of brick- 
making three j'ears, and until near the opening of 
the Civil War. There then being a companj' of 
hostile Southerners known as Quantrell's Band, lo- 
cated in the neighborhood near which our subject 
lived, he being a strong Union man was com- 
pelled to go further north in order to be free from 
molestation from them. 

In the spring of 1861 Mr. Mudge moved to Mud 
Creek, Gage Countj', this State, where he bought 
fortj' acres of land, and for two years carried on 
farming. He took an interest in the improvement 
of the country and helped to build the first school- 
house at Beatrice. In the sjjring of 1863 he went 
further west, and started •'Buffalo Ranch" on the 
Little Blue, in what was then Nuckolls County, 
which he operated for a little over three j'ears, and 
was meeting with fair success until August, 1868, 
when the Indians made a raid on the neighborhood, 
drove awaj' nearlj' all the cattle, and Mr. Mudge 
and his familj' were again compelled to seek safety 
in flight. He lost all his stock, which was driven off 
by the Indians, together with his household goods. 
About all he and his family saved was the wearing 
apparel which they had on. The loss of Mr. Mudge 
and his partner was found by careful calculation to 
be 4i7, -150.50. 

Mr. Mudge served five months in the Territorial 
militia called out by Gov. Butler, and took ])art in 
the efforts made to disperse the Indians. He re- 
ceived for his own services §16 per month, and for 
his horse §12 and rations. Thev had no actual 
battles with the savages, but our subject gained 
quite an inkling of general warfare. After the 
command was disbanded Mr. Mudge went back to 
his ranch, where he remained about sixteen months. 
He was obliged to commence at the foot of the lad- 
der again, having lost everj'thing, and in August, 
1866. sought refuge in Elm Township, this countj', 
where he honiesteaded his present farm of 160 
acres, which is located on sections 1 and 2, and 



•^1^^ 



TOO 



GAGE COUNTY. 



4 



upon which he has made all the improvements 
that we behold to-day. Later lie added forty 
acies to his first purchase and has now 200 acres, 
which is steadily increasing in value. 

In the famil}' of our subject there have been 
seven children, namely: Willie E., George T., Sam- 
uel, Charles, Annie, Nathan and Katie. Willie E. 
married Miss Elizabeth Mathias, and is residing in 
Elm Township, being the father of two children — 
Kay W. and Muriel. Samuel 11., living in Elm 
Tf)wnship. married Miss Elizabeth Bevins. The 
remainder of the children are at home with their 
parents. Mr. Mudge has been a School Director 
for eight j-ears. He belongs to the I. O. G. T., and 
politically, is a very ardent Republican. Both he 
and his wife are members of the Methodist Church. 

In the summer of 1888 Mr. Mudge visited his 
boyhood iiome and other places of interest in En- 
gland, returning after an al>sence of about two 
months. As a man enjo3Mng the esteem and confl- 
<lence of his fellow-citizens, he is entitled to honora- 
ble mention among the worth}' pioneers of Gage 
Countj'. 

\j. OHN AV. ISLEY. Upon section 33 of Ne- 
maha Township is situated the residence and 
farm of the gentleman whose name is at the 
/ head of this sketch, and it were hard to find 
a more hospitable, genial man, or enterprising, in- 
dustrious and successful farmer. The grandfather of 
our subject, after whom he was named, was born in 
Pennsylvania, of German parents, who had emi- 
grated and settled in that State. His father, the 
great-grandfather of our subject, served through 
the llevolutionar}' War. The father of our sub- 
ject was a native of Guilford County, N. C. as was 
also his wife. He removed to Mi.ssouri in 1837, 
taking with him his family and becoming one of 
its earliest pioneers, entering witli zest into all the 
experiences of that new life. Until about one year 
after his marriage he had continued to reside in 
North Carolina. He purchased a farm of IGO 
acres in Missouri, and there accumulated considera- 
ble property. In 18C8 he sold his farm there, and 
came to this State, where he purchased a farm of 
the same size as his Missouri property. He died 



■«»■ 



in 1885, aged seventy-four years. His wife, the 
mother of our subject, survived him about one year, 
and died at the home of our subject in 1886. at 
the advanced age of seventy-one 3'ears. Their fam- 
ily included seven children, whose names are as 
follows: John W. (our subject), Hannah J., Mary 
E., Richard W., James O. K.,Dica A., and one who 
died in infancy. 

Our subject was born Aug. 9, 1 838, in Knox- 
ville Township, Ra^' Co., Mo., which at that time 
was nearly all covered with heavy timber growth. 
The school system of the State at the time was 
after a ver}' primitive fashion, and the school-houses 
were situated at such distances as to render attend- 
ance exceedingl}' precarious work. The education 
of our subject was, therefore, very limited upon the 
line of school topics, but diametrically reverse re- 
garding the work of the farm, whether in the line 
of general farm work or among the stock. 

Until Mr. Isle}' had almost reached the age of 
twenty-two years he remained working upon his 
father's farm, but Sept. 15, 1860, he became the 
husband of Miss Melinda C. Albright, and they 
then started life for themselves. This lady was 
the educated and beautiful daughter of Joshua and 
Jane (Patton) Albright, both natives of North Car- 
olina, and like Mr. and Mrs. Isley were of Germ.an 
ancestry, of whom members had emigrated to Amer- 
ica in anti-Revolutionary days, and had become 
planters in Carolina, and helped to settle the ques- 
tion of independence by taking a full share in the 
Revolution, fighting for freedom. Her father died 
at the age of sixty-eight years, in 1874. Her 
mother still resides upon the homestead in Ray 
County, Mo., whither they had removed in 1840; 
she is sevent3'-six years of age, and is the mother 
of five children, whose names are here given, viz: 
Cornelia A., William, Melinda C, Delilah J. and 
Eliza M. 

The wife of our subject was born on the 1 1th of 
August, 1 839, in Ray County, Mo. After her mar- 
riage she resided with her husband at the old Isley 
homestead in Missouri, and there were born five of 
their children. In 1868 the family removed to 
Nebraska, prosecuting the whole journey, which 
occui>ied eighteen days, by tlie means of a wagon 
and team. Ihey were accompanied by his father 



-^*- 



GAGE COUNTY. 



707 



i 



and famih", who also had his own wagon and team. 
If the incidents of that journej-, with its hopes and 
fears, its possibilities and actual happenings, could 
be given, the modern method of journeying would 
be insufferably dull and prosy, albeit so far in ad- 
vance in point of comfort and rapidity. They lo- 
cated in the northwestern corner of Gage County, 
and were soon happily settled in their first dug-out, 
where many of their happiest moments were spent, 
and which will ever be remembered as their haven 
of rest and refuge after their toilsome journe}- from 
the southeast. One of the chief reasons for this 
change was that a man of Northern sj'mpathies 
could not enjoy his right of citizenship, owing to 
the excitement of the times. 

In this home were born the remainder of the 
faniil}' of our subject, which included in all eleven 
children, whose names are recorded as follows: 
James M., who died in Missouri; Wilber C, Mary 
J., Charles C Dica A., Flora A., Rosa L., Peter, 
Johnnie, Hardy E. and Gracie. Wilber C. mar- 
ried Miss Mary Littlejohn, and resides at Hanover; 
Mary J. is the wife of Thomas Duncan, of Hooker 
Township, and is the mother of one daughter, to 
whom has been given the name of Bertha; Dica A. 
is happily married to John Hannibal, of Hooker 
Township; the other children are still at home. In 
addition to the home farm, of which a faithful rep- 
resentation will be found ou another page, our sub- 
ject is operating 320 acres of Kincaid land, and 320 
of ScuUj' land, and also owns another farm of 160 
acres. His chief attention is given to general farm- 
ing, to raising wheat, corn, flax and oats, although 
considerable attention is devoted to cattle-raising. 
Our subject seldom has less than about seventy-flve 
head of cattle, and a third of that number of horses 
upon his farm. He ships to the Eastern market 
probablj' about thirty-five head of each per annum. 
He has constant employment for seven teams of 
horses and one span of mules. 

Mr. and Mrs. Isley are both members in good 
standing of the Grand View Baptist Church, and 
are considered among the most atUiched and earn- 
est of its members. The}' are justly held in the 
highest esteem, for there are few who endeavor to 
put into practice their profession more successful in 
the same than they. Their residence presents all 



those marks of refinement and beauty of arrange- 
ment and detail that go to make home a place of 
strongest attraction; that makes the membei-s of the 
domestic circle feel it is the best place of any to 
them, and the stranger and visitor within the gates 
to retain lingering memories ever after of the most 
delightfully restful and felicitous description. Tiiis 
influence is, as it always must be. that of the wife 
and mother. Our subject has for some j^ears held 
the office of School Treasurer, .and discharged its 
duties faithfully. His political sympathies are with 
the Democriitic partj", but his manliness, high char- 
acter, enterprise, lo_valty and success, are such that 
his friends are not limited b^' the difference of po- 
litical opinion. The entire community hold our 
subject and family in highest regard. 

The militarj' experience of our subject was not 
lengthy, and yet not without its dangers and loj-al, 
heroic effort. He enlisted in Company A. 5th Mis- 
souri Cavahy, and was mustered in at Richmond, 
of that State, for a term of three years. He took 
part in a number of engagements, among others, at 
Richmond, Lexington and Chillicothe. Daring his 
service he engaged in several desperate skirmishes 
and hand-to-hand fights with Quantrell's men, and 
in one pursuit remained three da3's and three nights 
in the saddle, but Bnallj' succeeded in the capture 
of seventy-five of that notorious gang. Our sub- 
ject was honorably discharged at Lexington in 
1864, his term having expired, and returned home 
to the duties of the farm, but while thus engaged 
Was captured and carried off b^' members of the 
same band, although he succeeded a short lime 
after in making his escape b}' strategy. 



— l-^-f-i— 

JOHN L. DAVIS is widely and favorably 
known as a stock-raiser and shipper. His 
farm is situated on section 27 of Blue 
Springs Township. He was born ou the 6th 
of March, I860, in Cambria County, Pa., and is 
the son of William Davis, now deceased, a native 
of the same county, who w.as a blacksmith b^- tr.ade. 
and considered a skilled worker. His home was in 
Ebensbuig. the county seat of Cambria County, 
where he had quite a large patronage and business. 



i 



•^1^4^ 



ros 



GAGE COUNTY. 



4 



In the above city the early 3-ears of our subject 
were spent: in its schools he was educated, and 
afterward engaged in general work, in which he 
continued until he was about twentj'-two years 
of age. In 1883 he came to this State, stopping 
for five months to work in Red Cloud. Upon 
reaching Blue Springs he began to work for the Na- 
tional Lumber Company', and continued to do so 
for about three and a half years, and then began 
farming. 

The farm of our subject is 250 acres in extent, 
and is utilized chiefly as a stock farm, although 
considerable attention is given to grain; at the 
same time large quantities of feed are required for 
his stock, which is never less than 1,500 bushels of 
oats, the same of corn, and fifty tons of hay, be- 
sides straw, etc., per annum. He has supplied his 
farm with substantial, commodious barns, stables, 
and other necessary buildings. Everything, how- 
ever, indicates the practical, rather than the fancy 
farmer, and although beauty is not lost sight of, 
it is rendered subservient to utility. 

Although dealing in raising and shipping stock 
of all kinds, our subject makes a specialty of horse- 
raising, and at the same time gives much attention 
to the breeding of Poland-China hogs. In this re- 
gard he has made a cfjusiderable reputation as rais- 
ing and supp!3'ing only the best grades. In his stables 
are to be found at all times a number of very fine 
horses; this department of his farm receives his 
chief attention, and of this section of his business 
his chief delight is in raising fast trotting horses. 
One cs|)ecially fine creature is named "Rebel Me- 
dium," who was sired by "Happy Medium;" an- 
other is "Lycurgus," who was sired by "Aberdeen." 
The above and several other horses that might be 
mentioned are pedigreed, standard thoroughbreds. 
There is. perhaps, one other deserving mention 
here, whose record is 2 :40, "Shakespeare," sired by 
"Abdallah." Each of the above are Kentucky 
horses, of which the owner is justly proud. 

The business interests of our suliject engross his 
altenti<in and demand the greater part of his time. 
He does not, therefore, take so prominent a place 
in political and other outside matters as he might 
otherwise do. He is neither a seeker after, nor 
holder of oliice, but whenever occasion demands is 

<■ 



quick to respond to any demand that maj' be made 
upon him as a loyal and patriotic citizen. Usually 
he votes with the Republican party. Socially, he 
is connected with the Masonic fraternit}', and is a 
member of Blue Springs Lodge No. 85, which 
meets at Blue Springs. As a man of business he is 
respected as being honorable in his transactions, as 
a friend and citizen highly esteemed as a man of 
high character, and welcomed as a genial, clever 
and affable companion. 




7/ RANCIS E. CROCKER. Upon the banks of 
the Hudson River, whose beauties have 



been told on both sides of the Atlantic, in 
sober prose, or the more moving cadences of the 
poet — the home of the Storm King; historic Sleepy 
Hollow, and numerous other points of all-absorb- 
ing interest — in a quiet homestead not far from Ft. 
Edward was born, upon the 1st of April, 1832, the 
subject of this biographical sketch. His father, 
John Crocker, now deceased, and likewise several 
generations had been born in that same dwelling. 
His mother was a native of the same town. 

Our subject spent his earl^' years in and around 
the old homestead, and continued to do so until the 
year 1853, when he went to California, and for two 
j'ears tried his fortune at the gold mines. In this 
he was somewhat favored, and before his return had 
amassed sutiicient dust and nuggets to give him a 
fairlj' good start in life. With this he proceeded 
in 1856 to Ashland County, Ohio, and engaged in 
mercantile business. Two years later he returned 
to York State, and at the close of a like period set- 
tled in Cumberland County. 111., removing after 
another two years to Champaign County, in the 
same State, in 1803, and engaged in farming, with 
an annually increasing prosperity, until the j'ear 
1882, with the exception of the last three years, 
during which time he was eng.aged in transactions 
of a general mercantile chaiacter at Bondville. In 
1882 he established himself in business in Libertj', 
and has manifested large business capacity, enter- 
prise and push, with the result that his business has 
continuously increased until the present time. He 
usually carries a stock of not less than $6,000 value. 






GAGE COUNTY. 



709 



liis annual sales amounting in the gross to not 
less than -$12,000, exclusive of his dealings ingrain 
and cattle. 

Upon the 1st of .January, 1S57, our subject en- 
tered into ''the better state and completer life," 
by his marriage with Mary A.. Huston. This lady 
is the daughter of Samuel and Jane (McMurra3') 
Huston, the former of whom is deceased, and was 
born in the State of New York. She has presented 
her husband with three children, two of whom are 
still living, and are named Charles and Hattie. The 
former is now the husband of Miss Alma Bickett, 
and resides about seven miles northeast of Liberty, 
in this county, and ids sister is the wife of J. New- 
ton Lytic, also of tliis county, and is the mother of 
three children, whose names are as follows : Mamie, 
Frances and John. 

While at Bondville, in Hlinois, our subject was 
for several 3'ears Postmaster, and bj^ his prompt- 
ness, exactitude and geniality, w.as both efficient and 
higlily esteemed in that office. Both our subject 
and wife had been members of the Methodist Church 
for many j'ears until 1886, when they joined the 
United Presbj'terian Church, and are regarded as 
among the most stanch and devout members of 
that communion, and by their uniform consistency 
and interest in matters pertaining thereto are ac- 
corded the confidence and respect of the entire 
community. 




, ICHARD J. MILLER, one of the most enter- 
prising young farmers and business men of 
Adams Township, deserves more than a 
^ passing notice among the solid citizens of 
this part of the countj'. He began the struggle for 
his maintenance at an earl^' age, and has fought his 
way tlirough many obstacles unaided and alone. 
That he has met with the legitimate reward of his 
perseverance is a source of satisf.action, not only to 
himself, but to the many friends whom he has made 
by the exercise of those principles which form the 
basis of all true manhood. Mr. Miller has now a 
comfortiible home on section 17, and the prospect 
of a competency in his old age. 

Jefferson and Helen (Boston) Miller, the parents 
of our subject, were natives of Kentucky, where they 



were reared to mature 3'ears. Both left the Bine 
Grass State and settled in Holt County, Mo., where 
before the war the}' were married, and the father 
engaged successful!}- in the drug trade and livery 
business. He became wealthy, but his property 
was swept away in the vicissitudes of that unhappy 
conflict. He died while still a young man, in 1863, 
leaving his widow and their only child, Richard J. 
The latter was born June 2, 1861, in Holt County, 
Mo., and lived there until a little lad sis years of 
age. He has no recollections of his father. He 
continued with his widowed mother, coming with 
her in 1868 to Lancaster Count}', this State, of 
which he remained a resident until the spring of 
1888. He acquired a good etlucatioa in the city of 
Lincoln, and was gr.aduated from the High School 
there in the class of '81. 

Young Miller commenced his business career as 
a clerk in the store of H. C. Lett, with whom he 
remained for a period of three years. We next find 
hira in the employ of E. C. Miller two years, and 
subsequently with the wholesale house of Osborn & 
Draper. The experience which he had by this time 
gained seemed to justify him in establishing a busi- 
ness of his own. He became interested in the whole- 
sale woolen and dry-goods trade, and traveled 
considerably throughout Northern Nebraska and 
Kansas. He was fairly successful, considering his 
limited capital, but judged it best to close out for a 
time at least, and in company with a partner set up 
in the grocery trade at Lincoln, the firm name being 
Miller & Miller. 

Our subject built up a good trade in the grocery 
line, and by his straightforward methods of doing 
business secured many friends. At the same time 
he speculated considerably in real estate. In the 
meantime he established a home and domestic ties 
by being married, July 22, 1883, to one of the most 
intelligent and estimable young ladies of Lincoln, 
namely. Miss Isadora, daughter of Joseph and Sarah 
(Casebolt) Rhodes, of Uiclihind County, Wis. Mrs. 
Miller is the fourth in a family of five children, 
and was born at Baraboo, AYis,, June 30, 1862. 
She was given a good education and completed 
her studies at Sextonville High School, and sul>- 
sequently taught four years in Richland County, 
Wis. She came to Nebraska on a visit to Lincoln, 



i~ 



•^^hM* 



h 



' ^» ^ ll 4» 



710 



GAGE COUNTY. 




•t 



iind formed the atqiiaintance of Mr. Miller, which 
ripened into a nintiinl attaehnient. Thcj' are now 
the parents of two intere-sting children, Karl and 
Leoto, the former four years old and the latter one 
year old. 

Mr. Miller purchased his present very valuable 
farm of 120 acres in Adams Township in liS88, and 
is here building np a ver}' attractive home. He 
keeps himself well informed in regard to matters of 
general interest, and usually votes independently, 
aiming to support the man best qualified to serve 
the interests of the people. In 1872 and 1874 he 
was a page in the Nebraska Legislature; during the 
Constitutional Convention he was also a page. 



ARC US LEACH. It goes without saying 
that ever\' city that has ever been built has 
been of interest and has made its reputa- 
tion to a large extent because of the 
structural beauty and design of its buildings, 
whether they be simple residences, vast business 
blocks, civic or State buildings, legal i)alaces or 
public buildings for the purpose of instructing the 
people in science, art, etc. It is, therefore, safe to 
say that a most important profession in any city is 
that of the architect. If he be proficient and pos- 
sesses an adaptability for and delight in his work, 
it is well; but how many important streets in large 
cities have been spoiled b}' disfigurements of stone 
and brick, because, forsooth, some architect had 
made a mistake in the choice of professions. It is 
a common remark that "a doctor's mistake is 
buried; a surgeon's always stares him in the face." 
The latter remark would be more truthful as a rule 
if applied to the architect who lacks an appreciation 
of the beauty and effect of a perfect outline, and a 
care in the harmonious placing of the often compli- 
cated and minor details incident to his designs. 

One of the most worthy of mention in the above 
profession is the subject of this writing, a resident 
of Wymore. Our subject was born near Lockport, 
N. Y., March 1, 1839. His father was a native of 
Canada, and became the husband of Maria Farn- 
ham, a native of Toronto, Canada, and in that city 
they had a large property. Their famil3' included 



nine sons and tvvo daughters, of whom all but one 
are living, and he fell in the defense of his country. 
Mr. and Mrs. Leach removed with their family to 
Franklin Grove, near Dixon, 111., and lived there 
until the death of the former in the year 1855, 
leaving to his family, a valual)le property in real 
estate. Mrs. Leach is still living at Red Oak, Iowa, 
with her youngest daughter, and is aged over sev- 
enty-seven years. Her mother, Mrs. Farnham, was 
removed by death only four years since, having 
reached the very advanced age of ninety-nine j'ears 
and six months. 

Our subject was reared in Lockport until about 
fifteen years of age, and in the schools of that place 
received a good practical education. About the 
year 1854 his parents removed to Dixon, 111. He 
continued with his father, and was initiated into the 
minutia of farm work until he came to the age of 
sixteen j'ears. He then went to Mendota and after- 
ward to LaSalle, 111., in order to study architecture 
under a very efficient architect, and continued with 
him for some time. While still a young man he 
began contracting sometimes for quite large works. 
In the year 18(52 he removed to Ackley, Iowa, and 
was there for ten 3'ears, then went to Red Oak. At 
the latter place he purchased a large stock farm, 
and for five years was prominent as one of the most 
successful stock-raisers, but at the end of that 
period he sold his farm and stock, and took up his 
old profession at Beaver Citj', Furnas County', in 
this State, and after two years came to Wymore. The 
date of his settlement was April, 1881, before the city 
plats were recorded, and he erected the first house 
worthy the name upon the site of the present bust- 
ling, progressive and growing city. That house 
still stands where built, but is much improved, the 
location being the corner of Bloomfield and Nor- 
wich streets. 

Mr. and Mrs. Leach have lived to see the city 
develop from the above condition, and have 
watched house after house erected until the city 
attained its present growth. Nearly every build- 
ing of note in the city has been designed by and 
most of them contracted f(>r by our subject. Dur- 
ing the last four years Mr. Leach has enjoyed a 
very widespread reputation, and has put up many 
large buildings in other cities. Among these might 



=r 



^ 






GAGE COUNTY. 



711 



be cited those on which he is engaged at this writ- 
ing. These are the court-house at Beaver City, 
a sc'hool-iiouse at Arapahoe, Furnas County; he is 
superintending the erection of the school-liouse at 
Republican Citj% this State, and also at Almena 
and Norton, Kan., the latter school-house being 
under contract price of $1,300. These suffice to 
show that the services of Mr. Leach are in demand, 
and are valued throughout a large territory. Our 
suljject is the owner of four houses and lots on 
Norwicii street; he also owns a store and other real 
estate, both improved and unimproved. He has at 
present 150 men in regular employment, and is 
seldom able to be at home during the summer. 

The wedded life of our subject must be told in 
two chapters; the one short and vailed in sadness, 
the other both longer and brighter. He was united 
in marriage aliout the year 1858, but after a brief 
wedded life he was left by the death of his wife 
with three young children, wiio were named Clara, 
Don and Homer. On the 27th day of September, 
187G, he became the husband of Alice C. Detrick, 
of Belvidere, HI., who is still living. This lady 
was born on the 11 th of March, 1 844, at Blooms- 
burg, Columbia Co., Pa. When she was nine years 
of age her parents removed to Illinois, and there 
made their home, where Mrs. Leach lived until her 
marriage. Her father, Benjamin Detrick, was by 
occupation a miller, and was born upon a farm in 
Columbia County, Pa. He died at Belvidere in 
1860, aged forty-one years. His wife, the mother 
of Mrs. Leach, was a Miss Margaret Brown, a na- 
tive of the same State, who was born in the year 
1818, daughter of Joseph Brown, who was engaged 
in business as a boot and shoe maker in Bloomsburg. 
Mrs. Detrick continued to live at home until her 
marriage. She is still living, having bravely strug- 
gled since her husband's death to give her children, 
of whom there were seven, a fair start in life. 
This she has been able to do for those who came to 
3'ears of maturity, with the happiness of seeing 
them present those characteristics which insure an 
honorable and respected life and character. She 
has now reached her seventy-first year, and makes 
her home with her 3'aungest daughter. 

Our subject and wife attend the Congregational 
Church at Wj'morc, and they arc numbered among 



the best citizens of that place, being very highly 
esteemed by the whole community. Our subject 
is a member of botli the I. O. O. F. and the A. F. 
& A. M. fraternities, and in both enjo3's the entire 
confidence of his fellows. In political matters he 
has long been a ver^^ stanch Republican, and ener- 
getic in behalf of that cause. 



-M[-^- 




DGAR E. HARDEN, the gentlemanly Cash- 
ier of the bank in Libert^', in that capacity 
does credit to his own ability, and to the 
confidence reposed in him by the Directors of the 
bank. He was born in Lee County, 111., on the 
15th of April, 1859, and is a son of Solomon Har- 
den (deceased), who was a native of Pennsylvania, 
and went to Illinois about the j'ear 1848. Our 
subject spent his childhood on his father's farm, 
and finished his education by a course of instruction 
in the Illinois State Universitj' at Champaign, being 
graduated in June, 1880. In the time of his col- 
legiate course, before he had made choice of the 
profession which he would follow, he engaged for 
one year in teaching school. Deciding that in the 
legal profession there is much honor, and feeling 
assured of a successful career if he were to adopt 
that profession, he read law, beginning where all 
students must begin, with tiie tiresome pages of 
"Blackstone." 

No doubt during this course of reading our sub- 
ject suffered manj' a headache from the effort to 
retain in his memory all the long technical terms 
and illustrations of that excellent writer, but per- 
severing to the end he finished his course in a satis- 
factory manner, and was admitted to the Illinois 
State Bar in 1881. In January, 1882, he came to 
Beatrice and practiced his profession until October 
of the same year, when, his present position in tiiis 
city being offered him, he accepted it, and came to 
Liberty. His older brother, William W. Harden, 
is President of the bank, and is doing a large 
amount of business, having the confidence of the 
citizens of this thriving city. 

Mr. Harden was married, on the 1st of March, 
1 883, to Miss Georgia A. Geer, a daughter of James 
Geer, of Lee County, III. To this established homo \ f 



f 



^ ► ^B ^ » 



-•► 



712 



GAGE COUNTY. 



tlioro Imve foine tno cliildren, Fred and Grace, to 
li<>lilpn the pathway of their parents, and brighten 
theii- hoHic. Our subject has become the owner of 
a lar^e amount of land, having 2S0 acres in this 
cotnity. and 1.920 acres in the western part of this 
Stnte and Kansas. While he is public-spirited, and 
takes an active interest in the public affairs of the 
day, he has not time to devote liis service exclu- 
sively to outside affairs, and consequently never 
seeks official honors. He is a member of the social 
order of A. O. U. W. He affiliates with the Re- 
publican party in politics, and is in a fair way to 
attain the highest measure of success in life. At 
j)resent he has discontinued the contemplation of 
"incorporeal hereditaments," and confines himself 
to the stern facts of everj'day business matters. 
Mrs. Harden is a member of the Presbyterian 
Church, and is in ever}' respect a most admirable 
ladv. 



■ii^ L. TINKLEPAUGH. of Filley Townshii), 
il^m is regarded as one of its most solid and sul)- 
^ stantial, as well as plain, raatterof-fact and 

reliable men, whose word is as good as' his bond, 
and whose judgment is held in universal respect. 
He was one of the earliest settlers of this part of 
the county, and came at a time when energetic and 
resolute men were most needed to develop its re- 
sources, and encourage to its borders .an industrious 
and intelligent class of citizens. 

Our snl)ject is the offspring of a sulistantial old 
family. His father, Alraon Tinklepaugh, was born 
in Smithfield, Madisoii Co., N. Y., Oct. 25,1811. 
Upon leaving his boyhood tramping grounds he 
migrated first to New York City, from there to 
Brooklyn, and thence into Wayne Count}\ He had 
learned cabinet-making early in life, which he fol- 
lowed until its close. He married Miss Caroline 
Ackermau, a native of Hackensack, N. J., who 
was born Aug. 15,1813. From New York they 
removed to various points, finally locating in La- 
grange County. Ind., and from there moved to 
Pentwater, Mich., where Mr. T. became owner of 
a farm, carried on his trade, and also invested a 
p:irt of his capital in dry -goods and general mer- 
clKin<li;-t', carrying on business thus for some time. 



In 1S72 he retired from active life, and. with his 
excellent wife, is now enjoying the comforts of a 
nice home in the city of Pentwater. 

To Almoii and Caroline Tinklepaugh there were 
born five children, two sons and three daughters. 
Of these the only son living is our subject. He 
was born Oct. 25, 1838, in Sodus, N. Y., where 
his education began, Ijut before it was completeil 
the family removed to Indiana. There he attended 
school and worked on the farm, remaining under 
the home roof until twenty years old. Wishing 
now for a change of occupation, he engaged as 
clerk in a clothing store at Lagrange, Ind., but one 
year later, like many another lad, returned to the 
farm, and was thereafter mostly engaged in agri- 
cultural pursuits until his marriage. When twenty- 
two years old l\Ir. Tinklepaugh took unto himself 
a partner and helpmate. Miss Eliza R. Gale, daugh- 
ter of Adolphus and Julia A. Gale, and sister of G. 
H. Gale, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this 
volume. The wedding occurred at the home of the 
bride. May 18, 1861, and the young people com- 
menced life together in Steuben Count}', Ind. 

The wife of our subject was born in the latter- 
named county, Sept. 16, 1839, and remained with 
her parents until her marriage, receiving a fair edu- 
cation, and being trained by a wise and sensible 
mother in those duties which have made her an ad- 
mirable partner for her husband and an excellent 
mother to her children, Mr. and Mrs. T. spent the 
first seven years of their married life engaged in 
farming pursuits in Lagrange and Steuben Coun- 
ties, Ind., and then our subject tried his hand at 
merchandising with his father one 3'ear. In 1867 be 
went to Storj^ County, Iowa, and purchased a farm 
of 160 acres, but as his father-in-law had a large 
tract of land in this county. Mr. T. was persuaded 
to sell his Iowa land and join the former in this 
county. The two families lived together until two 
years later, when our subject put up the house 
which he now occupies. 

The property of Mr. Tinklepaugh includes a fine 
farm 320 acres in extent, and he makes a specialty 
of corn and oats. He has made all the improve- 
ments on his farm himself, bringing them about 
only by a course of plodding industry, the only 
sure process by which success in any undertaking 



r^^ 




Residence or IV15.* L.R.Waldron. Sec. 21. Hooker Township. 




Residence OF F. L.Tinklepaugh . 5ec.4 Filley Township 



u 



^•►Hh-^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



Tlo 



can be aeliievcfl. Tlie lumber for his house was 
hauled from Nebraska City, a distance of fifty miles, 
and for it he was obliged to pay 5!;53, and has lum- 
ber in the structure for wliich he i)aid as high as 
175 per 1,000 feet. Fie drew stone for the founda- 
tion nine miles, and was thus employed thirty-five 
days. After the completion of the dwelling and 
otiier necessar3' buildings, Mr. T. turned his atten- 
tion largely to the pl.anting of trees. He has a fine 
ai)ple orchard of six acres, five acres planted in 
Cottonwood, box elder, ash and walnut, and a 
goodly assortment of small fruit. 

In 1874 Mr. Tinklepaugh rented his farm, and 
going to Pentwater, Mich., spent that year mostly 
in visiting. He returned the j'ear following, but 
in 1882, on account of the health of bis parents 
and sister, and the education of his children, went 
back, and this time remained until their family 
affairs were sotisfactorih' adjusted. He has alwaj's 
been distinguished as a public-spirited citizen, and 
in company with his brother-in-law, Mr. Gale, was 
one of the prime movers in the organization of the 
Farmers' Club, which has finally developed into the 
United Labor party in this State. This party most 
nearly' represents his political ideas, although he 
votes independentl}'. He was formerly a Repub- 
lican. 

Of the five children born to our subject and his 
wife, four are now living, namely : Delphine, the 
■wife of John Andrew, a leading farmer of Filley 
Township; Charles G., also carrying on agriculture 
in this township; Leora A. and Roj' D., at home 
■with their parents. There is also in their family a 
little girl by the name of Grace, whom the}- are 
bringing up. A view of the homestead owned b}' 
Ml-. Tinklepaugh is presented among numerous 
others in this Alhum. 



^^ILBERTC. FREEMAN is the enterprising 
III ^~. editor and proprietor of the Liberty Joxirnal, 
^5^^ in which he sends out weekl}' his spicy edi- 
torials in behalf of the Republican party, and the 
newsy locals of that section of the count}'. The 
Journal is a well-printed eight-column folio, full of 
local and general items of information for the bene- 



fit of the reading public, and at present its circula- 
tion nuTubers about GOO coi)ics, with an increasing 
subscription list. Topics of the da}- are freely dis- 
cussed in an able manner on its pages, and the 
space devoted to general literature is filled bj' 
matter inferior to none. 

Our subject was born in Clarion County, Pa., on 
the 1st of Januar}-, 18.58, and is a son of Henry 
Freeman, of Table Rock, Pawnee Co., Neb., who set- 
tled there with his famil}' in 18G8. Our subject 
remained with his father until March, 1887, having 
received his education in the schools of Table Rock, 
and there also learned the printer's trade. He 
worked on the Table Rock Argus until the date 
just mentioned, when he came to Lilierty, and 
worked for one year with B. F. Thomas, on the 
Liberty Journal. Here he received ample instruc- 
tion in the management of a paper, and thoroughlj^ 
understanding the editorial duties, he purchased 
from Mr. Thomas the office, paper and presses t)f 
the Journal, and has continued successfully to pub- 
lish it. 

If the editor of a country paper could be present 
in the homes of his patrons when the paper is re- 
ceived, especially on the farms where newspapers 
do not appear too frequently, and could see the 
gladness with which it is received and the eager- 
ness with which it is perused, he would have cause 
for much inward gratification. Even the younger 
members of the family who would scarcely be sup- 
posed to have cultivated a taste for general read- 
ing, must have it in their turn, and from it they 
gain much information concerning their acquaint- 
ances in the immediate neighborhood, and a general 
knowledge of what is going on in the world even in 
the most distant parts. 

The power for good which a well-conducted 
newspaper exerts over the people of a community 
can hardly be over estimated, molding and shaping 
at will the opinions entertained by its readers, and 
by its exposition of science, art an<l learning, it 
becomes a rival to the more lengthy and thorough 
publications devoted to one special subject. The 
labors of an editor, however, are not always as 
fully appreciated as they should be, and he is 
criticized at times with much injustice b\' those 
who do not enter into the sl)irit of his work. The 



r 



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,t 



716 



GAGE COUNTY. 



field of journalism is .1 biotid one. with some dis- 
couragements and many encouragements tending 
toward success. As a rule, the patrons of a paper 
are the best educated, most enterprising and active 
members of a communitj'. Our subject may well 
be congratulated on the amount of success and the 
appreciation with which his labors have been re- 
warded. 




"il? EANDER J. CARPENTER. In the shadowy 
ll (^ P^st, when Ohio was in its formative con- 
/llii^ (lition, when where the present proud city 
of Columbus and the State capitol now stand was 
unbroken, primitive forest, and the huntsman and 
woodman "blazed" their way through its trackless 
depths or wended their way across the plains, then 
tiiere stood one little farm dwelling upon its some- 
what diminutive clearing, and and there had settled, 
in 180C, a family of pioneers from Montpelier, Vt. 
In the family was a little boy, who at that time was 
six years of age, and bore the name Royal Car- 
penter. Amid these surroundings he was reared 
to manhood, married and settled, and on the 2d of 
F'ebruary, 1 834, became the parent of a son, Lean- 
der J., the subject of this sketch. The father of 
our subject died In the j'ear 1882, but his mother, 
who was a native of Massachusetts, still survives. 

Our subject received a common-school education, 
and from that gravitated in harmony with his sur- 
roundings to the farm and its emploj'ments, and 
continued in the same until the last two years. 
He went to Jo Daviess County, 111., in the summer 
of 1 845, from there the following year to La Fay- 
ette County, Wis., where he remained until 1864, 
when he removed to Montana, and remained until 
the fall of 1865, and then returned East. In 1876 
he leased a farm in Marshall County, Kan., and 
raised one crop; that accomplished he came in the 
fall of the same year to Pawnee County, and settled 
on Mission Creek. In 1884 he removed to Potter 
County, Dak., and was one to assist in the or- 
ganization of that county. He was elected Count}' 
Commissioner in the fall of that year, and built the 
court-house at Gett3'sburg. Twelve months later 
he returned East, and in the spring of 1886 came 



to Liberty and engaged in his present business, 
which is supplemented bj' his farm. 

On the 31st of December, 1856. our subject en- 
tered into a matrimonial alliance with Miss Camelia 
Howe. This lad}' is a daugiiter of John and Polly 
(Johnson) Howe, who at present are residing a 
little to the east of Libert}-. Her jsarents are na- 
tives of New York, and the}' have a family of 
seven children, of whom Mrs. Carpenter is the fifth. 
She was born in Morrow County, Ohio, July 9, 
1841, and is, by the comliincd influence of her 
school and home training, eminently fitted and 
capable of sustaining the position in society she is 
called upon to fill. Five children have been born 
to her, three of whom are living. Their names are 
recorded as follows: Lorinda P., Lucien L. and 
Lura Myrtle. Lorinda is the wife of Peter Bowhay, 
of Liberty, and has two children. 

While in the mountains engaged in mining oper- 
ations our subject struck the famous Carpenter's 
Bar, and after working it for a time sold it. The 
purchasers became immensely rich, some of the 
nuggets found being worth §40 and :^50. Mr. Car- 
penter is connected with the society of Odd Fellows, 
and is somewhat prominent in the order and highly 
esteemed. He has developed large capacity for 
business enterprise to go ahead, and energy to keep 
in the advance : like Galileo, he believes that " the 
world moves," and will, if possible, move with it. 



^^ HARLES H. PALMER is amply qualified 
[l( ^L by his experience to judge of the compara- 
^^Jy tive worth of the dififerent States of the 
Union, being a man of "much travel and many 
States." He was born on the 18th of May, 1849, 
in Detroit, Mich., and is a son of Nathaniel Palmer, 
of Lockport, N. Y. When he was one and a half 
years old his parents moved to Corfu, Genesee 
Co., N. Y., in which place he grew up and received 
his education. In 1866 he went to Lexington, 
Mo., thence to the Rocky Mountain region in 1868, 
living for awhile at Trinidad, Col. In the follow- 
ing year he turned his footsteps toward the sunny 
South, and for a time made his home in Madison, 
N. M.. thence to Corfu, N. Y., in 1875, where he 



-•►■ 



M^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



^il^K-^ 



ri7 



remained for three years. In 1881 he came to this 
ciiimtv and settled at Liberty, where he has since 
remained. 

On the .5th of March, 1878. dnrini; his last resi- 
dence in New York, onr siihject was milted in mar- 
riage to Frances A. Sisson, a danghter of Nelson 
Si.sson. of Corfu. They have become tiie parents 
of four cliiidren, whom we name as follows: Walter 
L.. Bessie L., Florence L. and Charles L. 

.Since liis resi<lence in this place our subject has 
been engaged in carrying on a grocery .and provis- 
ion store, tlie farms, gardens and orchards in the 
surrounding conntrj- fnrnisliing a supply of fine 
fruits and vegetal)les. By iiis gentlemanly manner 
of supplying the wants of his customers, and the 
excellent quality of tiie stociv on hand, Mr. Palmer 
has built up a large tiade. and has well merited the 
patronage which lie receives. He is strictly honest 
.and honorable in his dealings, and numbers among 
his patrons the best people of the city. 

Among the many fraternities and social orders 
with which men identify themselves, the M.asonic 
fraternit}- takes a leading rank, both as to its early 
establishment, its policy, and the amount of bene- 
fits which it disburses. It comes promp,tlj' to the 
relief of injured or ailing members, and if the 
father of a family' is taken from them, the society 
comes to the assistance of the widow and orphans, 
not neglecting the education of the latter. It binds 
men together by ties of brotherhood, and in everj' 
way it strives to counteract the force of "man's in- 
hum.anitj' to man." Of this societ}' our subject is 
a member in good standing, and part of his success 
in life is due to his having followed the te.achings 
and advice so freely l)estowed within its halls. 



'^UGUSTINE W. BRADT, Councilman from 
@/lJ || the First \Vard in Beatrice, is numbered 
w among the prominent men of this section, 
and one who is closely identified with its 
most imjjortant interests. A native of the Domin- 
ion of Canada, he w.as born near Niagara Falls, 
April 1. 1844, and when a little lad six years of 
•age removed with his parents to the vicinity of 
Buffalo, N. Y., where the father engaged in shipping 



grain from Chicago to Buffalo. He was the owner 
of several vessels. In Buffalo the family lived 
about four years. Thence the^' removed to Win- 
neb.ago County. HI., settling near Rockford. The 
father, William Bradt, was a manufacturer of woolen 
goods, but after his remov.al to the Prairi(! .State 
turned his attention princi|)ally to agricultural pur- 
suits. The faiiiiiy came to Nebraska in 1869, and 
the father passed aw.ay in April of 1876. 

The mother of our subject before her marriage 
was Miss Rosana Hansler, also a native of Canada, 
and of German descent. The parental household 
included five children, four sons and one daughter, 
namely: B3'ron ; Mary, the wife of C. W. Knnre; 
William H.,and Augustine W., our subject. James 
H. died in Beatrice when seventeen j-ears old. 
Augustine was reared in Winnebago Countj', III., 
where he was mostly educated, but completed his 
studies in the commercial department of Eastman's 
Business College, at Chicago. Upon emerging from 
this institution he engaged in farming near the 
homestead in Winneb.ago County, remaining there 
until March of 1870, which witnessed his airi- 
viil in this county. His first business venture here 
was the opening of a meat-market at Beatrice, and 
he also engaged in the shipping of stock, which 
netted him excellent returns. A year later he dis- 
posed of the market and gave his whole attention 
to his stock business, adding thereto that of an ice 
dealer, and in due time handled annually 1, ,")()() 
tons. Thus was formed the basis of the snug fort- 
une which he to-day enjoys. 

One of the most important events in the life of 
our subject was his marriage, Nov. 1!), 1869, his 
bride being Miss Lottie Graham, of Ogle Count}', 
111. Mrs. B. is also a native of Canada, and was 
born near the city of Prescott, on the 12th of Au- 
gust, 1844. Her parents were William and Marj' A. 
(McCullom) Graham. About 1868 she and her 
brother came to the States and located in Ogle 
Count}', 111., where her marriage took place. Of 
this union there have been born three children — 
Mar}', Gertie and Anna. 

Mr. Bradt in 1876, having evinced more than 
ordinary capability and worth as a member of the 
community, was elected a member of the City 
Council, which position he has held continuously 



■♦►^H^ 



718 



■^ 



.t 



GAGE COUNTY. 



for a period of eight years by successive re- 
elections. He is now President of the Council, and 
has been a member of the School Board three years. 
He owns and occupies a tasteful and commodious 
residence at No. 803 Market street, at the intersec- 
tion of Eighth street, and which was built in 1870. 
Its grounds and surroundings are pleasant and at- 
tractive, and it is furnished in modern style, in keep- 
ing with the taste and means of the proprietor. 
Mr. Bradt is Republican in politics. 

Andrew Hansler, the maternal grandfather of our 
subject, was a native of Canada, to which his par- 
ents removed from the State of Pennsylvania. He 
married Miss Mary Snure, whose father was a na- 
tive of Germany, whence he emigrated to the 
United States during the Colonial d.ajs. The Bradt 
family traces its ancestry back to Holland, and the 
tirst representatives in America settled in Genesee 
County, N. Y., securing a grant of land eleven 
miles long and'eight miles wide. This property on 
account of the Revolutionary War was lost to the 
family. 



1 ILBERT E. BP:NTLEY. There are few homes 
of Riverside Township better situated, more 
pleasant or complete in their arrangements, 
than that of our subject. He stands in the front 
rank as a farmer and stock-raiser, and makes a spe- 
cialty of hogs. His admirabl}' operated and well- 
kept farm, a view of which may be seen on another 
page of this volume, is situated upon section 29, 
and includes 240 acres. It originally comprised 
320 acres, but eighty acres of this was given to the 
eldest son. 

Mr. Bentley was born in Chautauqua, N. Y., Jul^^ 
18, 1833. Here he made his home for the first 
eighteen years of his life, received his education, 
and was afterward instructed in all things pertain- 
ing to the management of the farm and stock. Upon 
leaving New York State he went to Ogle County, 
111., and settled near Polo and engaged in farming. 
The success that comes as a reward of practical 
knowledge, accompanied bj' energetic industry and 
patient perseverance, here became his. He was a 
resident of Ogle County until November, 1877, 
when he removed in order to locate upon his pres- 




ent property, which at that time was in a totally 
unimproved condition. 

During the period of his resi<ience in Ogle County, 
111., Mr. Bentley made the acquaintance of Miss 
Melvina A. Wilber, a resident of that county, but 
a native of Delaware Count}', N. Y. This acquaint- 
ance revealed to him that this estimable j'oung lady 
was possessed of a disposition, education and quali- 
ties that were calculated to make her companionship 
the one thing to be desired, and the}' were united 
in wedlock upon the 6th of April, 1851, at Oregon, 
Ogle Co., 111. This lady was born in the above 
county and State, March 2, 1833, and is the daugh- 
ter of Anthony and Lucy Ann (Grant) Will)er, 
natives of Dehiware Count}', N. Y. The father is 
dead; the mother is now a resident of Florida. 

Mr. and Mrs. Bentley are the parents of a very 
interesting farailj- of seven children, as follows: Ed- 
win L., who died at the age of twent3'-flve j'ears, 
on the 20th of September, 1887, was the second 
son; Uriah G. married Addie Gifford, and lives on 
what was a part of the home place; William W. is 
single and at home; Charles; Herbert; Marlon E. is 
unmarried, and is a teacher in the public schools of 
Ogle County; the youngest daughter, Addie, is 
most happily married to 3Ir. James Russell. One 
interesting feature of the birth of the above chil- 
dren is the fact that three children, viz. : Marion, 
William and Addie, were each l)orn in the month 
of February, upon the 8th, 4th and 2d of the month, 
and are now thirt3'-three, twenty-five and twenty- 
two years of age respectively. It is here noted that 
each was born in the same month of the different 
years; also, the even division of the month date is 
unusually even ; the combined total of the j'ears of 
their lives will be found to aggregate eighty years. 

The farm of our subject is fully equipped with 
the various machines, implements, conveniences and 
devices for its complete operation. There are also 
provided substantially built and well-arranged farm 
buildings for every needed purpose. In the vicin- 
ity of the house our subject has thoughtfully pro- 
vided an extensive orchard, containing over 100 
fruit trees of various kinds, all of high grade and 
choice selection. As noted above, he gives con- 
siderable attention to stock-raising, and possesses 
some very fine Short-horn cattle, but his principal 



♦"-fr^: 



■^ 



f 



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GAGE COUNTY. 



719 



business in this line is with the Poiand-Ciiina hog, 
of which he has seklom less than 100 head upon his 
property at one time; lie usually ships large num- 
bers ever}' year. 

Mr. Bentlej' does not usually talve a prominent 
part in politics, neither is he what would be called 
a politician. At tlie same time he is deeply inter- 
ested in the great issues before the people, and 
usually votes irrespective of party, and solely ac- 
cording to the dictates of liis conscience and intel- 
ligence for that candidate whom it would appear was 
best fitted for the oflice. In principle he is a very 
strong Prohibitionist and very earnest in his ad- 
vocacy of the right, as he understands it. Both he 
and his family move in the best local society, and 
are very highly esteemed by the community. For 
five years he served as Road Supervisor of the 
township; he is now Justice of the Peace, and has 
repeatedly demonstrated his fine sense of justice 
and right, and won to himself many friends by the 
impartiality of his judgment. 



\i7 EWIS FINK was born in Europe on the 14th 
I (© °^ December, 1830, and came to the United 
/lli^x> States with his parents, Jacob and Elizabeth 
Fink, when he was about eleven years old. In 
1841 his pai-ents located in Milwaukee County, 
Wis., where our subject remained until 1886, when 
he came to Nebraska and located on his present 
farm, consisting of 240 acres on sections 25, 2 and 
6, Sicily Township. He bought his land in 1878, 
and since his residence here he has also bought 160 
acres adjoining his home farm on the east, and in 
Blue Springs Township. The parents of our sub- 
ject died while he was living in Wisconsin. In 
July, 1856, our subject was united in marriage with 
Miss Elizabeth Schlosser, who was .also making her 
home in Wisconsin. By this marriage they became 
the parents of six children, all of whom are now 
living. Mrs. Fink died in Wisconsin in June, 1869. 
Our subject was then united in marriage with 
Miss Theresa Mannet, by whom he had' tlirec chil- 
dren, all of whom are now living. The mother of 
these three children died in June, 1882, since which 
time our subject married Augusta (Garit) Wor- 



sehnkiky. Our subject and his parents were mem- 
bers of the Free Thinkers' Society in Wisconsin, 
and the former is an able advocate of the princi- 
ples of that society. He is eminently a self-made 
man, having started in life with but very little 
means and being obliged to depend upon his own 
labor for his success, and by much hard work and 
careful man.agement he has secured a very good 
home with fine improvements, which places hiiu in 
a position to make and save quite a competence for 
his older days. He is e.\teusively engaged in fann- 
ing, combining with that vocation the raising of a 
good grade of live stock, giving speci.il attention 
to the breeding of cattle and hogs. 

Mr. Fink appreciates the advantage of learning, 
and has spared no pains to give his children all the 
advantages of education which money can procure. 
When his eldest childreu were young there were 
no schools in the part of Wisconsin ip which he 
lived, and in order that they might not grow up 
with minds neglected and uncultivated, he organized 
the first school of the neighborhood in his own 
house, having since provided his younger children 
with advantages at a great deal of expense. They 
have ampl3' repaid his solicitude in their behalf, 
and are intelligent, refined and cultivated young 
men and women. His eldest son, Charles A., has 
spent two and a half 3ears in school in Europe, and 
after completing the regular course of instructiou 
he took a special course of training in architecture. 
Since his return he has located in Milwaukee, Wis., 
where he is doing a lucrative business as an archi- 
tect, and is known as the designer of the Bravier 
Church work of Garnay. 



-ft- 



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->- 



ORVILLE K. DEMING, one of the younger 
members of the farming community of High- 
land Township, is finely located on section 
9, where in addition to general farming he makes a 
specialty of stock-raising. His home and farm, of 
which a view will be found upon another page, is 
noticeable among those of the other enterprising 
citizens of Gage County as that of a man who is 
enterprising and industrious, and who is contribut- 
ing his quota toward the building up of his town- 



^^^^ 



-^^ 



F20 




GAGE COUNT r. 



ship by keeping pace witli tiie improvements of 
the age, and availing himself of the information 
that is to be gained bj- reading and by contact 
with other intelligent men. He is the offspring of 
an excellent family, and was l)orn in Saratoga 
Count3', N. Y., Dec. 14, 1845. His tmrents, John 
and Sarah (Rockwell) Deniing, were also natives of 
the Empire State, and claim to be of English ances- 
try. The household circle included four children, 
all of whom are living, namely: Edgar, a resident 
of Fulton County, N. Y.; Orville R., our subject; 
Melvina. the wife of Enos Murphy, of Saratoga 
County, N. Y., and Clark J., of Sedgwick County, 
Kan. 

The parents of Mr. Deniing were residents of 
New York, and are now deceased. Our subject 
was reared to manhood in his native count}', amid 
the quiet pursuits of farm life, and acquired his 
education in the district schools. He continued 
under the home roof until 18G.S or 1869, and there- 
after spent his lime in the lumber trade until his 
marriage, which occurred when he was nearly thirty 
years of age, on the 21st of November, 1875. His 
bride. Miss Osie Whitney, was a native of his own 
county in New York, and of their union there were 
born five children, namely: Mervin, Aug. 17, 
1877; Edna. Sept. 27, 1879; Maude, April 28, 
1884, these being still living. The two deceased 
are: Alta, who was born July 3, 1882, and died P'eb. 
9, 1883; and Carl O., who was born April 30, 1886, 
and died April 20, 1887. 

Mr. and Mrs. Deming lived in their native Slate 
a year after their marriage, and in the spring of 
1876 changed their residence to DeKalb County, 
111., where our subject engaged in farming until the 
spring of 1879. Then selling out he came to Ne- 
braska, and purchased 160 acres of land from the 
Burlington & Missouri River Railroad Company, at 
liS per acre. Upon this he labored industriously, 
cultivating the soil and gradually erecting the 
buildings necessary for his' comfort and conveni- 
ence, and subsequent!}' added to his real estate un- 
til he now has 240 acres, compi'ising some of the 
finest land in Highland Township. Considering the 
fact that he w.is couii)aratively without means when 
crossing the Mississippi, he has certainly given evi- 
dence of great industry and perseverance, and he 



generously maintains that he has been ably as- 
sisted by his excellent wife and helpmate, who has 
stood by his side through sunshine and through 
storm, and fulfilled her whole part in their mutual 
toils and sacrifices. The Deming homestead is now 
one of the most desirable in this part of Gage 
County, and the family one of the most highly re- 
spected in the communit}'. 

Mr. Deming, politicallj', is in s_vmpathy with the 
Democratic party, and socially, belongs to the A. F. 
& A. M., with which he identified himself in 1870 
at Northampton, N. Y. 

The wife of our subject was born Jul}- 27. 1855, 
and is the daughter of Oscar O. and Sarah R. 
(Steele) Whitney, the former a native of Vermont, 
and the latter of New York State. The household 
circle included three children: Osie, Mrs. D. ; Leah, 
who died when twenty-nine j-earsold, and William, 
who is engaged in inventions and patents at Glens 
Falls, N. Y. Calvin Brown, a favorite uncle of 
Mrs. Deming, served as a soldier both in the Mexi- 
can War and that of the late Rebellion; he is now 
in Fulton County, N. Y. Mr. Deming's brother, 
Edgar L., served in Company G, 115th New York 
Volunteers, in the Rebellion, for three j'ears. 



lkJi\ RS. ELIZABETH WALDRON is a woman 
of noble sjjirit and courageous heart, who 
has suffered the bereavement of her affec- 
tionate husband and has devoted herself, 
with a Christian resignation to her great loss, to 
the care of her four children. Her father, Jacob 
Oppenheimer, was a man of more than ordinary 
perseverance and generosity, and our subject pos- 
sesses these excellent qualities in a marked degree, 
modified only to harmonize with the admirable 
womanly qualities which characterize her. He was 
born near Saxony, Germany, and was the only living 
child of his parents; his father died when he was 
quite young. He remained in Germany with his 
mother as long as she lived, and after her death the 
ties which bound him to his Fatherland were broken, 
and, in company with some of his friends, he came 
to America. When he reached the harbor of New 
York he had about $10 in his pocket, and finding 



^lU 



*► II <• 






GAGE COUNTY. 



r-ii 



that his friends were nholij' destitute, the spirit of 
generositj', which was one of his niurked character- 
istics, urged him to bestow all lie had upon his un- 
fortunate friends, and he started out with empt^' 
hands. 

The father of our subject was not of Jewish ex- 
traction, his father having been a native of France 
and his mother of Germany. After his generous 
disposal of his money he went to work in the 
Penns}'lvania Iron Works, and also engaged in 
farming. He married in Ohio, and removed to Illi- 
nois, making his home on a farm in Fulton County, 
and having met with success, he became well situ- 
ated, and surrounded his famil}' with the advan- 
tages and luxuries that wealth can procure. He died 
in 1 880 at the age of sixty-eight j-ears, but the 
mother still lives at her home in Shenandoah, Iowa, 
having reached the age of seventy-six years. They 
were the parents of seven children, namely: David, 
Sarah, James, Barbara, Eli. Elizabeth and Milton. 

Our subject was born in Highland Countj^ Ohio, 
on the 11th of June. 1850, and was but one year 
old when she was taken to Illinois. She lived on 
her father's farm and attended the common schools 
of the district, and having unusually quick percep- 
tion and keenness of intellectual faculties, she be- 
came a cultivated and refined young woman, and 
possessed many attractive qualities of mind and 
heart. She was married, on the "iSd of January, 
1873, to Mr. L. R. Waldron, a son of John and 
Isabella (Steward) Waldron, who went to Johnson 
County, Iowa, where the two families became ac- 
quainted and cemented their friendshii) by- this 
happy union. Mr. Waldron was born on the 12th of 
January, 1850, in Ohio, and was but a child when 
his parents went to Iowa. After their marriage 
Mr. and Mrs. Waldron made their home in Mont- 
gomery County, where the former was engaged as 
a farmer, and after having charge of a rented farm 
for three 3cars, he purchased some land and pros- 
pered well on his own behalf. They came to Ne- 
braska in 1882, and Mr. \\'aldron bought the north 
half of section 27, Hooker Township, on which he 
was meeting with prosperity, when, unfortunately, 
his death occurred, on the loth of February, 1883, 
and he left his wife and four children to mourn his 
untimely departure. The fond mother centers all 




her hopes in her four sons — Ralph, Arthur, Worth 
and Ledrue — whom she will undoubtedly see become 
useful and noble men. 

Mrs. Waldron has shown a great deal of courage 
and business capabilitj' in so successfully carrying 
on the management of the farm since the de.ath of 
her husliand. She is a member of the Presbyterian 
Church, of Adams, and is a woman of firm temper- 
ance principles. Her political views favor the ad- 
ministration of the Democratic party in politics, 
and she is everywhere esteemed as an estimable 
woman and a refined lady. We are pleased to pre- 
sent in this volume a view of her homestead. 

R. THOMAS D. TIBBETS is one of the 

I' leading physicians and surgeons residing 
in Liberty. He was born in Munson, Me., 
on the 9th of December, 1847, and is a 
son of Edward Til)bets (deceased), who moved 
from Munson to Augusta of the same State when 
our subject was a child. From there he went to 
DeKalb County, 111., in the year 1857, and eng.aged 
in agriculture until 18C4, when he came to this 
county. He settled on Wolf Creek two. miles 
north of the place now occupied by the city of 
Liberty, and at that time there were but two stores, 
a post-ofBce and blacksmith-shop, in Beatrice. Jacob 
Shaw then had charge of the blacksmith-shop, and 
he still lives in the same city. There was not a 
house in the place occupied by this thriving city, 
and there were but three houses on Plum Creek, 
fpur on Wolf Creek and three on Wild Cat Creek, 
making in all perhaps not more than a dozen houses 
in this vicinity. 

AVhen the father of our subject came here the 
Indians roamed at will over the vast prairies, too 
indolent to make use of the unexcelled soil which 
nature had prepared to be the greatest resource of 
mankind. They indulged in the pastimes for which 
they were so celebrated and at which they became 
so expert, and had ample opportunity to cast their 
arrows at the elk, deer, antelope and wolves which 
abounded throughout this territory. But they are 
gone, and the land which they held so indifferently 
the hand of the enterprising white man has con 




jn- ^ ' 



■^*- 



J -22 



GAGE COUNTY. 



vevteri into fertile fields wbicb produce abundant 
crops. 

Our subject received an education whicli qufili- 
fied Lira to make tiie profession of instructing tlie 
young and growing minds his principal occupation 
for a period of eight years, being engaged .at differ- 
ent times in the schools all over this neighborhood. 
In his leisure time during that period he gave at- 
tention to the study of medicine, and afterward was 
graduated from the College of Physicians and Sur- 
geons, of St. Joseph, Mo., on the 2d of March, 
1880. He h.ad practiced in this vicinity four years 
previous to his graduation, and when the city of 
Libertj- was founded he located here, having since 
that time built up quite a good practice. Not only 
does a physician relieve physical pain and become 
a confidant to whom suffering people willingly con- 
fide their ills, but he endears himself to the families 
because of his labors in their behalf, and thus en- 
joys a constantly increasing host of friends. 

On the 6th of October, 1874, Dr. Tibbets was 
united in marriage to Miss Martha J. Losey, a 
daughter of James M. Losey, of Clay County, Kan. 
Five children came to their home, two of them 
onl3' to remain for a short time, and the three now 
living are Lionel, Stella and Myrtle. The mother 
is an esteemed and well-known member of society, 
and a sympathizing helpmate to her husband, en- 
couraging him by her estimable disposition and 
qualities of womanhood. Our subject has for two 
years been a member of the County Board of 
Supervisors, and has served as Chairman of the 
Town Board of Trustees, being quick to support 
the measures by which the improvement of the city 
can be augmented. He is a member of the Re- 
publican organization. 





RANK G. L.\SELLE, a member of the firm 
of LaSelle, Fiske & Co., dealers in general 
merchandise, has charge of their store in 
Cortland, the other half of the business being lo- 
cated at Beatrice. He was born in Madison County, 
N. Y., May 2. 1861, and passed his boyhood in his 
native county, attending first a district and after- 
ward a select school. Of his father, William M. La- 



Selle, a sketch will be found elsewhere in this work. 
The mother was Mary A. Grosvenor, the descend- 
ant of a fine old family of New York .Slate. 

Our subject came with his parents to Nebraska 
in 1881, and soon afterward entered the emplo}' of his 
uncle, H. A. LaSelle, at Beatrice, who was conduct- 
ing a store of general merchandise. Subsequently 
he operated at Hastings in the same capacity, and 
from the latter place removed to Cortland, where he 
became the partner of Peter Hastings, with whom 
he continued until the latter gentleman disposed of 
his interest in the business to the firm of LaSelle, 
Fiske & Co. 

Mr. LaSelle occupied himself in general mer- 
chandising at Cortland for a period of four years, 
at the end of which time his father, as a member of 
the firm of LaSelle, Fiske <fe Co., purchased the 
stock of goods of George R. Scott, in Beatrice. 
Frank G. now h.as entire charge of the business at 
Cortland, while the other partners manage the store 
in Beatrice. The}' form a trio bound to succeed, 
and their prompt niethoils of doing business have 
commended them generally to the citizens of this 
section. 

Mr. LaSelle w.as married at Beatrice, in Septem- 
ber, 1884, to one of the most estimable and accom- 
plished young ladies of the city. Miss Hattie 
Saunders, who was born in Ohio. Of this union 
there are two children — Grosvenor V. and a babe 
unnamed. 



aALVIN K. HIGGINS resides on section 35, 
_, Midland Township; he has been closely iden- 
^ tifled with public affairs in this county since 
1874. He was born on the 17th of June, 1844, 
in Pittsfleld, Me., and is a son of Heman and 
Betsey (Tibbetts) Higgins, natives of Maine, and 
still residing in that State. Our subject is the eldest 
of the four children, of whom Charit}' became the 
wife of William Dyer, an<l resides in Burnham; 
George in Clinton, and Mary, the wife of Henry 
Lancaster, in Palmyra, all in their native State. 

Our subject spent the early years of his life on 
his father's farm, eng.aged in the various duties in- 
cident to a country life, and attending the common 
schools, applying himself with such diligence to his 





^iBiiK 




Residence and other Property 








j^^ i.,,:;'^^;;^- ^^^^^ 




N SMAH A ST. 



'^ ^'^ 



^ 



Hon.Elij/\h Filley, Town of Rlley.Neb. 



-^^ 



■» ~^ ll • 4 * 



GAGE COUNTY. 



4 



studies thiit he secured a very good education. 
When Ills term of schooling was concluded he 
engaged in the profession of teaching, which he fol- 
lowed for five winters, alternating the arduous 
duties of the school-room with the free and inde- 
pendent life on a farm during the summer. In 1872 
he Went to Lowell and served as watchman in one 
of tlie large cotton mills uf that manufacturing city, 
retaining his position for one j'ear, whence in 1874 
he came to Nebraska. He had a sufficient amount 
of mone3- to enable him to purchase fort}- acres of 
Ir.nd in this county, and with a j'oke of oxen he 
broke the sod, prepared it for cultivation, erected a 
primitive st3le ••shanty," and estalilished himself in 
his "bachelor's hall." 

By unceasing iudustr}' and due economy our 
subject prospered and accumulated quite a compe- 
tence, which enabled him in the fall of 1881 to set- 
tle where he now resides. He owns 160 acres of 
splendid farming land adjoining the city of Bea- 
trice, which is valued very highly, and for which 
lie has been offered $150 per acre. He has erected 
a neat and commodious dwelling and a good set of 
farm buildings, and in various ways has he im- 
proved the land and added to its attractiveness. A 
view of his place ma}' be seen on another page of 
this Album. But such a pleasimt home could not be 
graced alone b}^ the owner, and in the same year that 
he established himself in his new liome he brought 
his charming bride to share the comforts with hiin. 
The lady was Miss Rebecca Murgatroyd, who was 
born in Wisconsin on the 3d of April, 1857, and is 
a daughter of Emanuel and Ellen (Newson) Mur- 
gatroj'd, of Beatrice. Two children, named Maj' 
Ellen and Charlie, now bless the home of our sub- 
ject and his wife. To Mr. and Mrs. Murgatroj-d 
there were born ten children, five of whom are liv- 
ing: Tlionias, in Dakota; Margaret, now Jlrs. Mid- 
dleton, of Gage Coun&5';Mrs. Higgins; Ann, now 
Mrs. Eccleston, of Saunders County, Neb., and Mar}', 
at home with her parents in Beatrice. 

While our subject gives close attention to the 
work on his fine farm, and combines with his agri- 
cultural pursuits the raising of stock and good 
horses, he yet has time to devote to the service of 
the public, and assumes a share of the labors tend- 
ing to the public imi)roveineiit. He has acted in 



the capacity of School Director, and in various 
w.ays has manifested his interest in the advance- 
ment of educati<jn and morality. He does not care 
to identify himself with any political part}', but sup- 
ports the men whom he thinks best qualified to til' 
public ofHces, irrespective of party. All his wealth 
has been accumul.ated by his own energy and good 
management, aided b}' the inspiring presence and 
kind advice of his wife, and among men he is known 
to possess an unblemished reputation. 

^ ^^^ — 



J I AMES E. BUSH, junior member of the law 
firm of Pemberton & Bush, at Be.atrice, was 
born in the city of Rockville, Ind., June 1, 
1 845. His father. David Bush, a stonemason 
by trade, was a native of New York, served as a sol- 
dier in the Mexican War, and died in the service, 
when our subject was a child two years of age. His 
mother, Roxalana (Minter) Bush, was born in Ken- 
tucky, and passed away the year following the de- 
cease of her husband. Thus six children, four sons 
and two daughters, were orphaned. Of these our 
subject was the 3-oungest. 

After the death of his father James was taken by 
his mother to Kentuekj', and after the death of the 
latter the six children went to Peoria Count}-. 111. 
James there made his home with an aunt, Mrs. Han- 
nah Gordon, with whom he remained until a lad 
of eight years. After the marriage of his oldest 
sister he made his home with her until the out- 
break of the Rebellion. Mr. Bush, on the 8tii of 
August. 186-2, enlisted in Company E. 112th Illi- 
nois Infantry, which was assigned to the Army of 
the Ohio. The following winter the regiment oper- 
ated in Kentucky, and in the summer of 1863 as- 
sisted in driving the Morgan raiders from the soil 
of Kentucky and Ohio. Later tliey were with Gen. 
Saunders on his raid in Tennessee. 

On the 21st of August, 1863, the regiment to 
which our subject was attached was assigned to 
the command of Gen. Burnside, and started on 
the campaign iu Eastern Tennessee. They subse- 
quently participated in the battles of Knoxville, 
Athens, Philadelphia, Dandndge and Bean's Sta- 
tion. They wintered in Tennessee, and on the 



•^1^^ 



(28 



GAGE COUNTY. 



^ 



1st of Mny, 1864, joined Sherman in the Atlanta 
campaign, and were present at the battle of Resaea, 
the siege of Atlanta, the engagements at Etowah, 
Jonesboro and Kenesaw Mountain. The rebels re- 
trealeil from Atlanta, the lie3-stone city of the Con- 
federac}', and the Union lines were advanced into 
the rebel country 200 miles, the Confederate armies 
contesting every foot of ground as they retired be- 
fore the advance of the Union troops. 

The Atlanta campaign lasted from the 1st of Maj' 
to the 1st of August, 1804, when Sherman marched 
his army into the city. In the battles which fol- 
lowed, and which need not be recapitulated here, 
being matters of history, Mr. Bush did valiant serv- 
ice with his comrades, enduring the hardships and 
privations incident to the soldier's life, the action 
of the field, the hurried marches, and all the other 
vicissitudes of warfare. After the battles of Frank- 
lin and Nashville, which euiled the war in the West, 
the 1 12th Regiment was sent first to AYashington 
City and then to Ft. Fisher, on the coast of North 
Carolina. In the spring of 1805 it rejoined the 
army of Gen. Sherman at Goldsboro, N. C. Soon 
after this followed the surrender of Johnston's arm3\ 
Mr. Bush having received his honorable discharge, 
was mustered out at Chicago in July, 1865. 

Our subject, after being transformed from a sol- 
dier into a civilian, made his way to Stark County, 
111., and thereafter engaged in farming, also attend- 
ing school two years. In November, 1872. he en- 
tered upon the study of law in the office of Miles 
A. Fuller, of Toulon, 111., and after having passed 
his examination in the Supreme Court at Mt. 
Vernon, 111., was admitted to the bar June 5. 1875. 
lie commenced the practice of his profession at 
Bradford, 111., where he continued until the 6th of 
May, 1880. 

Mr. Bush came to Beatrice in ilay of the j'ear 
mentioned, and associating himself with J. N. Rick- 
ards, entered upon the practice of his profession 
here. The partnership was dissolved in 1884, and 
in 1S80 Mr. Bush became associated with his pres- 
ent partner. Sir. L. M. Pemberton. They are now 
numliered among the leading attorneys of the city, 
and are in the enjoyment of a lucrative and stead- 
ily increasing business. Thej^ have a complete 
library, and keep themselves posted upon the points 



which are constantly arising in relation to the duties 
of their calling. 

The marriage of James E. Bush and Miss Anna 
E. Dyer, of Toulon, III., was celebrated in Novem- 
ber, 1867. Sirs. Bush was born in Genesee Count}', 
N. Y.. April 21, 1846, and is the daughter of Lemon 
and Philena Dyer, who were natives of New York. 
Mr. and Mrs. Bush are the parents of eight children, 
two sons and six daughters, namely: Bertha E., 
Charles E.. Dora E., Harold D., Maude C, Lena 
Roxie, Mina Belle and Gladys. Mr. Bush, politi- 
cally, is a Republican, and is a member in good 
standing of Rawlins Post No. 36, G. A. R., at Bea- 
trice, Neb. 



pjl) ENJAMIN BURCH is one of the most prom- 
^* inent business men of Nebraska, being exten- 




.»-W 



sivelj' interested in the banking and real 
estate business. He is the owner of town lots 
and improved property in Wymore; three quarter- 
sections of land in Frontier County, Neb.; one sec- 
tion in Rush County, near the county seat. La Crosse ; 
one-half section in Sherman Count}', Kan. He 
also has a number of fine brick business blocks 
in Creston, Iowa: also some real estate in Lincoln, 
Neb. The land in Frontier Count}' is under culti- 
vation. 

John Burch, the father of our subject, was born 
in Woodstock. Vt., on the 12lh of July, 1800. 
AVhen he was six years old his parents left Ver- 
mont and moved to the Shoot, fifty miles north of 
Montreal, Canada. He received a common-school 
education, after which he engaged in farming near 
London, Canada, and there lived for fifteen years. 
Then he moved to Port Stanley and remained until 
abuut 1837, engaged in farming, but selling this 
land he settled near Rockford, Winnebago Co., 111., 
and there im|)roved an extensive farm. He also 
engaged very largely in raising live stock, horses 
and grain, being quite successful. In the fall of 
1857 he went to Fayette, Iowa, where he engaged 
in the drug business until the time of his death, in 
1864. 

While in Illinois the father of our subject was 
Justice of the Peace for about ten years, and was 

■► 



■<»■ 



=L. 



i 



GAGE COUNTY. 



r29 



quite, a leading man in his day. He and his wife 
were prominent an<l consistent members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Chiircii, lie usually acting as 
Class-Leader and Steward of the church of which he 
was a member, and also being identified with the 
Sunday-school. For a long time he served faith- 
fully as Superintendent of the Sunday-school, un- 
til his advancing age obliged him to discontinue 
his arduous labors. He was married to Miss Lydia 
Hogabome iu the year 1819, and to them came 
eight cliildren, all of whom lived until the years of 
maturity, and with but one exception are still liv- 
ing. One of the brothers and one sister of our 
subject are living in Nebraska. 

The mother of our subject was born in Saratoga, 
N. Y.. in 1797, and when she was ten years old her 
parents moved to Canada, where she remained with 
her father until the time of her marriage. While 
moving from New York to Canada, iu the year 
1808. it very unfortunately happened that during 
their journey across Lake Charaplain the team car- 
rying the family broke through the ice, and her 
mother and brother drowned, it being a very sad 
death, and agreat bereavement to her family. Mrs. 
Burch died in 1863, one year before the death of 
her husband, which occurred in 1864. Benjamin 
Burch, the grandfather of our subject, was born in 
the New England States, and for a long time he 
was engaged in milling in Vermont until going to 
Canada, where he engaged in agriculture. lie 
married Miss Strong, and they had a family of 
thirteen children. 

Benjamin Burch, our sul)ject, was born on the 
17th of April, 1821, in London, Canada, where he 
remained until he was thirteen j'ears old, attending 
school, and then moved with his parents to Port 
Stanley. During the Canada Rebellion, when he 
was but sixteen j'ears old, he was obliged to leave 
the country or be drafted into the array, whose 
cause he did not espouse. Being but a mere boy 
he did not sympathize with the cause of war, and 
in order to escape from unpleasant duties he went 
to Port Huron, Mich., where he engaged in a lum- 
ber establishment, and when eighteen years old he 
went with his parents to Rockford. 111. There he 
remained with his father until he was twenty-one 
years old, when he began to work for himself, and 



immediately choosing the occupation of farming, 
he continued at that woik in Illinois until Is.jO. 
when he sold and moved to Niagara Country, N. 
Y. There he engaged in the same business for five 
years, and then selling his land he again turned his 
face toward the setting sun. and bought an exten- 
sive stock, dairy and wheat farm inFa3-ette County, 
Iowa. 

This enterprise of our subject proved to be a 
very successful one, increasing the amount of real 
estate which he owned by the purchase of properly 
in town. By the year 1865 he was amply able to 
begin in the mercantile business in Fayette, where 
he carried a stock of general merchandise. In this 
business he vvas financiall3- successful, and in 18G9 
he took a railroad contract to Iniild seventy-five 
miles of the Davenport & St. Paul (now called 
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul) Railroad, begin- 
ning at Edgewood, in Clayton County', extending 
through Fa3ette and Winneshiek Counties to Cresco, 
Howard County. At_thesame time he was engaged 
in the mercantile business in Fayette and Straw- 
berry Point. The contract into which our subject 
had entered with the railroad company was finished 
iu 1873, but about that time the company became 
insolvent, and our subject had to get a mechanic's 
lien on the railroad. 

This Mr. Burch carried to the courts, first with the 
stockholders, and then with the bondholders, tak- 
ing the latter to the iiighcst courts in the United 
States. This incident serves as an indication tp 
the character and abilitj', as well .as the liuauoial 
means of our subject, being able to fight to the 
conquering end a large railroad corporation for his 
rights. This same princii)Ie through life has brought 
Mr. Burch to his present position of affluence, and 
won for him the esteem of the citizens of his town 
and the neighboring cities. His interest in the 
railroad was sold by our subject to the present 
owners. In 1874 he moved to C'l.ay Center, Kan. 

In the last-named place our subject engaged in 
fanning and the mercantile business until 1877, 
when he moved to Creston, Iowa, and eng.aged in 
the grocer}' business. While in Creston he carried 
on an extensive real-estate business. In the j-ear 
1882 he came to Wymore when it was only six 
months old, and has since been established here, he 
— •^ 






4 



4^ 



730 



GAGE COUNTY. 



nnd his son, with M. H. Southwit-k, having bought 
the Bank of Wytnore, of which the}' are still the 
owners, and being interested in all of the improve- 
ments of the town. He has built several fine build- 
ings and one block of business houses, and he was 
also one of the building committee of the school- 
house and church just lately built. 

Mr. Burch was united in marriage with Elizabeth 
Rafter in 1 845. There were five children in this 
family, as follows: George F., Francis E., Hiram 
E.. John C. and Albert N. George F. was killed 
when he was four years old by being run over by 
a threshing-machine, and Francis died in Fayette 
at the age of nineteen years. Hiram E. married 
Miss Ada Bullock, of Fayette, and is now living in 
ISIontana, engaged in the hardware business; John 
C. was married to Miss Nell C. Tunison, of Fayette, 
and is the business partner of our subject; they 
have two children — Ray and Benjamin. Albert N. 
is unmarried, and is .at present located in California. 

ON. JOSEPH R. BUFFINGTON, M. D. 

r )|! Among the disciples of Esculapius who in 
this centur3' have graced the profession, few 

(^) have been more successful than Dr. Buffing- 
ton, the popular physician of Libert}'. He is a son 
of James and Eliza A. (Sleeth) Bufflngton, and was 
born on the 5th of January, 1840, six years pre- 
vious to the .admission of Iowa as a State. His 
father was a native of Meigs County, Ohio, his 
mother of Jackson County, W. Va. The former was 
an Ohio River ])ilot for al)out five 3'ears, and after 
that removed to Iowa, and became one of the most 
successful millwrights of the State, and erected quite 
a number of large mills in different parts thereof. 
In earlier days he had served an apprenticeship at 
cabinet-making, in Wheeling, W. V.a., and found 
frequent occasion to use the knowleilge thus ob- 
tained. From mill building he gradually drifted 
into and became extensively interested in the lum- 
ber trade. He is now deceased. 

Our subject received his education in the more 
rudimentary branches in the common schools of his 
native State, and afterward supplemented tiiis by 
a full course at Mt. Pleasant Universitj', in Henry 



County, Iowa, from which he was graduated in due 
course with honor. Shortly after this he began the 
study of medicine, being graduated in the year 1 868, 
from the College of Physicians, at Keokuk. He 
began the practice of medicine in Liberty on the 
3d of April, 1881. and has since that time enjoyed 
a ver}' large and lucrative business. 

Our subject's study of medicine was interrupted 
by the outbreak of the Civil War, and considerably 
delayed, but feeling that the welfare of the country 
was to be considered more than his as an individ- 
ual, he enlisted. May 16, 1862, in Company F, 25th 
Iowa Volunteers, and served for over three years. 
In that time he was in active conflict in sixt^'-four 
different engagements, and twenty-seven principal 
battles. Among these were Sherman's Landing, 
on Yazoo Bottom ; Arkansas Post, Jackson, Black 
River, Grand Gulf, Atlanta (siege of fortj'-four 
days), Jackson (2d), Canton, Tuscumbia, Ala.; 
Lookout IVIountain, Mission Ridge, Ringgohl, Ga. ; 
Lebanon, Ga.; Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain; Rome. 
Ga. ; the battles of Atlanta, the march to the sea. 
Mill Creek, Goldsboro, and others. 

The great step in the life of our subject, one 
that has perhaps inflnenced it more than anj- other, 
not excepting his choice of profession or enlist- 
ment, was that of his union in marriage with Cyn- 
thia A. Sargent. Their home w.as enriched by the 
birth of three children, who have received the 
names of Flora E., AVilliam Q. and George A. 
Nov. 22, 1881, Mr. B. became the husband of Josie 
E. Hickok, who is the daughter of Robert Mal- 
colm, of Moline, 111. To them has been born one 
son, Fred R., Dec. 9, 1882. 

By a very large majority Dr. Bufflngton was 
elected to the Legislature in 1884, and served for 
a period of two 3"ears. Although no measure of re- 
markable historic import was undertaken or passed 
in that term, sufficient op[)ortunity was offered for 
him to manifest the many qualities possessed by 
which he is speciallj' fitted for such work. He is a 
man of liberal thought, public spirit and quick in- 
telligence, and owing to these powers, his genial, 
affable disposition, his intimate knowledge and skill 
in his profession, combine to make him one of the 
prominent citizens of Liberty. 

Socially, our subject is connected with the G. A. 



1 



•4^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



731 ' i 



R. aiul also the Masonic fraternity, and in the 
latter has served for a period of six years in the 
Chair of the Worsiiipful Master. Dui'ing that time 
the lodge over which he presided wauioted because 
of its working efliciency and good discipline. The 
Doctor has also given much attention to the politi- 
cal questions of the day, and consistently supports 
and advocates the cause of the Republican i)arty. 



EBERHART ALBERT in the fall of 1874 
set sail from his native German}', and soon 
after reaching New Yorlc City made his wav 
directly westward to this county. Here he has 
since remained, and is thus entitled to be numbered 
among its pioneer residents. He owns and occupies 
a fine farm of 240 acres on section 25, Clatonia 
Township, where he has erected good buildings, and 
in all ways distinguished himself as an enterprising 
and industrious citizen. He is known far and wide, 
and just as thoroughly esteemed as he is known. 

Our subject was born in German}-, Oct. 23, 1847, 
and is the third son of David and Mary Albert. 
He received a good education in his native tongue, 
and was carefully trained in those habits of industry 
and economy which have been the secret of his 
success in life. Upon coming to this county he 
purchased eighty acres of land from the Burlington 
<fe Missouri River Railroad Company, for which he 
paid $5 per acre. He met with success in his labors 
of tilling the soil, and invested his surplus capital 
in additional land, all of which he brought to a 
good state of cultivation. Six years before leaving 
his native country he was united in marriage with 
Miss MaryElsha, and to them there have been born 
seven children, namely: Lena, the wife of William 
Brinkmeyer, of Clatonia Township; Charles, Louisa, 
Sophia, Ella, Emma and Henry, all at home with their 
parents. The land which Mr. Albert secured at that 
early day, it is hardly necessary to s.ay, w.is in its 
primitive condition, and he began at first principles 
in the rearing of a homestead. He has now a goodly 
assortment of live .stock, and the machinery nec- 
essary for liis convenience and profit. He identified 
liimself with the Republican party upon becoming 
a naturalized citizen, and is a member in good stand- 



ing of the German Methodist Episcopal Church and 
Superintendent of the Sund.ay-school. In his dis- 
trict he has served as School Treasurer three years. 
As a typical representative of the sturdy, intelli- 
gent and fearless German pioneer, he takes a place 
in the front ranks, and has contributed in a marked 
degree to the development of Clatonia Township. 
He has watched its progress and prosperity with 
genuine interest, encouraging in a substantial man- 
ner those projects tending to the welfare of its 
people. 

Mrs. Albert is in all respects the suitable com- 
panion of such a man as her husband, being ener- 
getic, intelligent and industrious, and to her is no 
small credit due for his success ih life. She has 
stimulated him to his best efforts, and proved a 
most wise and affectionate mother to her children. 
In the respect and esteem of the community she 
stands equal to her husband, and there is no pleas- 
anter resort in this locality than the hospitable home 
of Mr. and Mrs. Albert. 



kM. SCHRODER is regarded by his neigh- 
bors as a man of sterling worth and exem- 
plary conduct, who may review his past life 
and feel gratified that it has been so well spent and 
so honorable. He was born in Prussia, near Bre- 
men, on the 1st of May, 1818, of which country 
his p.arents, Henry and Elizabeth, were also na- 
tives. His father was a shepherd, and the family 
circumstances were but lowly, so that our subject 
began to rely upon himself for his daily needs when 
only a boy of seven. He worked in the employ of 
neighboring farmers, and was able to receive but a 
limited education, because of the slender family 
resources. His parents were devout members of 
the Lutheran Churcli, and early instructed him in the 
truths of their religion, so that when he was four- 
teen years old he received his confirmation in the 
church. 

Our subject had early made up his mind to come 
to Americ:i, but he did not allow his desires to in- 
terfere with the strict and careful performance of 
his labors, by his integrity and industry gaining 



I' 



-U 



^ii^Hh-* 



732 



GAGE COUNTY. 



the confiflence and good wishes of his employer, 
who became interested in Ills welfare. Finding 
that lie wished to leave his native country to try 
his fortunes in a land which offered great induce- 
ments, his employer advanced sufficient raone}- to 
pax his fare on the voyage,' and on the 1st of Au- 
gust, 1,S36, he boarded the -raulina," which sailed 
from Bremerhaven, and was tossed about on the 
waves forty-two days. He landed at New York on 
tiie 11th of Seplembei-, and having but fifty cents 
left after l)aying his fare, he at once engaged in 
work, choosing first to clerk in a mercantile house. 
His honesty and genial manner soon gained for him 
kind friends, who greatly relieved liis social wants, 
and lie remained in the mercantile house for two 
years, after which he started in business for him- 
.self, but did not meet willi good success. 

Onr suliject next engaged as a drayman for a 
mahogany sawmill in Pittsljurgh, Pa., where he re- 
mained for a long time, during which he was mar- 
ried to Miss Elvira Miller. Mrs. Schroder was 
born in New Jersey in 1823, and after her marriage 
with our subject they made their home in New 
1 ork City until about tlie close of the war, when 
they removed to Bureau County, 111. They rented 
a farm of 240 acres and prospered well, so that in 
1871 they moved to Missouri and bought a farm. 
But there they met with financial reverses, and 
sickness overtook them, which wasted their means, 
and when they came to this State they had but 
8300 left of the snug little fortune which they had 
accumulated. 

On arrival here our subject and wife took eighty 
acres of land on a school lease, and again the tide 
turned. They prospered well and have accumu- 
lated quite a competence, which enables them to 
surround themselves with comforts and luxuries. 
Our subject's son since purchased 100 acres on the 
Pawnee Reservation, and eighty acres on section 
IG, just north of his first claim. Mr. Schroder has 
done well, financially, and through his integrity and 
o-enialitv has drawn around him a host of warm and 
lasting friends. He became naturalized as soon as 
the Constitution permitted, and has become one of 
the best citizens, seeking to advance the interests 
of his community socially, educationally and relig- 
iouslj". He and his wife are esteemed members of 



the Presbyterian Church, of Beatrice, and he has 
helped to build the Methodist Episcopal Church, of 
Holmesville. 

Mr. and Mrs. Schroder have become the parents 
of eight children, named George, Hester, Lemuel, 
Ella, Lottie, Freddie, Johnny and an infant, the three 
last named dying in infancy. George grew to 
manhood, and enlisted in the Gist Illinois Infantry, 
serving during the last year of the war. 

While our subject is a member of the Republican 
part}- in politics, he strongly advocates the policy 
of the Prohibition party, and is in favor of tem- 
perance, or total abstinence from the use of intoxi- 
cating beverages. He has never regretted his com- 
ing to America, and the people of his community 
are proud to number him among their friends. 

"ii) OHN N. STEELE. Lying on section 3, in 
Holt Township, is one of the model farms of 
I this count}', and one of its most attractive 
(j^jl/ homes, the property of the subject of this 
sketch. It indicates in all its surroundings the ex- 
istence of cultivated tastes and ample means, and 
the residence of those whose lives have been good 
and useful, and who have exerted a refining and 
healthy influence upon those with whom thej' have 
been associated. The Steele family is one of the 
most widely and favorably known in this section, 
and the est.ate one of the most desirable in Gage 
County. 

The subject of this sketch was born in South 
Salem, Ross Co., Ohio, Oct. 6, 1823, and acquired 
his education in the district school. In 1850 he 
married a lady who was born in Warren County, 
Ky., Oct. 29, 1828. The father of Mrs. Steele was 
a native of Virginia, and the mother of Blooming- 
burg, Fayette Co., Ohio. They migrated to Illi- 
j noisin 1840, settling in Hennepin, Putnam Count}', 
wher^ the father carried on general merchandising 
and also held the office of Sheriff a number of years. 
He was finally elected to the State Legislature, and 
for many years continued active in public affairs. 
The mother died when comparatively a young 
woman, in 1 844, at the age of thirty-nine years. The 
household circle included seven children, namely: 

—^ 



1 



-4«- 




GAGE COUNTY. 



r33 



William, Fulton, Martha J., James, John, Mary and 
Artie. 

Mrs. Steele vvas a young girl twelve years of age 
when her parents removed from Kentucky to Illi- 
nois. She for a time attended the common sch(K)l 
and completed her studies in South Salem Acad- 
emy. She received careful home training, and re- 
mained with her parents until her marri.ige. Soon 
after their wedded life began Mr. and Mrs. Steele 
moved into a snug dwelling in South Salem, where 
Mr. S. engaged in the dry -goods trade until 1854, 
when he sold out, and removing to Illinois engaged 
in farming until after the outbreak of the Civil 
War. He watched the conflict until the j'ear follow- 
ing, then laid aside his personal interests to proffer 
bis services in support of the Union, enlisting in 
Company E, 4th Illinois Cavalry, for three years, 
or during the war. Such were the privations and 
hardships which he endured that his health began to 
fail, and at the end of two years he was obliged to 
accept his honorable discharge. The faithful wife 
and mother at home had in the meantime suffered 
the utmost anxiety, not only on account of her 
husband, but her four brothers who were fighting the 
battles of union and freedom. One brother was 
a Colonel and an officer held in high esteem on 
account of his bravery and fidelity to duty. 

After his return from the army Mr. Steele resided 
in Ohio until the close of 1873. In Januarj', 1874, 
resolving upon a change of location, he disposed of 
his property interests in the Buckeye State and 
came with his family to Nebraska. He purchased 
land in Holt Township, this county', and struggled 
through many difficulties and drawbacks in the 
development of his farm and the building up of a 
comfortable homestead. His labors were greatly 
prospered, as a glance at the handsome and com- 
fortable home of the Steeles at once indicates. 

To our subject and his estimable wife there have 
been born seven children, namely: Artie, Alice, 
Annie, Harry, AVardlaw and Minnie (twins), and 
Pattie. The ehlest daughter is the wife of Robert 
Henderson, a resident of this State, and they have 
five children; Alice married Charles Harnes, a car- 
penter by trade; she is the mother of two children — 
Ralph and Lyle. Thej' are residents of Auburn, 
Nemaha County. Annie is the wife of John Mosler, 



a mechanical engineer, and tlicy reside in San Mateo 
County, Cal.; they have one child, a daughter. Kit- 
tie. Harr^- is married, and is a prominent railroad 
man residing in Sacramento, Cal.; he has one child, 
a son, Eddie. Wardlaw is occupj'ing a homestead 
claim in Kansas, and is unmarried; Minnie is the 
wife of George Jackson, of Holt Township, this 
county, and the mother of two children — Gertie and 
Edna; Pattie is at home with her parents. 

The Steele property includes 160 acres of good 
land, with a comfortable fr.ame house, a fine orchard, 
a goodly assortment of live stock, improved farm 
machinerj', and the other appliances indicative of 
the progressive agriculturist. Both our subject and 
his estimable wife are members in good standing of 
the Congregational Church at Cortland. Mr. Steele, 
politically, is a stanch Republican. Mrs. S. is a lad}' 
of great refinement and intelligence, and became 
acquainted with her husband while they were attend- 
ing college. Their children form a bright and in- 
teresting group, who have been carefully educated 
and are well fitted for the honored stations which 
they will ever occupy in life. 

i]/_^ON. ALBERT H. BABCOCK, ex-member of 
the Nebr.aska Legislature, one of the leading 
lawyers of Southeastern Nebraska, and a resi- 
dent of Beatrice, was born near the cit}' of 
Bath, Steuben Co., N. Y., June 4, 1836. The 
family of his parents, John S. and Jane H. (Flem- 
ing) Babcock, consisted of two sons and one daugh- 
ter, of whom Albert H. was the eldest, and all of 
whom are living. John S. Babcock is also a native 
of the Empire State, a blacksmith bj' trade, and 
with his excellent wife is still living, their home 
now being in Monroe County, Mich. 

The subject of this sketch when an infant of 
six weeks was taken b}' his parents from his native 
State to Michigan, thej- settling among the pioneers 
of Monroe County. There he was reared to man- 
hood, pursuing his studies first at Dundee and later 
in the seminar}' at Ypsilanti, where he was prepared 
for college. He then entered the law department 
of the Michigan State University, at Ann Arbor, 
where he took a full course, and at the expiration 



f 



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734 



•t^ 



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GAGE COUNTY. 



of this time the outbreak of tlie Civil War furnisiied 
Tinloolved-for emplo3"ment. Entering the service 
of his coiintrj', in Company 11, ISth Michigan In- 
fantry, he was soon made First Lieutenant, and 
was subsequently promoted to Captain, his regi- 
ment being assigned to duty around the city of 
Covington, Ky.. resisting the enemy under Gen. 
Kirbj- Smith. When the nece.ssity for their pres- 
ence there had ceased the regiment received march- 
ing orders for Lexington, Ky., and at that point 
went into winter quarters. The following spring 
occurred the Morgan raid, tuul tiie regiment of 
Capt. Habcock was assigned to garrison duty for 
a time. Thence they proceeded to Nashville, Tenn., 
where our subject was on provost duty one year, 
and they were next assigned to Decatur, Ala., 
where they were attacked and repulsed by Hood's 
army in a siege of four days, the Union forces being 
under command of Gen. R. S. Granger. During 
the fight at Nashville Cai)t. Labcock was sent to 
hold Stevenson, Ala. Breckinridge was then at- 
tempting to cut off their supplies at Chattanooga, 
Leaving Nashville they were ordered to Huntsville, 
Ala., where Capt. B. was constituted Provost Mar- 
shal of the Northern District of Alabama, on the 
staff of Gen. Granger, and was thus occupied until 
the close of the war, being mustered out in July. 
1805. 

Our subject now returned to Ann Arbor, Mich., 
and in the State University completed his law 
course, being graduated in the class of '68. Soon 
afterward, coming to Nebraska, he located in Paw- 
nee City, where he commenced the practice of 
his profession. In the fall of 1873 he was elected 
a n:ember of the Legislature from Pawnee County, 
serving the sessions of 1873-74. He continued 
his residence in Pawnee City until 1879, then re- 
moved to Beatrice, where he has since built up a 
good business, practicing in the District, State and 
Federal Courts. 

Capt. Babeock was married. May 6, 1880, to Miss 
Jeanette DuBois, the wedding taking place at the 
home of the bride in Pawnee City. Mrs. B. was a 
resident of Atlanta, Ga.. and at the time of making 
acquaintance with our subject was visiting friends 
in Pawnee City. She was born in Madison, Fla., 
JMurih 17, 1S,')6, and is the daughter of Col. L. 




•T 



W. and Lavina (Tarrant) DuBois. Of this union 
there have been horn a son and daughter — Laura 
E. and Eugene. Mr. B. is a member of Pawnee 
Lodge, A. F. & A. IM.. also of Blue Lodge, Chapter 
and Council. In politics he is a Republican. 



s^^ I LAS L. MORRIS. In this sketch it will be 
endeavored succinctly to present to the 
reader some of the more salient features in 
tlie life of the present Supervisor of Grant 
Township, whose home is situated on section 24. 
where he owns and operates a farm of some eighty 
acres in extent, nearly the whole of which he has in 
a good state of .cultivation, and which is provided 
with a fairly good set of the buildings needed in 
connection therewith. 

Our subject has been a resident of Grant Town- 
ship for about thirteen years, and before making 
his home on section 24 resided on section 3, where 
he located in 1876. when the land was in its original 
wild and uncultivated condition. He made some 
improvements there, i)ut finding a good purchaser 
sold it in order to transfer his interest to his present 
property. 

Mr. Morris is a native of Ohio, and was born in 
Portage County, that State, on the 28tb of January, 
1829. He was a mere child when his father, John 
Morris, removed to Geauga County of the same 
State. The memory of his childhood, his school 
days and early manhood, is supplied from this 
source, for there he made his home until he came 
of age, acquiring somewhat thoroughly the branches 
of a practical English education, and then began at 
the lowest round of the ladder of farming, gradu- 
ally making his way to his present position. 

In Munson, Geauga Co., Ohio, our subject was 
united in marriage with Annette Warner, who was 
a native of that place, and was born Dec. 13, 1837. 
Her father was a practical, well-read farmer, and 
her life was spent upon the farm, forshe was brought 
up at home, and continued to reside witli her par- 
ents until her marriage. This union has resulted in 
the birth of four children, viz: Charles L., now the 
husband of Alice Kinzie, and a farmer in Grant 
Township; Altha, the wife of Marion Gaston, and 

«^ 



■<- 



-•► 



GAGE COUNTY. 



lesidiiifT iie:ir Beatrice; Sadie L., now Mrs. Hemy 
Gill, wiiose home is in Colorado, and Frank S., 
married to Minna McClure, of Indianapolis; they 
live in York County, this State, where this son has 
a lucrative practice as a physician and surgeon. 

With the exception of about three years our sub- 
ject has been occupied as a farmer all his life. For 
about eight years prior to his settlement in Ne- 
braska he was a resident of aAliller County, Mo. 
Mr. Morris has worthily filled the offices of Town- 
ship Treasurer and Justice of the Peace, in addition 
to that now held liy hira. He has been a stanch 
adherent of the Republican parly for nian3' j-ears, 
and will <l(jubtless so continue. His connection 
with the I. O. O. F. is at once length}' and honor- 
able, and at present he is a member of Lodge No. 
103, of DeWitt. and has filled all the chairs, includ- 
ing that of the Noble Grand; he is also a member 
of the Grand Lodge of this State, and Deputy 
Grand Master of tliis district. He has been in all 
the relations of life a man worth}' of the confidence 
and esteem of his fellows. 

A fine lithographic view of the Morris farm will 
be found on another page. Not onl}' does it assist 
in the embellishment of the Alp.xm of Gage Count}', 
but is one of the attractive features of the land- 
scape of Grant Township. 



ON. NATHAN BLAKELY. The farming 
and business interests of Southern Nebraska 
have found no more enterprising and capa- 
ble exponent than the subject of this sketch, 
who has aided materially in the cultivation and de- 
velopment of one of the richest sections of the great 
country lying west of the Mississippi. A native of 
Litchfield County, Conn., he was born in the town 
of Iloxbury, July 25, 1824, and was the youngest 
in a family of four children, the offspring of Daniel 
and Lovina (Chntfield) Blakely, who were also na- 
tives of Connecticut, and descended from English 
ancestry. 

Daniel Blakely, the paternal grandfather of our 
subject, was a farmer by occupation, and spent all 
of his life in Connecticut, dying in Roxbury, Litch- 
field County, at an advanced age. Daniel lUakely, 



following in the footsteps of his father, pursued the 
occupation of an agriculturist. The ehlest brother 
of Nathan died when a lad ; the mother and an only 
sister died in Roxbury, Conn., in 1839. The father 
in 1855 came west to Iowa, settling in Hardin 
County, where his death took place in February, 
1 86 1 , being seventy-six years old. He was a strong 
Abolitionist, and as the exponent of Free-Soil 
doctrines voted in 1844 for the Abolition candi- 
date. James Ct. Birney, for President.' In 1848 he 
voted for Van Buren, in 1852 for John P. Halej 
and in 185G for John C. Fremont. His last Presi- 
dential vote, in 18G0, was given to Abraham Lin- 
coln. 

Nathan Blakely acquired his early education in 
the <listrict school, which he attended until fif- 
teen years of age, mostly during the winter sea- 
son, being employed upon the farm in summer. 
Later he was a student at Roxbury Academy, 
where he studied two winters, and then commenced 
teaching, receiving for his services the munificent 
salary of §10 per month for his first school, and 
boarded around among the scholars; this school was 
in Westchester County, N. Y., in a neighborhood 
called "Mount Airy," about two miles east of the 
Hudson River, about an equal distance from Peek- 
skill and Sing Sing. He taught the same school the 
succeeding fall and winter, his salary being advanced 
to $12 per month. This was thought by some of 
the patrons of the school to be excessive, and more 
than any "schoolmaster" could earn. In the spring 
of 1846 he migrated to Monmouth County, N. J., 
where he followed teaching (intil 1852, officiating as 
tutor nine terms at the now celebrated summer re- 
sort. Long Branch. 

In the spring of 1852 Mr. Blakely, resolving upon 
a change of occupation, returned to his native 
State, and in company with W. S. Waterbury, pur- 
chased the Derby Journal at Birmingham, Conn., 
which they conducted together until the fall of 
1853. Mr. Blakely then disposed of his interest to 
his partner, and in December of the same year, 
in company with J. E. Barnes, a friend and former 
teacher in New Jer.sey, started for Chicago, 111., and 
the following winter taught a district school near 
the present site of Riverside, a few miles from Chi- 
cago. At the close of this engagement he mi- 




-^^ 



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.t 



738 



GAGE COUNTY. 



grated to Newton, Iowa, there bought land, but 
subsequent!}' bought land and moved to Hardin 
County, Iowa, hut spent the following summer in 
the vicinity of Newton, where he made his first pur- 
chase of land. He returned to Ciiicago in the fall 
of 1854, and resumed teaching in the school he va- 
cated the previous spring, and in the spring of 1855, 
in compan}' with his brother, who had just arrived 
from Connecticut, and his friend Barnes, left for 
Hardin County. Iowa, to improve their lands. At 
this time the railroad was only completed to Ga- 
lena; thence they went by steamboat to Dubuque, 
then by stage and private conveyance to Eldora, in 
Hardin County. 

About this time reports were heard about Spirit 
Lake, said to be 150 or 200 miles northwest, in 
Dickinson County, Iowa, near the State line. It 
was said to be a ver^' large lake, mostl^y surrounded 
by a large body of fine timber. This land was all 
in market, and subject to entry at $1.25 per acre, 
prairie lands being considered high in Hardin 
County at $2.50 and $3 per acre, and timber from 
$3 to $10. The prospect of ''vvealth" was too per- 
ceptible to be ignored, and they decided to get a 
couple of thousand acres of the cream of that sec- 
tion, and in August the trio loaded a wagon with a 
tent, a barrel of sugar, a sack of coffee, a chest of 
tea, hams and bacon, flour and meal, besides other 
articles necessary to put up cabins and make their 
homes in that wild and unsettled part of the State, 
and with two yoke of oxen, and one cow, with dogs, 
guns and revolvers, left Hardin Count}' for tlie 
"promised land." No. trouble appeared until be- 
yond the reach of settlements. 'I'hen there were no 
roads, and ponds, marshes and ravines were dail}' 
encountered, and travel accordingly slow, so that 
Spirit Lake was not reached until in October. The 
frost had killed the grass, and it was unfit to put up 
for hay; two of the party were suffering with the 
ague and could do nothing but eat. The bright 
picture of invagination of a few months before had 
rapidly vanished. The ague left two of the party 
so weak they could not travel to find out the num- 
bers of the land, or hunt up the corners, and after 
camping two nights on the margin of this lovely 
lake, decided to retrace their steps to Hardin 
County and leave all of the "wealth" to their fol- 



lowers, whoever they might be. Those followers, 
numbering several families, settled around the lake 
within a year or two, secured their lands, built their 
cabins and opened up their farms, when the Indiajis 
appeared and massacred most of the settlers, some 
thirty in number. 

The severity of the winters of 1855-5G and 
1856-57 led Mr. Blakely to the conclusion that 
the climate of the Hawke^'c State would not be 
altogether favorable to his health and comfort, and 
he accordingly, as soon as practicable, sought the 
milder atmosphere of Southern Nebraska. He ar- 
rived at Beatrice on the 17th of July, 1857, at a 
period in the history of this now flourishing town 
when it could not boast of even a log cabin, al- 
though one h.ad been commenced by Pap Towle. 
A few days after his arrival Mr. Btakely took up a 
Government claim two miles up the river, upon 
which he operated until the spring of 18G5, engag- 
ing in freighting and farming combined. 

Mr. Blakely upon leaving his farm purchased a 
half-interest in the store of D. Latham, at Beatrice, 
and for the space of four 3' ears conducted a mer- 
cantile business; in 1867 he purchased Mr. Latham's 
interest in the store, and in 1868 formed a partner- 
ship with Reynolds & Townsend, the firm being 
Blakely, Reynolds & Co. In the summer of 1869 
he disposed of his interest in the business to his 
partners, and in 1872 he associated himself with 
E. M. Hill, in general merchandising, until 1875. 

In addition to his extensive business transactions 
Mr. Blakely has always maintained a lively interest 
in the affairs of his adopted countj', and in 1858 
was elected County Clerk, serving so acceptably 
that he was re-elected the following year. In 1861 
he was chosen to represent this county in the Terri- 
torial Legislature, the ilistrict being composed of 
the counties of Gage, Johnson, Clay and Jones, 
now Jefferson. In 1866 he was again elected Rep- 
resentative, the Legislature meeting in Omaha, for 
the purpose of adopting the Constitution for the 
State, and of electing two United States Senators. 
Mr. Blakely voted in caucus for T. AV. Tipton and 
A. S. Paddock. Tipton and Thayer received the 
nomination and election. 

Mr. Blakely in 1868 was again elected to the 
Legislature, attending the first session held at 



^ 



h 



GAGE COUNTY. 



739 



4- 



Lincoln. The 3'ear following he was appointed Re- 
ceiver of the United States Land Office, by Presi- 
dent (iiant,%assuming charge of the oflice on the 
1st of Oclolier, anil which he held until Oct. 1, 
1875. Of the manner in which he discharged his 
duties, the I'entrice Exjircss. dated October 7 of tiiat 
year, IM. A. Brown, editor and proprietor, speaks as 
follows : 

'•Hon. Nathan Blakely entered upon the discharge 
of his duties as Receiver of the United States Laud 
Otfice at this place Oct. 1, 18G9. On the 1st of 
October, 1875, he stepped down and out, Hon. R. 
B. Harrington having been appointed to the office. 
It will be seen that h*had filled the important posi- 
tion of receiver of public moneys for precisely' 
six years. During that time he had received and 
turned over to the Government $625,013.24, and 
when he closed his official labors his accounts were 
found to be correct to the cent. In these days of 
defalcation and dishonesty no higher encomium 
can I)e paid to a retiring officer than to say 'his ac- 
counts were found correct, and he had the money 
on hand to balance.' " 

But, notwithstanding the large amount handled 
by Mr. Blakely, and his long term of office, this 
can be truthfully said of him. At times during 
his six years' service he had not only an important 
position to fill, but also one of dangei'ous responsi- 
bilit}^ For several years after he took charge of 
the office there were no banks in Beatrice where he 
could deposit the monej*, nor was there any rail- 
road or express line connecting with this city by 
which he could send the money away. The Gov- 
ernment required him to make monthly deposits at 
Omaha. In order to get the money to the river 
he would hire his brother to take it to the bank of 
John L. Carson, at Brownville, which required 
sixty-five miles of staging; at times Mr. Blakelj-'s 
brother "William has staged it to Brownville with 
strangers, and about $60,000 in his pocket. We 
know Mr. Blakely has plenty of nerve, but we 
are of the opinion he felt easier when he had Mr. 
Carson's certificate of deposit. 

During the month of June, 1 870, Mr. Blakely 
took in as Receiver 886,236.69, and on the 13th of 
the same month the sum of $38,126.31. These 
were the "big bonanza" days of his terra of office. 



We would he glad to be able to give a brief out- 
line of Mr. Blakely's history, but except as to the 
above figures he has not given us any data from 
which to write him up. However, we learn, but 
not from him. that lie has been a teacher, an editor, 
has served several terms in the Legislature, has 
been a farmer, mcrciiant, County Clerk, was gradu- 
ated as an ox-driver (but we don't believe he ever 
drove mules .as he doesn't swear), has accumulated 
property, if we owned it we would think it to be 
worth at least $50,000, but we don't, and what is 
best, he has accumulated it honestly. 

Mr. Blakely is one of the self-made men of the 
State. He came here poor, freighted over the Cali- 
fornia route, and Ijy dint of energy and honesty in 
thisgrasshoppered American desert, he has laid by a 
goodly sum for a rainy d.ay. He is a positive man, 
hence he has w.arm friends and some bitter oppo- 
nents. He will stand by a friend through thick 
and thin. Almost all incumbents of land-offices 
are accused of resorting to ways that are dark to 
make a dollar, yet in this large district no man has 
ever accused Mr. Blakely of trickery or dishonesty. 
We don't know what business he intends to engage 
in, but wherever he is or whatever he does he will be 
known as a man of blunt honesty, strict integrity' 
and undoubted ahilitj'. 

The marriage of Hon. Nathan Blakely and Miss 
Maggie C. Tinkham was celebrated at the home of 
the bride, about two miles east of Beatrice, Nov. 9, 
1868, and the young people began the journey of 
life together in Beatrice. Mrs. Blakely was born 
in Morrow County, Ohio, in October, 1 843, and is 
the second daughter of Rev. A. L. Tinkham, a 
minister of the Methodist Church, who came to this 
State in 1860, settling in the embryo town of Bea- 
trice among its earliest residents. He is 3'et liv- 
ing. The mother of Mrs. Blakely is also living, 
still residing at theii- old homestead, near Beatrice. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Blakely there were born two sons, 
— Charles and Clarence. The latter died Sept. 21, 
1873, when nearly two years old. Charles was 
born Jan. 5, 1870. He graduated from the High 
School in Beatrice, in June, 18.88, and is now a 
student at the Wesleyan University, at Delaware, 
Ohio. 

Mr. Blakely has been identified with the major- 



.^-Ht^^ 



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740 



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,t 



GAGE COUNTY. 



it^' of the enterprises set on foot for the advance- 
ment and prosperity of the count}-. He is a director 
and stockholder in the Beatrice National Bank 
and the American Savings Bank of Beatrice, and 
his landed interests are quite large, most of which 
is under lease. The family residence is situated in 
tlie southeastern suburlis of the city, and is a hand- 
some and imposing structure, constituting with its 
surroundings one of the finest homes in or near the 
city. 

Among the portraits of many of the most valued 
citizens of the county given in this volume may be 
found that of Mr. Blakely, given on an adjoining 
p.age. 

-^ ^^B- ^^ 

(SB JKlLLIAM KRAMER is an enterprising Ger- 
\^f/ '""" ™'"-' started in life with the detei-min- 
C7 \y ation to make his mark in the world, and 
has succeeded in fulfilling his determination to such 
an extent that he may feel justly gratified because 
of his achievements. His parents, Herman and 
Mary Kramer, were born in Hanover, Germany, 
and the father was engaged in farming until the 
time of his death. The mother is still living, and is 
now sevent\'-five years old. Tliere were seven chil- 
dren in their familj, viz: Gerhard, Herman, Henry, 
Johnny, an infant unnamed, William and Annie. 

Our subject was born in German}', on the 24th of 
June, 1848, and as his father was very comfortably 
situated in regard to this world's goods, he received 
the advantages of education which might have 
otherwise been denied him. His parents were mem- 
bers of the German Lutheran Church, and-he re- 
ceived his confirmation at the age of fourteen. He 
early possessed a desire to come to America, and 
when he was eighteen j'earsold he embarked on the 
sailing-ship -'Augusta," which left Bremen on the 4tli 
<jf September, and reached New Orleans after a 
voyage of eleven weeks across the water. He re- 
mained in St. Louis for one month, and then went 
to Washington County, 111., and lived there two 
years, then went to Menard County. III., where 
after a time he married Miss Minnie Sachtleban. 

After their marriage, which occurred on the 18th 
of March, 1 875, Mr. and Mrs. Kramer rented a farm, 
on which they remained for eleven jears and pros- 



pared well. In 1 886 they came to Nebraska, and 
bought their present farm, consisting of 240 acres, 
100 on section 3, and eighty acres on section 10, 
Nemaha Township. Our subject has improved his 
farm and increas-.d its value, until now it presents 
a fine appearance and is the source of a lucrative 
income. He has built an attractive looking and 
commodious new house, set out groves of trees and 
various kinds of shrubbery, and has supplied his 
farm and stock with water by means of a good 
wind-pump. An observer would scarcely imagine 
all of these improvements to be possible from the 
hands of so recent a settler, but our subject is ener- 
getic and enterprising, as the results of his labor 
plainly indicate. 

The family of our subject and his wife includes 
five bright, intelligent children, whose names are 
Annie, Johnny, Henry, Maggie and Minnie, all of 
whom are at home. The parents are members of 
the German Lutheran Church, and in the time of 
their residence here they have gained a large circle 
of friends. Our subject takes an .nctive part in 
matters pertaining to education as well as those 
pertaining to church and State. He is a Democrat 
in i)olitics, and at jiresent is serving as School 
Moderator, his election to that office so soon after 
his removal here speaking well for his intelligence 
and the favor with which he has been received by 
the best men of the township. lie received his 
naturalization papers in 1872. and in every way is 
a lojal citizen of his adopted country. 



tT"*"^" 



-^ 



^^EORGE R. FOUKE. There are few indus- 
[|| (^— ^ tries that have grown more rapidly or ex- 
^^ijl tensively than that of house and general fur- 
niture. The age has forever passed when the 
people will be content with the ancient order of 
things in this department, and even in the Far West 
in some little claim shant}' or sod house are found 
articles of furniture that for value, perfection of 
work, and beauty of finish, would grace a Fifth ave- 
nue mansion. Among the tradesmen of Liberty 
few are more successful or have a better knowl- 
edge of the minutia of their business than has our 
subject, who is cng.agcd in business as a general 



t 



-4•- 



GAGE COUNTY. 



741 f 



house furnisher and implement dealer. Mr. Foiike 
was liorn in Ilagerstown, Md., upon the 10th of 
February, 1853, to George J. and Elizabeth (Nes:- 
ley) Fouke, the former of whom was a native of 
]\Iarj'laiid and is now deceased, and the latter of 
Franklin County, Pa. Two uncles of our subject 
were soldiers iu the Mexican ^Yar, his uncle Henry 
serving as a Colonel. 

Our subject continued to make his home in his 
native place until he was sixteen j'ears old. He 
then decided to strike out for himself; his father 
thereupon furnished him with a ticket to San Fran- 
cisco, and $20 in cash; with that he started in life. 
Owing to the ravages of war he had little or no 
opportunity to obtain an education, and was, there- 
fore, minus this great help. He had a brother and 
uncle somewhere in the mountains of El Dorado 
Countj% and he went to work to locate them and 
renew their acquaintance. After some time be was 
successful in his search, and sliortly afterward 
started out in the endeavor to obtain work. The 
first day be walked over forty miles, meeting only 
failure, but the following morning he found himself 
in the company of an English sheep-raiser. John 
Richardson by name, and with him engaged as a 
shepherd, continuing in that employment several 
months. After that he was employed ujjon a farm 
for about twent\'-seveu months, and thence went to 
the Sacramento Valley and drove a team, uniting 
with this employment that of farming for about 
twenty-seven months, at a salary that ranged from 
$35 to $65 a month. During this time he occa- 
sionally attended school, usuall}' at night, and also 
for a time the school at Sacramento City. In the 
fall of 1877, owing to a protracted sickness, he re- 
turned to Iowa, stopping in Cedar County, where he 
worked upon a farm for about a year, and fi>r the 
following five years rented property in difi'erent 
counties, farming upon his own account. 

Our subject entered the marriage state upon the 
1 1th of Februarj', 1871), and was united witli Emma 
Shaw, a daughter of Charles Shaw, of Scott County, 
Iowa. This lady died in November, 1881, leaving 
one daughter, who was named Florence. A second 
alliance was entered into on the 18th of December, 
1883, the lady of his selection being Miss Sarah 
Wherr^', a native of Guernsey County, Ohio. 



Our subject came to Liberty in July, 1885, and 
embarked in the business of general house furnisher. 
Recognizing the need of a reliable implement firm, 
the following year he added that department. In 
1886 he received into partnership his nephew, Da- 
vid Wlierry, his business having grown so rapidly 
as to demand some such step. Mr. Fouke is one 
who realizes the march of time and progress of the 
age, and endeavors to keep in the front rank of 
those who .are engaged in business, especially' of his 
particular calling. His religious connections are 
with the United Presbyterian Church, and in this 
communion he is received as one of its ablest sup- 
porters. 

l^\ RS. REBECCA (LONG) PRICE. This 
estimable lady resides in Odell, where she 
has a beautiful home, which she shares 
with her son and daughter, and in their 
pleasant companionship she is quietly passing the 
closing 3-ears of a useful life, surrounded b3' every 
comfort that heart could wish, enjoying in the high- 
est degree the respect and esteem of a large circle 
of friends, who have been attracted to her by her 
many amiable qualities. She is the widow of the 
late lamented Rev. William B. Price, whose death 
occurred Nov. 14, 1886, when he was seemingly 
scarcely past the prime of life, being but fifty-one 
years of age, and in the midst of a busy and honor- 
able career as an .agriculturist and as a preacher in 
the German Baptist Church. 

Mrs. Price is a native of Washington County, 
Md., and a daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth 
(Fridle^') Long. When our subject was thirteen 
years of age, her parents removed to Ogle County, 
111., where they located, and where, in 1848, oc- 
curred the death of the mother. Mrs. Price from 
that time faithfullj' cared for her father's welfare 
until his death in 1856. She still continued to re- 
side in Ogle County, and there, on the 17th of 
November, 1858, her marri.age with William B. 
Price was solemnized. He was a native of Vir- 
ginia, born near Harper's Ferry, and a son of .lohn 
Price, a native of Virginia, who died iu Illinois. 

In 1873 Mr. Price settled up his affairs in Illinois, 
having decided to make his home for the future 



r 



.•4=*^ 



"► ^ii <• 



142 



GAGE COUNTY. 



under the sunn}' skies of Nebraska, to receive the 
benefit of its fine climate and the advantages of its 
rich soil. On his arrival here with his family he 
selected a suitable location near Beatrice, and he 
thus liecame an early settler of Gage Count}'. In 
1882 he removed with his wife and children to 
Odell, where he purchased the 100 acres of land 
that forms the fine farm on which his famil}' still 
live. He erected a commodious house and other 
necessarj' buildings, besides making other substan- 
tial improvements. In the pleasant home that he 
thus secured to his family, in the few 3'ears given 
him to labor here, he laid down the burden of life 
one autumn day, and fell into that dreamless sleep 
that knows no waking this side of eternity, leaving 
a devoted wife, a son and a daughter to hold his 
memory in sacred remembrance. His death was a 
severe blow to the moral and material interests of 
Odell, as he was a public-spirited, conscientious 
citizen, and labored to sustain the religious as well 
as the financial prosperity of the community, and 
he was i-evered and beloved by all who had the 
pleasure of associating with him. He was connected 
with the German Baptist Church, in which for ten 
years he was an earnest preacher; he died fearless 
and triumphant in tlie faith, and now, across the 
River, he, with the friends who have gone before, 
awaits those who have yet to enter the Golden 
Gate. 

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Price was blessed 
to them by the birth of two children — Olin L. and 
Anna R. The son manages the farm, keeping it 
up to the same high standard of cultivation that it 
had attained under his father's supervision, and he 
is also quite successfully engaged in stock-raising. 

Mrs. Price is a member of the church in which 
her husband labored so long and faithfuUj'; she 
cherishes his memory, and in man}' ways forwards 
the good work in which he was engaged. 



#~^- 



-S-- 



y 



erty 



ALTER T. GORE is well known and has 
built quite a reputation for himself as a 
general merchant and stock dealer of Lib- 

His father, George W. Gore, is a native 



of Loudoun County, Va., and now a resident of 



Clarksburg, in the same State. Our subject w.as 
born on the 12th of February, 18.54, in Hampshire 
County, Va. (now West Virginia), and spent the 
early jiart of his youth on a farm in his native 
county. In the year 1808 he removed with his 
parents to Blacksburg, Montgomery County, in the 
same State, and while residing there he took a 
three-years course of instruction at the Preston 
and Oland Institute. 

In March of the year 1 871 our subject went to Ma- 
rion County, Iowa, and engaged in teaching school 
for two or three winters, spending his vacation dur- 
ing the summers on a farm. Subsequently he re- 
moved to Chariton, Iowa, where he continued the 
occupation of a farmer, combining it with the buy- 
ing and selling of live stock until the year 1879. 
Then he came to this county and located on Wolf 
Creek, six miles north of this city, though at that 
time the city had not yet been platted; but after it 
was founded he came here, and has since made his 
home in this place. In company with Mr. D. S. 
Hardin he established the first real-estate office of 
this city, and they are still carrying on the business. 

In 1884 Mr. Gore engaged in the mercantile 
business, carrying a general stock of goods, and by 
honorable dealing and giving strict attention to the 
management of his business he has built up a large 
trade and has been meeting with good success, He 
also pays especial attention to the buying and sell- 
ing of live stock, which he ships to Chicago, Kan- 
sas City and Omaha, and in that also he is doing a 
flourishing business. 

Our subject w.as married, on the 11th of March, 
1884, to MissMellie A. Nelson, a daughter of -Jesse 
Nelson, of Liberty. They had one child to bless 
their home, Tilghman M., but the mother was not 
permitted to remain in her home for a long time, 
being called by death on tiie 18th of February, 
1888, and while the husband was in the depth of 
his mourning for her, the little child was taken from 
him on the 31st of July. 188,8, at the age of six 
months, making the bereavement double and al- 
most unbearable. 

Mr. Gore has met with universal success in his 
business dealings, commanding the respect and es- 
teem of the business men with whom he engages, 
and he has also become an extensive land-owner, 
^^ 



■<*• 



^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



r4:{ 



•T 



having possession of IGO acres of lanrl in this 
connty, ItJO acres in Pawnee Countj% and 480 acres 
in Northwestern Kansas, in Sheridan and Gove 
Counties. The character which onr suhject bears 
in his vicinity justifies the residents in electing him 
to the olHcc of .Tnstice of the Peace, which office 
he h.as filled with credit to himself for six 3-ears. 
Although this section of the State h.as been but a 
few j^ears in developing to its present condition, 
its outlook for the future is most promising, since 
there are now numbered among its inhabitants so 
many reliable, enterprising men of good business 
standing to give strength and solidity to the foun- 
dation of its enterprises, among whom our subject 
is entitled to a rank with the foremost. 



JACOB HILDEBRAND. The life history of 
the subject of this sketch reads more like a 
romance than the sober statements of real 
life. Born amid tiie wild and beautiful scen- 
ery of Switzerland, in close proximity to the Alps 
and Lake Lucerne, he earl}' in life imbibed the lib- 
ertj'-loving air of a free and independent people 
and the spirit with which the hero William Tell 
rendered himself immortal. The seventh child in 
a family of six sons and five daughters, he was born 
in the canton of Lucerne, Jan. 31, 1834, and still 
preserves a clear recollection of the home of his in- 
fancy, enshrined among the hills and made charm- 
ing, simple as it was, b}' the delights of lake, wood, 
field and stream. 

The father of our subject, Joseph Hildebrand, 
was born in the same region of countr}' as his son, 
and married a Miss Shedhalt«r; tlie parents spent 
their entire lives in their native land, both living 
to the advanced age of eighty j'cars. Jacob was 
trained at an early age to habits of industry, and 
as soon as old enough began to make himself useful 
by doing such little jobs around his neighborhood 
as he was able. At the age of fourteen he started 
out in earnest to battle with tlie world, and soon 
formed his own ideas in regard to his future as ho 
determined it should be — with a home of his own 
and some day a com|)etencj'. While yet a boj' at- 
tending school in his native canton he had con- 



ceived the idea of coming to America, and in this 
project was warmly seconded by his brother Lone, 
to whom he was most warmly attached. The two 
boys spent many an hour discussing the future, 
which thej' determined should be spent as near as 
possible together. 

At the age of sixteen years Jacob Ilildelnand 
drifted over into France, where he staid three 
years, and his favorite brother became a soldier in 
the Italian army. They thus lost sight of each 
other, and Jacob, in October, 1853, took passage 
on a sailing-vessel bound from Havre, France, to 
New York City. He arrived upon the soil of 
America in November following, and for several 
months was empk)yed in Cayuga County, N. Y., at 
$50 per month. In 1855 he started to cross the 
Mississippi, and on the way was employed in differ- 
ent places as carpenter, brickmaker, and at various 
other occupations until arriving in Iowa. 

In 1857 Mr. Hildebrand most unexpectedly and 
to his great J03' learned that his brother Lone was 
not onl}' in America, but in the Territory of Ne- 
braska, located on a piece of land in Nemaha Town- 
ship, this county, and it is hardly necessarj' to s.aj^ 
that he at once laid his plans to join him. The fol- 
lowing spring they were happily reunited. Lone 
was never married and made his home with our 
subject until called hence b}' the decree which 
sooner or later overtakes all mankind. After a 
well-spent, most honorable and praiseworthy life, 
he died in 1887, mourned by a large circle of 
friends, at the age of sixty -one years. 

IVIr. Hildebrand, in the spring of 1858, accom- 
p.mied by an acquaintance, William Betler, started 
on foot from Iowa to this county. They walked 
the greater part of the w.ay, and the meeting of the 
long separated bri)thers can better be imagined than 
described. Lone had pre-empted 140 acres of land, 
and after the arrival of Jacob the brothers each 
homesteaded eighty acres, and thus had together a 
snug area, which was destined in future to become 
of good value. They remained here until 1862, 
then repaired to Colorado, and for three j'ears en- 
gaged in mining and ranching, employing them- 
selves in the mines at Boulder City during the 
winter, and repairing to their ranch Ahen the spring 
came to look after their cattle. They were in 



f 



M^ 



744 



GAGE COUNTY. 






Boulder wlien the news of the assassination of 
President Lincoln reached them, and the Swiss 
brothers who in their native land stood upon the 
very spot where fell the tyrant Gesler by the hand 
of William Tell, signified their sympathy with the 
cause of liberty in their adopted country by in- 
augurating solemn services among the miners upon 
the death of the martyred President. A Confeder- 
ate in the vicinity, wlio expressed sympathy with 
the assassin Booth, was summarily dealt with. 

The llildebrand brothers were greatly prospered 
in their mutual labors, and gained hosts of friends 
on account of their straightforward honesty and 
fair dealings with their fellowmen. Upon return- 
ing to Nebraska, they resumed farming upon their 
land, hauling their wheat to Nebr.aska City and 
bringing back loads of lumber and provisions, 
which they landed in Beatrice, and for which they 
received ample returns. The country was new and 
they carried with them their provisions, camping 
out wherever night overtook them. They im- 
proved their land as rapidly as possible, setting out 
fruit and shade trees, erecting handsome and sub- 
stantial buildings, and instituting those comforts and 
conveniences essential to the well-being of the mod- 
ern and progressive farmer. 

Jacob llildebrand in 1875 w.as united in mar- 
riage with Miss Edith Morris, who was born in 
Pottawattamie County, Iowa, in IS.'Jo. Mrs. H. re- 
ceived a common-school education and came to 
Nebraska with her unnle, David Blatchart, in 1874. 
Of her union with our subject there have been born 
six children, namely : Mary. James, Nettie, Minnie, 
Josie and William. Mr. llildebrand is one of the 
most loyal adherents of the Republican partj', and 
always interested in those projects calculated to ad- 
vance the prosperity and intelligence of his com- 
nuinit}'. 



be: 



EUBEN ALBERT. In the following sketch 
it will be the endeavor succinctly to present 
some of the more salient features of the life 
l^of one of Highland Township's pioneers, 
whose residence is upon section 4, where he has a 
beautiful and somewliat exceptionalh' fertile farm, 
lie is a native of the Keystone Stale, having been 




born in Northampton County, on the 7th of Jan- 
uary, 1834. He is the son of John and Mar3- M. 
(Albert) Albert, both natives of the same State. 
Our subject was the eldest son, and was reared to 
manhood in his native county, and in its public 
scliools received a fair, practical English education. 

In December of 1863 our subject was united in 
marriage with Melinda Mosser. The happiness of 
her union witli our subject has been more fully as- 
sured and its joj's enhanced by the birth of their 
three children, to whom have been given the names 
here following, viz: Ulysses G., Frank R. and Ger- 
trude. 

In the summer of 18G2, in answer to the bugle 
note from Washington, our subject stepped to the 
front as a volunteer in defense of the old flag, 
enlisting in Company D, 129th Pennsylvania In- 
fantry, which became part of the yth Army Corps 
of the Army of Virginia, under command of the 
intrepid McClellan, and subsequently Gen. Burn- 
side. Besides an interminable round of minor en- 
gagements and skirmishes, our subject took part 
in a number of the larger battles, of which he has 
chief cause to remember that at Fredei'icksburg, 
where he was severely wounded in the right thigh, 
which necessitated his subsequent confinement for 
about three mouths in the Pleasant Hill (Washing- 
ton) and Chestnut Hill (Philadelphia) Hospitals. 
Upon recovery he received an honorable discharge 
in the spring of 1863. Our subject continued to 
reside in Pennsylvania until about 1869, when he 
removed to Montgomery County, Iowa, where he 
resided until the fall of 1871, when he came to 
this county. Upon arrival he homesteaded 160 
acres of good land in Highland Township, the same 
upon which he now resides. If it was good then 
his industrj' and intelligent, careful luiltivation have 
vastly improved it. At the time of his settlement 
his nearest neighbor was over seven miles distant 
from him, and everything was in a most primitive 
condition, and it has been with pleasurable pride 
that he and his family have watched the surround- 
ings develop and improve, and the State as a whole 
march with unusually rapid step and length}' stride 
to the front place in the rank of Western States. 

Besides the above farm our subject owns another 
of like extent in Sheridan County, Kan., which has 

*^ 



^•^^4r^ 



GAGE <JOU^TY. 



irj 



developed fnto quite a valuable property. He has 
served as Coustable for two years, besides also some 
other of the township offices. Socially, he is con- 
nected with the G. A. R. It is tiardly necessary to 
add that Mr. All)ert is an affiliate of the Repub- 
lican ])arty, at once one of its stanchest friends, 
stoutest defenders and steadfast supporters. 



•i- 



o el 




lYRON P. ZUVER. The grandparents up- 
on the paternal side of the family of which 
our subject is a member were Henry and 
Margaret (Schneider) Zuver; upon the ma- 
ternal side John and Elizabeth (Zuver) Kerns. Both 
these families were of Holland origin, and became 
residents of America previous to the Revolutionary 
War. That of the Kerns dates back to 1727. 
They included within their circles a large number 
of children, of whom were Solomon Zuver and 
Julia Ann Kerns, the father and mother of our 
subject, who were born in the j'ear 1819, the one 
in Pennsylvania, the other in Ohio. They were 
united in marriage in 1839, in Wayne County, 
Ohio, whither the father of our subject had accom- 
panied his parents. Of this union there were born 
five children; the eldest of these was Byron, our 
subject. The others were Saiah S., John H., George 
W. and Henr3-. The latter died when quite young; 
John H. departed this life in 1883, in Sonoma 
County, Cal; Sarah resides in Los Angeles, and 
George W. near Adams, of this State. 

Mr. Solomon Zuver became (juite prosperous in 
his farming and mercantile busine.ss. which very 
rapi<lly extended, and in a sliort lime he became 
comparatively well-to-do, but reverses followed rap- 
idly upon the heels of successes, owing to some 
unfortunate transiictions, and his fortune melted 
away and left him nothing but the unsubstantial 
memory and sometimes bitter reflections of baffled 
hopes and desires. In 1855, a poor man and start- 
ing lite a second time, he removed to Cerro Gordo 
County, Iowa, where he was one of the early pio- 
neers. He there engaged in keeping hotel, ami in 
the summer of 1864 had so succeeded in business 
as to be able to take quite an extensive trip to the 
Pacific and through the Northwestern Stiites. Upon 



his return home he removed to Kansas, where he 
lived until Oct. 5, 1878, when he departed this life, 
aged fifty-eight years. He was married three times, 
but had no children by the last two marriages. 

Our subject was born Nov. 8, 1840, in Waj'ne 
County, Ohio. After the removal of the family 
to Iowa he attended the common sch(>ol,and in the 
winter of 1860 taught school. He left the teacher's 
desk to attend the classes of the Western College, 
in Linn County, and April 28, 1861, enlisted in 
Company D, 12th Iowa Infantry, being the first 
to enlist from this count}-. Owing to the fact that 
no more three-months men could be utilized to ad- 
vantage, he was obliged to re-enlist on the 20lh of 
September, 1861. The organization of this com- 
pany for service w.-is at Cedar Rapids, where the 
ladies of the city presented them with a silken flag 
that was afterward carried into the conflict and be- 
came a source of inspiration and courage to the 
faint-hearted or weary soldier. From that city 
they went to Dubuque, and November 28 went by 
car to St. Louis, where they were stationed until 
Jan. 28, 1862, and then went to Smithland, Ky.; 
thence to Ft. Henry, which was reached February 
6, and that very day the fort surrendered. Our 
subject was an active participant in the battle and 
splendid victory of Ft. Donelson. At Mineral 
Landing they took the boats for Pittsburg Land- 
ing, where they arrived March 20. and on the 6th 
of the following month were in the battle of Shiloh. 
On the evening of that day several regiments were 
taken prisoners, and among them the 1 2th Iowa, 
that having been in the conflict all day and fought 
to the bitter end in the portion of the field known 
as Hornet's Nest and Hell's Hollow by the enemy. 

The prisoners — among them our subject — were 
hurried off to Corinth, thence to Memphis; from 
Memphis successively to Granada, Jackson, Merid- 
ian. Miss., and Mobile. There they were put u[ion 
the bo.ats and sent to Tuscaloosa, Ala., where the}' 
arrived on the tenth day of their imprisonment. It 
was the great misfortune of these prisoners to be 
under the charge of the notorious tj'rani, Henry 
Wirz, of Andersonville fame, from whom they suf- 
fered, directly or indirectly, the most scandalous 
treatment and untold brutality. Leaving Tusca- 
loosa, the}- were then taken to Montgomery, and 



• ► i r^ 



7oO 



GAGE COUNTY. 



were there paroled on the 22(1 of May. Our sub- 
ject joined tlie army again at Iluntsville, Ala., on 
the 30th of the same month, and as a paroled pris- 
oner-of-war was sent to rvashville, Louisville, Cairo, 
and tinally, on the 10th of July, to Benton Bar- 
racks, at St. Louis, where he remained until the re- 
organization of the regiment, on the 1st day of 
January of the following year, i. e., 1863. 

Leaving St. Louis on the 9th of April, our sub- 
ject witii his regiment started once more to the 
front. Their first battle was that of Grand Gulf, 
La., and this was speedily followed by the engage- 
ments at Ft. Gibson, Raymond, Jackson, Clin- 
ton, Edmund Station, Champion Hills, Black River 
Bridge, and then on to the siege of Vicksburg, near 
which place they remained until its fall, July 4, 
1863. They next engaged in the eight-days siege 
of Jackson, Miss., which fell in the same month. 
Next was the battle of Brandon, which was fought 
upon the 19th of July. Keturning to Vicksburg, 
they were stationed there until the Canton expedi- 
tion in October, in which they took part. In the 
next month they went back to Memphis, guarding 
the Memphis & Charleston Railroad, and in this 
work the regiment continued during the winter of 
1803-64, at Chewalla, Tenn. 

On Christmas Day of the year 1863 Mr. Zuver 
re-enlisted as a veteran, and Febiuary 1 following 
started once more for Vicksburg, where the regi- 
ment was engaged in guard duty at the Black River 
Bridge until the 4th of March. The next four 
days were spent in VicUsliurg, and March 8 they 
left for home, and arrived at Davenport on the 
22d. After a much-needed rest and recreation 
lluy re-assembled at Davenport, on the 26th of 
A|)ril, and proceeded immediately to Memphis, 
where tliey arrived May 1 , and were engaged until 
the 16th in picket duty. Then Company D, with 
five others, was detailed to go to the mouth of the 
White River, Ark., for garrison duty, and re- 
turned on the 3d of June to Memphis and again 
took up picket duty. Active hostilities for this 
company recommenced with the battle of Tupelo, 
which lasted from the 13th to the 16th of July. 
This was the occasion when the 12th Iowa Regi- 
ment covered itself with a mantle of glory that 
can never grow old or dim ; thej' were the heroes 



of the day. Upon the 22d they were b.ack to Mem- 
phis, and on the 31st of the same month started out 
for the Oxford expedition. At this time our sub- 
ject was detailed for provost duty part of the time 
at Holly Springs, and also took part in the battles 
of Abbeville and Tallahatchie, Miss. 

The regiment returned to Memphis on the 30th 
of August, and proceeded to Duval's Bluff on 
the 8th of September, thence to Brownsville on the 
11th, then leaving to go on the "Pap" Price ex- 
pedition, whom they followed for 350 miles. Land- 
ing at Cape Girardeau on the 5th of October, thej' 
went to St. Louis, thence to Jefferson City, arriv- 
ing on the 18th; thence by cars to LaMine Bridge, 
and there commenced the march to the scene of 
action. On the way thej' passed through Sedalia, 
Lexington and Independence, and arrived on the 
battle-field of the Big Blue on the 24th of the 
same month, just after the fight was over. From 
that |)lace they went to Santa Fe, Kan., reaching 
Ilarrisville, Mo., on the 26th. They left again on 
the 30th for St. Louis, via Sedalia. 

Upon the 8th of November our subject voted in 
the capitol building of Missouri in favor of Abra- 
ham Lincoln. This is memorable to him as being 
his first Presidential vote. Our subject was just 
twentj'-four years of age at the time. Leaving St. 
Louis on the 23d, he proceeded with his regiment 
to Cairo, which was reached in four days; thence 
on to Nashville, where they supported Gen. Thomas. 
In the battle of Nashville, December 15 and 10, 
our subji^ct and his brave comrades were again 
under fire, and added fresh laurels to those already 
won. After this they went on the Hood expedi- 
tion. Our subject and his regiment belonged to 
the 16tli Army Corps, which became known by the 
opprobri(_)us appellation "Smith's Guerrillas." The 
expedition was continued to the Tennessee River, 
where they arrived Jan. 2, 1865. On the 10th the^' 
were at I^astport, Miss., and there remained until 
the 7th of February. Then they went to Paducah, 
Cairo, Memphis, Vicksburg and New Orleans, where 
they arrived on the 21st. During this time our 
subject, being detached from his regiment, was 
transferre<l to the ordnance department of the 
division as Ordnance Sergeant, in which he re- 
mained until near the close of the war. 

' •► 



t 



-€*■ 



4- 



GAGK COUNTY. 



751 



From Lake I'ontcliaitiaiii tliej' loft for IMoliile 
Baj', tlience to S|)aiiisli Fort, participating in the 
sit'uc of that place, and also at Ft. Blakesley, which 
foil April 10, 18Go,aiHl was the cause of the evacu- 
ation of Mobile the next day. From there they 
marched to Montgomery, Ala., which was reached 
upon the 25th. Dni-ing said marcii they learned of 
Lee's surrender, and shortly' after of Johnston's. 
During the summer and fall of 1.SG5 they did duty 
at Selnia and Talladega, then turning their faces 
northward they took up their march to Memphis, 
Tenn., then to Demf)polis, Meridian and Corinth, 
where they arrived .Jan. 3, 1 806. Our subject re- 
turned to his company on the lOtli of July, IStJo, 
with the rank of Sergeant. Leaving Mem|>his upon 
the 18th they reached Cairo on the 20th and Dav- 
enport on the 23d. The regiment w.as mustered out, 
to date the 20th of Jannar}-, and was paid off on 
arrival at Davenport, where they who had marched, 
labored, fought and suffered together so long, 
answered the words of command for the last time, 
bade each other their affectionate farewells, and dis- 
banded. 

Our subject was in the service of his country a 
period of four years and four months. During this 
time he marched over 4,000 miles in all weathers, 
suffering from heat and dust, frost and wet, over 
roads lough, hard and rocky, and through streams 
and swamps, or i)lodding wearil_y through deep clay 
and mud ; no easy task or pleasant journey. The miles 
covered in the journey' by railroad amounted to 
5,000, and upon the steamboat 8,000. It is some- 
what remarkable that in spite of the fact that Mr. 
Zuver was so long in the service, so often an active 
combatant, so ficquently engaged in lesser hand- 
to-hand conflicts, he only sustained one wound, and 
that of comparatively slight nature, which occurred 
at the battle of Shiloh. Our subject kept a ver}' 
careful record of all the happenings and circum- 
stances of anj' importance from the lirst to the l:ist 
of his military' experience, and has since written a 
very complete, accurate and interesting history of 
Company- D, 12th Iowa Veteran Volunteers, and has 
received the honor of an appointment as a member 
of the Regimental Historical Committee. 

After the war our subject rctui-ned to Mason 
City, Iowa, and eng.iged as clerk in a itiercantile 



house, and in the fall of 18G6 engaged in the hotel 
Imsiness at Waterloo, Iowa, continuing until the 
spring of the following 3'ear, then came with his 
brother, George W., to Nebraska Cit}-, where he 
arrived on the 1st of July, reaching Urownville 
the next d.ay. During the summer he engaged in 
farming, and in the winter as teacher. Upon the 
17th of July, the following year, 1867, he took a 
homestead in Hooker Township of^his county, and 
it was during this time that he became acquainted 
with Miss Nanc3' Adams, the daughter of John 0. 
Adams (see sketch of Nelson Adams), the veteran 
pioneer; to this lady our subject was united on the 
16th of October, 1873, by nuptial vows. Of this 
union have been born si.x children: George L., who 
died when twelve years of .age ; Mary A. and Martha 
A. (twins); Anna A. and John Arthur, both of 
whom died in infaiic}', and Byron Price. 

Mrs. Zuver's great-grandfather. John Lawrence, 
was born in England, and left in infanc}' an orphan 
and adopted In' one Mr. Adams, of Massachusetts, 
and from that time took the name of his a('opted 
parent. He came to America a lad of about nine 
or ten years of age, and settled in New York State- 
and upon reaching manhoo<l was married. He made 
his home in Now Y'ork for some years, then removed 
to New Jersey, next to Kentucky, and after several 
years went to Dubois County, Ind., where he died 
in 1839, .aged ninety-four years. The grandfather, 
David Adams, was born in New York, vvas married 
to Ester A. Ross, and died in Iniliana, aged sev- 
enty years; the father was born in New Jersey on 
the 17th of Jul}-, 1808, and was married on the 13th 
of February-, 1840, to Miss Letitia Harris. The 
Harris family had settled in Virginia in its earlier 
days, and had taken quite a prominent place among 
its citizens. Grandfather Harris was born in that 
State in the j'ear 1788. Grandmother Harris was 
Polly Corn, a l.ad^- who w.as of Scotch-Welsh 
extraction. 

Miss Nancy Adams, now the wife of our subject, 
was born Oct. 16, 1842, in Dubois County, Ind., 
where she continued to make her home until she 
was fourteen years of age, removing with her par- 
ents to Ncbriiska in 1857. Her education was by 
force of circumstances quite meager so far as 
schooling was concerned, although she has earnestly 



-1 



.► i r^ 



7') 2 



GxVGK COUNTY. 



-t 



endeavored to make up for any loss in that direc- 
tion. Tlie home in Indiana was in a district where 
the settlers were nearly all German Catholics and 
had their own schools, which were, however, not 
the place for Miss Adams. Upon removal to Ne- 
braska, the country iieing quite new and settlers 
few, the only schools available were a few private 
schools, which were located in the more developed 
part of the State. The first scliool in tlie Upper 
Nemaha Valle3' was held in her father's house, who 
did everything in his power to advance the interests 
of the young people in this regard. 

Our subject's farm comprises IGO acres of well- 
improved, rich, arable land, which he horaesteaded, 
and which is situated in Hooker Township. His 
Adams Township property comprises 160 acres be- 
longing to both parties jointly, as fine land as lies 
out of doors where they now reside. Mr. and Mrs. 
Zuver are members of the Adams Metliodist Epis- 
copal Church. Our sul)ject is a prominent member 
of the Sergt. Cox Post No. 100, G. A, R., Adams, 
and has been Commander for two year.s, and is now 
serving his second year as Adjutant. He is also a 
Mason. For several years he was Justice of the 
Peace of Hooker Township, and occupies the same 
position now in that of Adams; also both Township 
Assessor and Deputy County Assessor. He has 
served on the Petit Jury and the United States 
Circuit Jury. For a number of years he was ap- 
pointed bj' the Governor Register of Voters. His 
connection with the Mail Department is both long 
and honorable. He was route .agent for this depart- 
ment from Omaha to Ogden, Utah, from Jan. 1, 
1 880, and was transferred at his own request to the 
route from St. Joseph, Mo., to Grand Island, Neb., 
in June, 1880, serving on this division until in 1883, 
and was then Postal Clerk from Columbus, Neb., 
to Atchison, Kan., until Dec. 10, 1886. It is hardly 
necessary after the foregoing military and official 
record to state that in political matters our subject 
is entirely Republican, and that all his influence and 
energj' are at its service. 

Our subject has alwa^'S been deeply interested in 
everytiiing that pertains to the education of the 
young. For more than twelve years he has served 
heartily and faithfully in the various school offices, 
and is still the School Treasurer of his district. An 



intimation has already been made to the effect that 
our subject has made a reputation as a writer upon 
the thrilling, painful and patriotic history of the 
war. To this department of literature he has added 
that of a writer of travels. The productions of his 
pen in this department are very interesting, because 
he is a man of keen perceptions and knows what to 
observe and how to observe it, and what is perhaps 
more rare, how to present it. In 1884 he m.ade a 
trip to California, and supplied the columns of the 
Beatrice Express with regular letters of deep inter- 
est concerning the journey. Comment upon such 
a history as the foregoing is superfluous; it is its 
own compliment as to the character of the subject 
and the estimation in which he is held by his fel- 
lows. 

During the past autumn our subject has attended 
the National Encampment at Columbus, Ohio, and 
visited his old home, from which he had been ab- 
sent thirty-three j'ears. 

ILAS W. WADSWORTH, the oldest rep- 
resentative of the jewehy business in the 
cit}' of Beatrice, established himself here in 
the fall of 1869, and now owns and occu- 
pies his own store, while in the central part of the 
city he has a tasteful brick residence, which, with 
its surroundings, forms a very pleasant and attract- 
ive home. His career has been distinguished by a 
close application to business, which has brought its 
legitimate reward in the shape of a competency. 

Our subject was born in Columbia County, N. 
Y., the modest home of his parents being in the 
town of New Lebanon, where he first opened his 
eyes to the light June 19, 1836. His father, Eben- 
ezer S. Wadsworth, was a farmer in comfortable 
circumstances, and with his estimable wife, Jerusha 
(Vincent) Wadsworth, was also a n.ativeof the Em- 
pire State. Col. Ebeuezer was born in New Leba- 
non, Columbia Co., N. Y., on the old Wadsworth 
homestead, now owned by his children. It was 
bought by his grandfather 117 years ago (1771), 
first by John Wadsworth, then by his son, John 
Wadsworth, and in 1836 Ebeuezer S. came in pos- 
session o*f it and owned it until he died, June 17, 




u 



GAGE COUNTY. 



753 



1880. lie was appointed Lieutenant in the 73d 
Infantry, in 1831, and May 5, 1832, Captain. In 
1 830 he was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the 
same regiment. He was a zealous^'Christian ; in 
1838 he planned and built a church upon one cor- 
ner of his farm, which still stands and is in good 
repair. ■ He was for many years the magistrate of 
the community, and was looked upon as a safe 
counselor, ever ready to advise with his neighbors 
and friends, who eagerly sought his counsel. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject, John 
W.adsworth by name, was born April 1, 1762, in 
New Lebanon, N. Y., and in early manhood mar- 
ried Miss Rachel Wheeler, whose birth took place 
June 18, 1766. They became the parents of twelve 
children, four sons and eight daughters, and Kbene- 
zer S., the father of our subject, was born Dec. 12, 
1 802. He spent his entire life in his n.ative State, and 
departed hence on the 17th of June, 1880. The wife 
and mother was born April 24, 1808, and passed 
away a number of years before the decease of her 
husband, Dec. 11, 1871. 

To the parents of our subject there were born 
twelve children, nine sons and three daugliters. of 
whom the following survive: John G., George K., 
Constant W., Silas W. (our subject), Jane Ann, 
Dow v., Elbert E., William P. and Joseph G. F. 
Maria A. died Dec. 4, 18G5; Rachel R., June 6, 
1869, and Andrew W., June 11, 1861. Silas W.. 
like his brothers and sisters, passed his life quietly 
and uneventfully upon the farm, acquiring his edu- 
cation in the district school. When twenty years 
old he left home, and going to Fulton, Oswego Co.. 
N. Y., began an apprenticeship at the jeweler's trade 
under the instruction of S. S. Morrell, brother of 
Senator Justin Morrell, of Vermont, serving four 
j'ears. 

At the expiration of his apprenticeship 3"OUDg 
Wadsworth estal)lished in business for himself in 
East Chatham, N. Y., where he manufactured and 
dealt in jewelry until 1868. Then, desirous of a 
change of location, he sought the country west of 
the Mississippi, locating first in Tecumseh. Johnson 
County, this State. He only remained there, how- 
ever, until the fall of 1869, when he changed his 
residence to Beatrice, where lie h.as since lived. Dur- 
ing the period of nearly twenty years which he 

4« 



has spent among the people of this city he has 
made for himself a good record as a business man 
and a citizen, and has watched the growth of 
Southern Nebraska with the warm interest which is 
felt bj' every enterprising and public-spirited man. 

Mr. Wadsworth was married in Fulton, Oswego 
County, N. Y., Feb. 27, 1859, to Miss M. Celia 
Perry, who was born in that city Jan. 12, 1837, 
and is the daughter of Jarvis and Sarah Maria 
Perry, who were natives of New York, ami are 
now deceased. Of this nnion there are no children, 
but Mr. and Mrs. W. some j-ears ago adopted a 
boj', whom they called Frank, and who is now a 
promising boy nine years old. Mr. Wadsworth 
built his store in 1874, and his residence in 1886. 
The former occupies an area of 22.^.56 feet, is two 
stories in height, the lower part occupied b}' his 
own business, and the balance by AY. A. Watson, 
his watchmaker, and b}' W. H. Striker, dentist. 

Mr. Wadsworth is rather conservative in his 
political ideas, but supports tlie Republican ticket. 
He identified himself with the M.isonic fraternity 
about 1860, and is at present a member and Treas- 
urer of Beatrice Lodge No. 26, and Livingston 
Chapter No. 10, besides Mt. Vernon Commandery 
No. 7. 



ENRY REIMUND, of Blakely Township, 
1 came to this county in 1870, as a proposed 
settler, although he had visited Nebraska 
(^) two years previously. For a period of over 
twenty years his chief interests have centered here. 
He established himself in the spring of the year 
mentioned on a tract of 160 acres occupying the 
southwest quarter of section 36, and to the improve- 
ment and cultivation of this has since given 
most of his time and attention. In the meantime 
he visited California, but even in the Golden State 
found nothing more desirable than the country of 
Southern Nebraska. 

Mr. Reimund came to this county from the vicin- 
it}' of Urbana, III., where he had been engaged .as 
a merchant tailor, and located first in Beatrice, es- 
tablishing a tailor shop, and pursuing the trade with 
which he had become familiar in early manhood. 
He operated thus until 1884, then changed his lo- 



i 



h 



754 



■i^h-^ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



^i^ 



cation and occupation for the more congenial pur- 
suits of farm life. Like most men he has met with 
reverses, and at one time, through the rascality of a 
partner, suffered the loss of a small fortune. He 
has, however, been fortunate in recovering from 
this, iiaving now a good propert}' and a competence 
for his old age. 

Mr. Roiniund was born near Bedford Springs, 
Bedford Co., Pa., Sept. 8, 1822, and is the son of 
Solomon and Elizabeth (Hessiger) Reiraund. The 
father was born in Virginia, and was a wheelwright 
by trade, and also an adept at chairmaking. After 
marriage he settled in Pennsylvania, in which State 
he spent the remainder of his days, his death t.<iking 
place in Bedford County, at the advanced age of 
eiglily-two years. The mother preceded her hus- 
band to the silent land, passing away at the old 
homestead in Bedford County, when fifty-five years 
old. They were the parents of three children only, 
of whom our subject is the sole survivor. He was 
the }-onngest, and was but twelve years of age when 
he was apprenticed to learn the tailor's trade, to 
which he applied himself diligently for a period of 
seven and a half years, under the instruction of a 
paternal uncle, George Reimund. After being re- 
leased from his apprenticeship, young Reimund 
operated as a jouniej'man tailor for a time, then es- 
tablished a shop of his own in his native town, 
about 1842, continuing there a number of years. 
In the meantime he was married, March 27, 1851, 
to Miss IMary A. Radebaugh, who is a native of 
his own county, and born Jan. 5, 1831. Her par- 
ents. Peter and Eliza (Waters) Radebaugh, were 
also natives of the Keystone Slate ; the latter is of 
Scotch anccstrj-. The father was a gardener by pro- 
fession; he spent his entire life in his native county 
of Bedford, dying there after he had reached his 
threescore and ten years. The mother, in 1887, 
joined her children in this county, and now makes 
her home with them ; she is about seventy-seven 
years old. 

Mrs. Reimund was reared to womanhood in her 
native county, receiving, like her husband, an or- 
dinary education in the common school. She was 
trained by a careful mother in all needful house- 
hold duties, and thus became amply fitted for her 
position as the wife of a good m.an and the mother 



of a family. Of her union with our subject there 
have been born four children, one of whom, a 
daughter, Eliza, died in infancy. Those surviving 
are: Ambrose B., who married Miss Mary Ave}-, of 
this county, and is carrying on his own farm in 
Lincoln Township; William O., who is unmarried, 
and operates the home farm with his father; Al- 
phonso W.,a tailor by trade, and carrying on busi- 
ness successfully' for himself in Beatrice; he married 
Miss Josephine Dobbs, who was born and reared in 
this count}'. Henry Reimund changed his location 
from McConnellstown, Pa., to Princeton, 111., and 
from the Prairie State migrated north to Min- 
nesota. In the latter State he opened up a new 
farm, which he carried on seven years. Then re- 
turning to Illinois, he settled on a farm in the vicin- 
ity of Urbana, Champaign County. He finally 
abandoned farming for business in that city, and 
from there, in 1870, came to this county. Our sub- 
ject and his excellent lady are members in good 
standing of the Methodist Elpiscopal Church, of 
Beatiice. Mr. Reimund for many years was a firm 
supporter of the Republican party, but his warm 
interest in the temperance movement led him in 
1884 to cast his influence with the Prohibitionists. 
A view of his pleasant homestead will be found on 
another page in this Album. 



■*- 



^/ YMAN DART, one of the older residents of 
I (^ Holt Township, is a fine illustration of the 
/l^^ self-made man. who has worked his w.ay 
from the difficulties surrounding his early life, the 
disadvantages of ill-health and other adverse cir- 
cumstances, to a good position socially and finan- 
cially. His farm lies on section 10, and with its 
fertile soil and comfortable buildings forms one of 
the landmarks in the history of the county. 

James Dart, the father of our subject, was born 
in Addison County, Vt., while the mother, Sarah 
by name, was a native of Essex County, N. Y. The 
elder Dart was a carpenter and ship builder, and 
took up his residence in the Empire State at an 
early day. living in Essex County until 1831. Later 
he removed to Wayne County, where his death 
took place after a two-months residence there, 



I 

^^T^ 



^ 






GAGE COUNTY. 



leaving his wife and cliiUiren in limited circum- 
stances. 

Lyman Dart was born July 17, 1818, in Essex 
County, N. Y., and spent his boyhood mostly on 
the banks of Lake Cham plain. He began to work 
out when a lad of twelve or thirteen years, acquir- 
ing his education during the short term of the 
winter school. Upon reaching manhood he was 
married, in 1841. to Miss .lane P. Monroe, of Brown 
County, N. Y. They settled upon a farm, where 
Mr. L. operated as a renter until 1845. He then 
changed his residence to Hillsdale County, Mich., 
where he also rented land, and in connection with 
this carried on threshing. He became the father 
of two daughters : Harriet and Helen L., and met 
his first great affliction in the death of his wife, 
which occurred in December, 1845. 

Mr. L^'man removed to Illinois in 1860, and 
lived for a time in Will and Iroquois Counties. 
He had been married the second time, in Hillsdale 
County, Mich., to Miss Clarissa Monroe, a sister 
of his first wife, and who was also a native of Brown 
County, N. Y. In 1867 they returned to Michi- 
gan, and thence in Ma_v, 1870, came to Nebraska. 
Mr. Dart made his headquarters at Dry Creek, and 
spent some time looking over the country. He 
finall3- leased a tract of school land, his present 
farm, the location of which pleased him, and in 
1873 It became his property. 

To our subject and his present wife there have 
been born four children, namely: Philraelia, Mar- 
tha, Emma and Frank AV. Mr. Dart was the first 
Moderator in his school district, in the organiza- 
tion of which he assisted, and has been active in 
those enterprises calculated for the general good. 
He was Township Assessor seven years, and in pol- 
itics votes with the Democratic party. 



JOHN A. McMURRAY resides on section 15, 
Libert}' Township, where he has a very fine 
farm of 320 acres devoted to the purposes of 
farming and stock-raising. But few years 
have passed since this section of the countrj' was 
claimed for the habitation of white men, its natural 
resources being recognized by the Government. 



There is an abundant water supply furnished by 
the numerous streams and creeks which traverse it, 
and the soil is of such a char.-icter that it will bear 
cultivation without lessening materially the qualities 
necessary to produce abundant harvests. The gre.".t- 
est need of this section seems to be occasioned by 
the scarcity of trees, they being rarely found ex- 
cept along the banks of the creeks, and in the 
groves planted by a few enterprising farmers who 
recognized the need of them. No more fruitful 
country could be imagined, and no more perfect 
could be desired, unless by some one who is habit- 
ually discontented with all the gifts of the Creator. 

To this county our subject came in March, 1883, 
when the labors of the earliest settlers had made a 
marked improvement, and he lived for one summer 
in Liberty, after which he settled on his present 
farm in November. He w.as born on the 1 4th of 
February, 1841, in Washington County, N. Y.,and 
is a son of William McMurray,a native of the same 
county and iState. He was early acquainted with 
the duties of farm life, and the instruction which he 
received from his father having been well received 
and remembered, has enabled him to bring his farm 
to its present fine condition. It has occasionally 
been said that a man without education can success- 
full}- follow the pursuit of agriculture, but if that 
sayiug has been proved true in a few instances, it is 
not true .as a rule, for on the farm as well as in any 
of the learned professions knowledge is power. A 
scientific farmer is able to analyze the soil which he 
means to cultivate, and he is able to tell sufficient 
of its character to know which seeds will receive 
most nourishment from it, and what kinds of crops 
to plant. He knows the best season for sowing and 
reaping the various grains, and if he has fruit trees, 
he understands the pruning of them as well as the 
mulching of his vines and shrubbery. 

In order then to become a successful farmer, our 
subject received first the instruction from the com- 
mon schools, and then attended the Argyle Acidemy 
in his native county, receiving thereby a good prep- 
aration for business life. In March, 1868, he left 
his count}' and moved to Jasper County, Iowa, 
where he lived until he came to his present farm. 
He was married, on the I'ith of February, 1862, to 
Mary J. McFaddeu, a daughter of Isaiah McFad 



i~ 



■► ^B < • 



u. 



■H^i-M* 



750 



GAGE COUNTY. 



flen (flpoeaspfl). and llipy have loarprl a family of 
six cliildren. AVilliani .1. lieiiig called from tliem in 
his sixtceiilii j-ear. just as he was bordering on early 
manhood. The surviving members of the family 
are : Margaret T., Lawrence N., Frankie M., George 
and Arthur. IMargaret married Eugene Abbott, of 
Humboldt. Kan., and has one ehilil named Mai; 
Frankie IVf. married .1. R. Spicer. 

Mr. and Mrs. McMurray are leading members of 
the United Presbyterian Church, the former hav- 
ing acted in the capacity of Deacon in that chnrch 
for sevei'al years. As a successful farmer, and as a 
Christian man and enterprising citizen, he is worthy 
the esteem which is accorded him by his friends and 
neighbors. 






■fl ONATHAN SHARP is the owner of a very 
fine farm, some 200 acres in extent, situated 
on sections 1 and 2, Liberty Township, and 
containing some of the best agricultural land 
in the county. It is devoted to the raising of all 
kinds of cereals, and also stock. He was born in 
Claiborne County, Tenn., June 13, 1826, and is the 
son of George and Agnes (Kirk) .Sharp, who were 
natives of Vermont and Virginia respectivel}'. His 
father served throughout the War of 1812 in com- 
pany with a brother. He is now deceased. 

Our subject was reared and educated in his native 
county. He went to Christian County, III., in the 
fall of 1864, and in the spring of the following year 
came to this county and bought his present farm, 
and has since continued to reside upon it. At the 
time of settlement our subject was almost alone, as 
there were but two other families in the county. 
The nearest place of supply and post-oflice was Paw- 
nee, a distance of twenty miles. Our subject paid the 
expense of establishing a post-ofiice at Liberty in 
the fall of 1866, and Pleasant Johnson was appointed 
to take charge of the same. Indians were numer- 
ous and not always honest; at one time our subject 
almost precipitateil trouble among them in his anx- 
iety to recapture a horse the}' had stolen. 

The conveniences of residence under such cir- 
cumstances as the above can be appreciated when it 
is remembered that in later d.ays, when the country 
was better settled, our subject when he desired to 



go to mill went either to Mar3"sville, Kan., or Table 
Rock, Neb., a distance of twenty -two miles in the one 
case .and twentj'-seven in the other. He became 
the owner of a small grocery store at Beatrice, ca- 
pable of containing, perhaps, one wagon-load of 
slock, sufficient, however, for the new cabins of 
that place. 

Our subject was married, on the 8lh of Januarj', 
1846, to Margaret E. Lynch, a daughter of Aaron 
Lynch (deceased), and there have been given to 
them twelve children, of whom eleven live, whose 
names are given as follows: Martha, .Susan, Sarah, 
CorJelia, Ella, Lizzie. William, Nicholas. Lewis, 
Nathaniel and George. For about two 5'ears our 
subject held the office of Assessor, and filled the 
chair of Justice of the Peace for eleven years. He 
is a very earnest member of the Baptist Chnrch. 
Usually Mr. .Sharp votes the Republican ticket, and 
is active in behalf of th.at party, but at the same 
time is very careful, especially in local matters, to 
.aid in the election only of good men. being swayed 
in his decision by what appears to be the people's 
interest. 

Lewis B. Sharp, son of the above, was born in 
Claiborne County. Tenn. .on the 20th of Novem- 
ber, 185.5, and came to this place with his father in 
the j-ear 1865. and has resided here ever since. He 
is at present engaged as aclerk in the mercantile bus- 
iness in Libert}', where he has been for about seven 
years. Previous to that time he had been engaged 
in farming. He is the owner of 240 acres of valu- 
able land, and possesses character and personal 
qualities that would warrant the assumption that 
tlie future has greater things in store for this enter- 
prising and able young man. 



-~w-tl^^£»®J@~^^^.^^^«KJ^r^^»-. 



ON. NATHAN K. GRIGG.S, senior mem- 
ber of the law firm of Griggs & Rinaker,. 
stands among the prominent men of this 
Ml county, who have made their mark not only 
in the profession, but as business men !»nd citizens, 
without whose enterprise and public spirit the city 
of Beatrice would by no means have attained its 
present importance. Mr. Griggs is in the prime of 
life, a native of Indiana, and was born in Frank- 





if^ 






GAGE COUNTY. 



fort, the county seat of Clinton County, Oct. 25, 
] 844. The second in a family of four ciiildren, he 
is the son of Lueien D. and Mary T. (Kirk) Griggs, 
the former a native of Connecticut and the latter 
of Ohio. The parents were married in Clinton 
County, Ind.. and were among the pioneers of that 
State. The father was one of the most prominent 
attorneys of Indiana, and continued in his profes- 
sion until his death at Frankfort, in 1848. The 
mother is still a widow, lives in Beatrice, and is 
still seeraingl}' quite a j-oung woman. 

The boyhood of our subject was passed at the 
old homestead in Indiana, and at an early age he 
evinced a disposition for stud}% and more than 
ordinarj' mental cai)acities. After emerging from 
the district school, where he had made so good a 
use of his time and opportunities, that he was able 
to take charge of several advanceil schools, he en- 
tered the law department of the University of In- 
diana, from which he was graduated in the spring 
of 18G7. Immediately' after leaving the university, 
in the early spring of 1867, he came to Pawnee 
County, this State, and in the month of June fol- 
lowing selected the cit}' of Beatrice as his future 
scene of operations. Opening a law office he com- 
menced the practice of his profession, combining 
with it the duties again of a pedagogue and also a 
collector. In due time he established himself in the 
banking business, associating himself with a part- 
ner, Mr. AVebb, the latter atttending mostly to the 
duties of the bank, while Mr. Griggs pursued his 
law practice. 

These gentlemen continued together until 1874, 
when our subject withdrew from tlie bank. In 
1871 he formed a law partnership with Capt. W. 
II. Ashby, the late candidate of the Democratic 
party of Gage County for Senator, which partner- 
ship continued until 1875. Mr. Griggs then con- 
tinued his law business alone until 1876, when he 
..was appointed by Gen. Grant Consul to Germany. 
The duties of this office occupied his time until tlie 
fall of 1882, at which time he recrossed the Atlantic 
homeward, and returning to Beatrice formed a 
partnership with H. J. Dobbs, and continued the 
practice of law with him until 1884, when the latter 
was appointed Register of the United States Land 
Oflice. In August, 1885, he associated himself 



with his present partner, Samuel Rinaker, son of 
the well-known Gen. Rinaker. of Macoupin County, 
111., and the firm has alreadj- a good proportion of 
the choice legal business of the county. The firm 
is a strong one, both members being men of more 
than ordinar3' legal talent. 

The marriage of Hon. ^'athan K. Griggs and 
Miss F^psie E. Saunders, of Delhi, Iowa, was cele- 
brated at the bride's home, Dec. 21, 1869. Mrs. 
Griggs was born in Rochester, N. Y.. and is the 
daughter of Charles and Eliza Saunders, who were 
natives of England, and later became residents of 
Ohio. Both are now dead. Of this union there 
have been born three children, two daughters and 
a son — Nelly K.. Era E. and Dora M. The family 
residence is located on the corner of Fifth and Elk 
streets, in the business part of the city, and with its 
surroundings forms a home in every waj' suitable 
to the means and standing of the proprietor. 

In 1871 Mr. Griggs was elected a member of the 
Constitutional Convention from the Twelfth Sen.a- 
torial District. Two years later he was elected 
State Senator from the same district, and at the 
expiration of this term of office was re-elected, his 
district extending from the eastern lii.e of Gage 
County to the western line of the .State. During 
the last session of the Senate he was unanimously 
elected its President. While holding this position 
he was unanimously chosen by the Legislature as a 
member of the Board of the Deaf and Dumb In- 
stitution at Omaha, and then received the unani- 
mous vote for President of the institution, only 
withdrawing upon his appointment as Consul to 
Germany. He has been five times elected Presi- 
dent of State Republican Conventions, and thus his 
party politics are sufficiently indicated. In 1883 
he was a candidate for the nomination of Judge of 
the Supreme Court, but was defeated by Judge 
Reese. 

Mr. Griggs has for many jears been warmly in- 
terested in the principles of Masonr3-, and for a 
period of five 3'ears was Master of the lodge at 
Beatrice, being its first presiding officer, and deliv- 
ered two addresses before the Grand Lodge of Ne- 
braska, which were highly commended bj' the 
brethren. A man of extraordinarily- fine tastes and 
a great lover of music, he has evinced more than 



•►HH^ 



-.^^Jh-^. 



•► if^ 



t 



r58 



GAGE COUNTY. 



ordinary devotion to this art. As a composer he 
has published a large number of songs in sheet 
music, both in New York and Chicago, and has at 
the present time quite an extended composition in 
the hands of the publishers, which his friends an- 
ticipate will be a little be3-ond the ordinary. 

Our subject was one of the original appraisers 
of the school lands of this county, in connection 
with William Blakely and Luther P. Chandler, the 
latter then Sheriff of Gage County, but now a resi- 
dent of Roseburg, Ore. Mr. Chandler, during the 
late war, participated in the conflict as a soldier of 
the Union army, was captured by the rebels, and 
at different times confined in every Southern prison, 
from each of which he made his escai)e in spite of 
bloodhounds and the vigilance of his captors. At 
one time he spent weeks hiding in the marshes at 
Charleston, S. C, and finally escaped by swimming 
to a United States gunboat. During the associa- 
tion of oar subject with Mr. Chandler there sprang 
up between them a warm friendship, which has 
continued to this day. 





IDILLO H. DOBBS. Among the families 
identified with the pioneer history of Ne- 
braska, and of those who have been constant, 
earnest and active throughoutthe period of its devel- 
opment, so far as their district was concerned, is 
that of the gentleman whose biography is here 
sketched. His home is situated upon section 14 of 
Rockford Township, and forms a beautiful, well- 
cultivated, and ver3' fertile farm. 

Our subject is the son of Joel and Sally Dobbs. 
They were both born in Buncombe County, N. C. 
The family ancestry is clearly and directly traced 
back to pre-Revolutionary times, to Scotch emigrants 
who settled in North Carolina generations ago, and 
from the first became identified with the country, 
its interests and institutions. Chensey Dobbs, the 
paternal grandfather of our subject, served seven 
years in the Revolutionary War, and when this was 
over settled in East Tennessee, where he became the 
father of a familj' of nineteen chiUlren, fourteen of 



whom arrived at years of maturity. Of these w.as 
Joel, the father of our subject, who w.as the eight- 
eenth child born to his parents. lie and three of his 
brothers were in tiie War of 1812, they serving as 
regimental blacksmiths under the command of Gen. 
Jackson, and had their full siiare of the hard knocks, 
hard fare and other hardships incidental to the biv- 
ouac, march and conflict. 

The father of our subject after the war returned 
to Claiborne County, Tenn.. where he was married 
in 181.5, and vvhence he removed to Casey County, 
K}'., where his wife died in 1828, aged forty years. 
She was the mother of nine children, whose names 
are as subjoined : Hugh, Russell L., Barthenia, An- 
derson, Orleany, Fidillo H.. AVilliam C, Archibald 
and Sally. A second marriage was contracted, the 
name of the lady being Elizabeth Langvill, and of 
this union seven children were born, five of whom 
they were permitted to bring up. From 1829 un- 
til April of 1837 the family resided in Indiana, 
from that ou in the State of Missouri. Mr. Dobbs, 
Sr., always worked in the blaeksmitli-shop, and was 
very successful, leaving at his death in the j'ear 
1842 an estate of about $20,000. 

The date of the birth of our subject is given as 
the 4th of March, 1823, and his native place Casej- 
County, Ky. At the age of six years he accom- 
panied his parents to Indiana. He had even at 
that early age begun to la}' the foundation of an 
education, having attended one of the Kentucky 
schools. Educational advantages in Indiana were 
limited to subscription schools, and were confined 
to three months' teaching per annum. When 
young Dobbs reached the age of fourteen years the 
family removed to Missouri, a trip most thoroughly 
enjoyed by our subject, who was then at an age 
fully to appreciate such an expedition. He carried 
his rifle the entire distance, for the most part walk- 
ing near the wagon, unless called aside by some ob- 
ject of sport that brought into play his skill as a 
marksman. 

The introduction to Missouri was to our subject 
also an introduction to the sterner realities of life. 
Under the tuition of his father he learned the black- 
smith trade and also farming. "All work and no 
play makes Jack a dull boy" was then and still is 
true, and in order to escape the dread fiat of the 



;- 



GAGE COUNTY, 



7:) 9 



4* 



proverb, the few hours that he couhl crII his own 
from time to time were employed in iiiinting, and 
many a (Jeer lias fallen before his rifle muzzle. 
For about five or six years he devoted from per- 
haps three to six mouths in school teaching, at 
which he was very successful. He ofifered himself 
for service in the Mexican War, but was not ac- 
cepted because the ranks were already filled. 

Mr. Dobbs was united in marriage, Aug. 1, 1847, 
witli Miss Mar3' Jane Siiullenbarger, a daughter of 
Jacob and Susan (Simeon) Shullenbargar, who were 
of German descent, but the father a native of North 
Carolina, and the mother (>f Butler County, Ohio. 
They were married in Indiana, from which .State 
they removed first to Iowa, and finally' to Missouri. 
Their family included twelve children, whose names 
are recorded as follows: Mary Jane, John F., Henry 
S., Catherine, William M.. Sophia, Lucy, Daniel M., 
Ellen, Joseph L., Louis, and one who died in infancy 
unnamed. The wife of our subject was born on 
the 20tb of August, 1831, in Randolph County, 
Ind. While quite small she accompanied her par- 
ents to Dubuque, Iowa. When she was thirteen 
j-ears of age the family started for Arkansas, but 
stopped at Springfield, Mo., and there formed the 
acquaintance of our subject in 184o. The follow- 
ing year the daughter Mary became a pupil in the 
school of our subject, and in 1847 the3' were mar- 
ried. 

After their marriage the young couple settled in 
Southern Missouri, but after five years removed to 
the northwestern part of the State. The occupation 
of our subject was that of farming, but owing to a 
severe sickness, which lasted four j-ears, he could 
not make much progress. In 1856 he went to Kan- 
sas, but on account of hostilities there he soon re- 
turned to Missouri, remaining two years. On the 
0th of August, 1858, he came into Nebraska Terri- 
torj', and located a claim on Mud Creek in this 
county. In March of the following year he took 
up his residence therewith his family, bringing with 
hira his possessi(Mis, which, in his own expressive 
phrase, were "mighty little." Upon the 12th of 
May, 1859, Mr. Dobbs removed to his present farm. 
The onlj' time he has left this home was upon the 
occasion of the Indian massacre of August, 1864; 
, but he soon returned, nnd has since continued his 



uninterrupted residence here. He homesteaded 
his claim upon the 5th of August, 18C3, and it was 
among the very first granted. 

Mr. Dobbs is justlj- proud of his connection with 
the pioneer history of Nebraska, and has anxiously 
but gladly watched the State and county develop 
their resources in response to the labor of the in- 
coming settlers. While the State has been devel- 
oping, the family' of our subject also grew until his 
children numbered eleven, who were named AVill- 
iam J., Hugh J., Susan C. (who died at the age of 
thirteen months), Russell L., Sarah J., Louisa F., 
Joel B., Josephine, John A.. Thomas F. and Lucy A. 

Our subject was one of the men who voted for 
the adoption of the State Constitution in 1860, and 
also in 1866. He has served as County Commis- 
sioner and in a number of other offices, educational 
and political, and has conscientiousl}' labored for 
the best interests of his fellow-citizens. It is his 
belief that every citizen should fully inform himself 
regarding the political issues and reform measures 
of the age, then with that knowledge to exercise his 
right of ballot. He is a Republican, and in 1 844 
voted for Henry Claj-, in 1848 for TajMor; from 
that time until 1 864 he voted the Democratic ticket, 
but since then has in every instant handed in a 
straight Republican ballot. Mr. Dobbs still owns 
the old homestead of 160 acres, and looks upon it 
with both pride and aflfection. He regards it as a 
gift from his country, and saj-s " I always thought 
more of a present than an3-thing else I owned." 
His log cabin, built in 1865, still stands, and this 
too has a place in his affections, being held in that 
peculiar respect accorded the relics that are part of 
the life of former days. The benevolence of Mr. 
and Mrs. Dobbs is proverbial, and those needing rest 
and refreshments have seldom been turned empty- 
handed from their door. They are widely and 
favorably known for the beaut}' of their lives, the 
consistency' of their actions, au<l their liberal hospi- 
tality. 

Mr. and Mrs. Dobbs have for a long period been 
members of the Baptist Church, at Beatrice, and for 
twenty years our subject has served as Deacon. He 
has also been prominently identified with Sunday- 
school work, having organized the first Baptist 
Sunday-school in the county, of which he was Super- 



:^^h-^ 



-4^ 

760 




GAGE COUKTY. 



intendent for ten years, and with his wife is still 
luimliered among the most ellicient and devoted 
Christians and workers in the community. 

In the view of the homestead of Mr. Dobbs, and 
wliioli will he found on another page, is perhaps 
illustrated better than any words whicli we can 
employ the skill and industry of the proprietor as 
an agriculturist, and his good judgment in the in- 
vestment of the capital he acquired by his perse- 
vering toil. 



^ ^-*-^ 



\i p-,i/ RANCIS M. BARNES, whose home and farm 
it^g) are situated on section 36, Barneston Town- 
JL, ship, is one who has been upon the frontier 
for many years, and has watched witli satisfaction 
and pride the phenomenal development and growth 
of the State. He was born in the city of Baltimore. 
Md., u|)on the 1st of May, 1832, and is the son 
of William and Linda Barnes, natives of Carroll 
(Jounty, of the same State. His father, now de- 
ceased, was bj' trade a millwright, and was consid- 
ered a thoroughly competent and skilled workman. 
He removed to St. Louis, Mo., in 1842, and there 
followed his calling until his death, which occurred 
in the year 1855. 

Our subject attended the St. Louis city schools, 
and there laid the foundation upon which he has 
since been building his life interests. He devel- 
oped an aptitude for study, and made fairly rapid 
progress. Upon leaving school he worked for three 
years at ship carpentering, and in 1854 went to 
Kansas City, where he engaged in transfer busi- 
ness. Four years later he came to this State, and 
settled in Richard.son County. There he followed 
freighting and general farming until about 1870, 
when he came to this county and settled upon his 
present property. 

The land purchased by our subject belonged to 
the Otoe (Missouri) Confederate band of Indians, 
who occupied the land here for twenty-6ve miles 
east and west, and ten north and south. They 
sold a portion in 1876-77. The reservation then 
extended two miles into Kansas, being ten miles 
north and south, and six and three-quarters east 
and west. For eleven years he lived hei'C among 



the Indians, engaged in farming and mercantile 
transactions at the Otoe Agency, where Barneston 
now stands, and for over ten 3'ears enjoyed quite a 
large and lucrative trade, mostly from the Indians, 
all the time carr3'ing on his farming, and at differ- 
ent times giving attention to stock-raising. He 
owns 240 acres on Mission Creek, mostly excellent 
bottom land, well adapted to his purpose. 

Upon the 16th of November, 1856, our subject 
was united in marriage with Miss Jane Dripps, 
daughter of Andrew and Mary Dripps. The former 
is deceased. She was born at Bellevue, in this State, 
upon the 15th of November, 1829. Their family 
circle included seven children, five of whom are 
living. The names given them are as follows: 
William, Chailes G., Emmett F., Frederick H. and 
Katie. Emmett was united in marriage to Nannie 
Kirkendall, of Barneston, and resides in Barneston; 
they are the parents of one child, to whom has been 
given the name Harold ; Katie is happily married 
to Charles AVarren, of Barneston. 

During the late vvar our subject expressed the 
patriotism and love of the old flag and the Union 
that burned within him by helping to raise two com- 
panies of well-drilled men for the United States 
service. Among the various fraternities our sub- 
ject is quite well known, being a member of the A. 
O. U. W., the I. O. O. F., and also the Masonic 
fraternity. In each he is received as a true and 
worthy brother, and is held in respect and high re- 
gard. The political sentiments of our subject are 
in harmony with those of the Democratic party, of 
which for many 3'ears he has been a member. 



-i-i^^^^^^-i^ 



J' ACOB LEWIS is successfullj' engaged in the 
pursuit of agriculture and stock-raising on 
his farm on section 23, Blue Springs Town- 
ship. He was born in Pickaway County, 
Ohio, on the 15th of August, 1847, and is a son of 
Daniel and Catharine Lewis, the former of whom 
was a native of Maryland and the latter of Ohio. 
The father was taken by his parents to Ohio, 
where he grew to manhood and married the mother 
of our subject, and engaged in farming. Our sub- 
ject spent his early life on his father's farm, and in 



t 



-^•■ 



GAGE COUNTY. 



761 f 



the yeai's devoted to the acquisition of an educa- 
tion he attended the eonimun schools and diligently 
applied himself that he might be prepared for a suc- 
cessful future. When the time came for him to 
devote himself entirely to labor his han<ls performed 
the routine tasks of the farm life, while his mind 
developed and strengthened and absorbed the teach- 
ings in common wiih those of all loj'al citizens, 
and thus the time passed until the breaking out of 
the Civil War. 

Filled with the fire and enthusiasm of healthy 
young manhood, and sympathizing with his country 
in the time of her great need, our subject wished to 
give evi<lence of his loyalty and courage, and went 
to enlist in the service. But what a disappointment 
to him to find his willing offer rejected because he was 
under age and had not yet attiiined the full meas- 
ure of manhood's stature. He recovered from the 
disappointment as best he could, and continued his 
vocation, in which he was successful. In February, 
1885, he came to this county, making his home in 
Blue Springs Township, where he now owns eighty 
acres of good farming land, on which he has made 
many improvements, and is giving his attention to 
farming and stock-raising. He is well and com- 
fortably situated, his house and farm buildings in 
good order and supplied with many of the modern 
conveniences which so facilitate the labor of the 
farm, and his surroundings of a pleasing and at- 
tractive nature. 

On the 2'Jth of January, 1873, our subject was 
united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Fetty, who 
is a daughter of Nimrod and Harriet Fetty, and 
was born in Fayette County, Ohio, on the 18th of 
April, 1855. Her parents were natives of Ohio and 
Maryland, and she grew to womanhood under the 
shelter of their roof, perfecting herself in womanly 
accomplishments and virtues that she might fill a 
useful station in life. She is the mother of fi-ve 
children, named Pliny K., Clinton, Roy B., Glenn 
and Laura, the oldest of whom are already begin- 
ning to lift some of the smaller burdens from the 
shoulders of their kind and considerate parents. 
Our subject is well known and respected as a mem- 
ber of the Masonic fraternity, his life and conduct 
being in accordance with the principles advocated 
by that honorable order, and he and his wife are 



consistent members of the Methodist Elpiscopal 
Church, of Blue Springs. He is a member of the 
Republican party in politics, but is not aggressive 
and does not seek office from the hand of party or 
power, preferring to lead a more retired life in the 
shelter and seclusion of his own home rather than . 
endure the trials and animosities consequent upon 
a political life. 



VM. OSTENDORF, one of the most popu- 
lar men of Gage County, operates the Doug- 
las Ranch of 640 acres, owned by Smith 
Bros., of Beatrice. He is a self-made man in the 
strictest sense of the term. Through the disadvan- 
tages surrounding his early life, he struggled man- 
fully upward, and occupies a good position among 
Ids fellow-citizens. Although of limited education, 
he has kept his eyes open to what was going on 
around him in the world, and is thoroughly well 
informed, especially in regard to the interests with 
which he is at present connected. 

The Ostendorfs are noted for their physical 
strength and symmetry, being large and handsome, 
and invariably attracting attention wherever found. 
Our subject was born in Germany, Sept. 8,1854, 
and was the second in a family of four children. 
His father came with his famil}' to America in 1858, 
and followed farming as before in his native coun- 
try. He settled in Nebraska in 1887, and is now, 
with his estimable wife, a resident of Holt County, 
this State. They are aged sixty and fifty-seven 
years, respectively. 

Mr. Ostendorf entered upon the serious business 
of life at the early age of fifteen years. Upon reach- 
ing manhood he was married, .June 17, 1876, to 
Miss Belle Parker, who was born in Brown County, 
111., Oct. 24, 1858, and is the fifth in a family of 
nine children. Mr. and Mrs. O. lived in Illinois 
about six years, then moved to Washington County, 
Kan., where they lived one winter. In the spring 
of 1882 the}- bec^aine residents of this county. 
They lived in Logan Townshii) several years, and 
until Mr. Ostendorf was proffered his present posi- 
tion. 

To our subject and wife there were born seven 



7(J2 



GAGE COUNTY. 



children, viz. : Isaac, Oliver. Johnnie, M.aggie, AVill- 
iani. Fred and P^ddie. Mr. O., politically, is for the 
most part an advocate of Democratic doctrines, al- 
though he votes independently. He has alvva3's 
been a reader, and at one period in his life obtained 
quite a local reputation as a debater. He possesses 
considerable skill as a machinist, and in former 
years operated a threshing-machine fourteen sum- 
mers. Douglas Ranch gives employment to five 
men, two two-horse teams and three three- horse 
teams. It requires no small amount of tact and 
ability to carry it on successfully, but Superintendent 
Osteudorf has |)roved himself equal to the emer- 
gency. 



'^! R. DODDS, editor and publisher of the Wy- 
more Democrat, is proprietor of the oldest 
paper in this part of Gage County. It is 
Democratic in politics, and is conducted in 
that business-like manner which has made it popu- 
lar and placed its editor among the front ranks of 
journalists in Southern Neliraska. 

The branch of the Dodds family to which our 
subject belongs emigrated from Scotland to the 
North of Ireland, and from there to the United 
States, locating in the Abheville District, near 
Charleston, S. C, where James Dodds married Miss 
Marietta Craig. The male members of the family 
took an active part in the Revolutionar}' War under 
the direct command of Gen. Washington, and Mrs. 
Dodds, remaining on the plantation, had a full view 
of Cornwallis and his army. 

In 1705 the plantation was sold, and the Dodds 
family started for Caldwell County, K3'., where 
Mrs. Margaret Dodds arrived some time later, her 
journey having been sadly interrupted by the death 
of her husband and onl}" daughter, who died before 
p.assing the State line in South Carolina. The 
mother was accompanied by her five sons, and after 
a comparatively brief sojourn in Kentucky changed 
her location to Sangamon County, III., where two 
of her sons, Joseph and Rev. Gilbert Dodds, were 
already located. She died in Illinois, Jan. 17, 
1 846, aged njnety-seven. 

Joseph Dodds, the paternal grandfather of our 



subject, was born May 28, 1785, in Abbeville Dis- 
trict, S. C, and was mari'ied to Mattie Drenuan, 
May 3, 1810. They had eleven children, three 
born in Kentucky and the others in Illinois. 
Among these children was William Drenuan Dodds, 
the father of our subject, and the eldest of the 
family'. He was born Sept. 18, 1811. in Cald- 
well County, Ky., and married Miss Mary Eads. in 
Sangamon County, III, Sept. 18, 18.34. In the fall 
of that year he, in company with his father-in-law, 
AVilliam D. Eads, crossed the Mississip|)i at Old 
Flint Hills, where the city of Burlington, Iowa, 
now stands. He was the leading pioneer of that 
region, blazing his track along the banks of Flint 
River, and his eldest son, William E., is the oldest 
native citizen of the State of Iowa. Here si.xteen 
children were born to William and Mar\' Dodds, 
nine sons and seven daughters. 

Josei)h R. Dodds, the fourth child of his parents, 
was born Jan. 1, 1841, and was married to Sarah 
E. Mains, Feb. 7, 18G1. They became the parents 
of five children, the eldest of whom, a son, died 
when thirteen months old. Mary L., the eldest 
daughter, was born Sept. 18, 18G5, and married 
Charles T. Taylor, of Corning, Mo. ; the}' have two 
children, Guy D. and Beach B.. and are now resi- 
dents of Wymore, this county. Carrie R. was mar- 
ried at Wymore to J. N. Howland, and they are 
residents of Plattsmouth, being the parents of two 
children — Harry L. and Jessie C. Lulu A. was 
married to Arthur W. Fischer, of Wymore, and 
became the mother of one child, whom they named 
Vistani L., and died when the latter was one week 
old; the little girl and her father reside with Jlr. 
Dodds. Cyrene E., the youngest daughter, is the 
wife of James Murphy, of Wymore, a 3'oung man 
who has held the responsible position of private 
secretary to C. D. Rodgers, Superintendent of the 
Burlington & Missouri River Railroad at this place. 

The second 3'ear of the war Mr. Dodds enlisted 
in the Union Army at Burlington, Iowa. Sept. 21, 
18G2, and served three years and one day. After 
resuming the duties of citizenship he became a 
railroad agent and telegraph operator, and was thus 
occupied thirteen years. He came to W^moie in 
May, 1H81. interested himself at once in the up- 
building of the city, and on the 12th of May, 1882, 



■^•" 



l'' 



GAGE COUNTY. 



763 



issued the first number of the Wymore Eagle from 
the basement of the Citizens' Bank buihling. which 
was erected by him, and was the first brick structure 
in the city. In the fall of that year he purchased 
the old Gage County Leader, consolidated it with 
the Eagle, and later merged the two into tlie Wy- 
more Democrat, then as now the leading paper of 
Southern Nebraska. He .took an active part in 
opening up the Otoe Reservation adjoining the city, 
and which for years had been controlled l)y a syn- 
dicate of ])lundcrers. The mother of our subject 
died June 1, 1886, and the father April 30, 1888. 



'■^♦^^^•i^ 



«^?*<?-»*^<s<- 



^ DWARD ROBERTS is successfully engaged 
•^ in farming and stock-raising on section 28, 
, ' — ^ Barneston Township, wliere he has a fine 
farm of 360 acres, a view of which is shown in this 
work. He is a native of Wales, and was born on the 
26th of May, 1 833, in the town of Mioneth, where he 
remained until he was about thirtj'-one j'ears old. 
In March, 1868, he left his native country with the 
intention of seeking a home in the United States, 
and after a long voyage on the water he arrived 
safely on American soil. He first made his home 
in Dodge County, Wis., thence went to Iowa Count}', 
Iowa, ill the following 3'ear, in which latter place 
he remained for about eleven years. In March, 
1880, he came to this count}' and made his home 
where he now lives, having become the owner of 
360 acres of well-improved land in Barneston Town- 
ship, besides some property in Blue Springs. He 
has been exlensivel}- engaged in farming and stock- 
raising, in wliich business he has been ver}' pros- 
perous, having improved liis land by the exercise 
of mucli diligence and hard labor from the primi- 
tive condition of wild prairie land. 

Our subject is the son of Robert E. and Jane 
Roberts, who were the parents of seven children, 
named as follows: Robert J., deceased, and buried 
in the churcli}ard in Barneston Township; Catha- 
rine resides in Wales; Edward, onr subject; Guan 
and Richard, also in Wales; John and Ellen, in 
Barneston Township. All were born in Wales. 
Robert and Catharine are onl}' half brother and 
sister; their father's name was Robert Jones. 



In the 3'ear 1858 onr subject was united in mar- 
ri.age with Miss Jane Roberts, who was a danghter 
of Ellis Roberts, and was born in Wales. She be- 
came tlie mother of one child, a daughter, Ellen, 
but our suljject was soon bereft of her companion- 
ship, her deatli occurring while he was a resident of 
his native country, and he came to the United 
States, bringing his motherless daughter Ellen. His 
daughter marrie<l Robert J. Jones, of Marshall 
County, Kan., and has one child, named Edward R. 
Our subject was a second time married, in the fall 
of 1873, to Mrs. Mary Jones, who was born in 
Wales, in 1841. Her parents, William and Eliza- 
beth Jones, were natives of Wales, and died in their 
native land. 

Our subject and his wife are the parents of five 
children, on whom they have bestowed the names 
Robert, Edward, Jane, Lizzie and Evan. Mrs. 
Roberts is the mother of a son by her first mar- 
riage, John P. Jones, a native of Wales. Besides 
giving close attention to the improvement of his 
farm and the raising of stock, our subject has taken 
an important part in the public affairs of his town- 
ship, and lias borne a share of the public honors. 
In the fall of 1887 he was elected Supervisor of the 
township, and had previously been Road Supervisor 
for two years. He is widely known as an industri- 
ous and enterprising business man, who has made a 
success of his vocation and has won the esteem and 
confidence of his fellowmen. He is a prominent 
member of the Welsh Presbyterian Church, and 
both he and his wife are popular in society circles. 



,OBERT LITTLEJ(MIX, a well-to-do f.armer 
of Hanover Township, who is comfortably 
located on section 10, was born in the town 
^pof Kilburnie, Ayrshire, Scotland, Nov. 10, 
1857. When a cliihl three years of age he came to 
America with his parents and his brother David. 
Of the latter a sketch will l)e found elsewhere in 
this volume. 

The parents of our subject settled in Morgan 
Count}', 111., and the latter when a boy was em- 
ployed in the coal bines at Alton. He grew to 
man's estate in that county, and was married, in 



f 




± 



64 



GAGE COUNTY. 



1882, to Miss Jennie, (laughter of William Schultz. 
Mrs. Littlejoliii was born in Wisconsin, Oct. 4, 1854, 
and is the youngest of a famil}' of seven children. 
Her mother died when she was but one j'ear old, 
and her father died when she was a little girl of 
seven. She was reared by her grandparents in Rock 
Island, 111., and came to Nebraska with Mr. T. B. 
Essex, of Rockford Township, with whose family 
she remained until her marriage. Of this union 
there are two children — Bertha M. and an infant. 

The farm of our subject embraces 320 acres of 
valuable land, which, with its buildings, its live 
stock and its machinery, forms one of the most valu- 
able estates in this part of the count}'. Mr. Little- 
john possesses in a marked degree all the reliable 
qualities of a nationality which is reverted to with 
pardonable pride by every son of "bonnie" Scotland. 
He is a man of strict integrit}', one whose word is 
considered as good as his bond. Mrs. Litllejohn is 
in every respect the suitable companion of such a 
man as her husband, a lady of more than ordinary 
intelligence, possessing all the womanly virtues, and 
a member in good standing of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. Politically, Mr. L. is a stanch Re- 
publican. 



^5§E0RGE WYMORE, a very successful market 
ill (— , gardener of the village which bears his 
^^4! name, was born in Kentucky, Jan. 24, 1825, 
and remained with his parents until reaching his 
majority; then, starting out for himself, he com- 
menced farming in Indiana. Later he moved to 
Iowa, and purchased eighty acres of new land, 
which he improved. He was there married to Miss 
Sarah J. Hollingsworth, and remained a resident 
of the Hawkeye State until 1861. Later ho removed 
again, first to Kansas and then to Missouri, finally 
returning to Iowa, and thence came to W3'more in 
1878, before the village had been laid out. He pur- 
chased land, and "also took up other land in the 
county north of Odell, and after Wymore began to 
assume the semblance of a town established his 
market garden, and is now doing a very successful 
business, having a snug home and a good income. 



He raises all kinds of fruits and vegetables, finding 
for them a ready market in the city. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Wymore there were born eleven 
children, two of whom died unnamed. The others 
were: Robert J., Newton, Lillian G., Margaret J., 
William, Sarah E., George, Amanda and Oliver. 
Four of these are at home, namely : Robert, who is 
engaged in the grocery business; Oliver, Jane and 
Lillian. William is a resident of Kansas; he mar- 
ried a Miss Wymore, who is now deceased. George 
married Miss Alva Hollingsworth, and is the father 
of two children, and lives in W3'more Township; 
Margaret is the wife of Lewis Vanes, and a resident 
of Kansas; they have seven children. Amanda is 
the wife of W. R. Wymore, a resident of Iowa, and 
they have three children. Mr. Wymore and his 
family belong to the Christian Church. 

Mrs. Sarah (Hollingsworth) Wymore was born in 
Iowa, in 1 828, and is the daughter of John Hollings- 
worth. She received a common-school education, 
and lived with her parents until her marriage. Of 
this excellent lady her family was deprived by de.ath 
in 1868, while they w^re residents of Missouri. She 
possessed more than ordinary strength of character, 
and performed life's duties in the most praiseworthy 
manner. Her death was greatly mourned by her 
family and friends. Her father removed from 
North Carolina to Illinois during its pioneer days, 
and a few years later to Iowa, where he carried on 
farming extensively. He finally removed to Chase 
County, Kan., where he died about 1876, and his 
wife two or three years later. 

Samuel Wymore, the father of our subject, and 
also a native of Kentucky, was born about 1780. 
He left the Blue Grass regions while a young man, 
but had been married in Owen County to Miss 
Prudence Hadden, and they became the parents of 
eight children, all of whom lived to mature j'ears. 
Mr. Wymore continued farming in Montgomery 
County, Ind., until his death, which occurred in 
1843, when he had attained a little more than three- 
score years. The wife and mother survived her 
husband about ten years. 

Mr. Wymore upon coming to this vicinity often 
saw wild game, and the country around bore little 
evidence of white settlement. He has been a very 
energetic and industrious man, and improved a 



-M- 



GAGE COUNTY. 



/G.) 



large amount of land, breaking, in Iowa alone, 
200 acres, besides what he has accomplished in this 
line in Missouri and Nebraska. He lias a neat resi- 
dence, and about three sicres of land. 



^f^^ HILLIP II. .lAMES, a representative farmer 
|p; and stock-raiser of Highland Township, 
was born in Pike County, 111., July 4, 1842. 
His father, Samuel James, is now deceased, 
and his motlier, Mrs. Catherine James, resides on 
the old homestead in the Buckeye State. They 
were both natives of Ohio, and the family is of 
English ancestry. The maternal grandfather served 
as a soldier during the early troubles between the 
Colonists and the mother countr}'. 

The father of our subject departed this life in 
Januarj', 18G2. The parental household included 
ten children, of whom the following survive, 
namely: John, a resident of Kansas; Phillip H.. 
our subject; Gilbert, of Ohio; Samantlia, Mrs. 
William Pratt, of Jackson Count3',that State; Mar}' 
R., Mrs. Nelson Anderson, also living in Ohio; 
David, of Lancaster County, this State, and Har- 
riet, in Ohio. 

Our subject was reared to manhood on a farm, 
acquiring his education in the common schools. 
On the yth of Julj', 1861, he enlisted as a Union 
soldier in Corapanj' I, 2Uth Ohio Infantry, this 
being assigned to the Arm}' of the Cumberland. 
He fought in the battles of Shiloh, Murfreesboro, 
Corinth, luka, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, 
and was at thesiegeof Kuoxville. He veteranized at 
the esiiiration of his term of enlistment, remaining 
in the same regiment, and after a furlough rejoined 
his comrades, and participated in the Atlanta cam- 
paign, and fought in the battles of Franklin and 
N.asbville, Tenn. He then accompanied the army 
in its tour of observation to Texas, and after the 
close of the war was mustered out, Oct. 25, 1865. 

After his discharge Mr. James remained nearly a 
year in Texas, then returned to Ohio, and was mar- 
ried, in April, 18G6, to Miss Catharine Kepler, who 
was born in that State, and who bore him six chil- 
dren, namely : David F., Alice, Ada, Cora, Samuel 
M. and Nellie. They live<l in Ohio until 1870, 



tlien coming to Nebraska located in Nemalia 
County, and after living there one year came in 
the spring of 1«72 to this county. Mr. James se- 
cured at once 160 acres of land on section 22, in 
Highland Township, settling upon it before a fur- 
row had been turned, and being the first man to 
locate in his immediate neighborhood. He came 
to this section cora[)aratively without means, and 
endured in common with the pioneers around him 
the hardships and privations of frontier life. 

The homestead of Mr. James comprises 329 acres 
of good land, all of which is improved, and he has 
good buildings, together with the live stock and 
machinery, the necessar}' accessories of the modern 
and progressive farmer. He h.is . been prominent 
in local affairs, and is a strict Republican in poli- 
tics. He has served as Assessor of Highland Town- 
ship for many years, still occupying the position. 
Socially, he belongs to the G. A. R. Post at Cort- 
land. He is a man holding a good position in his 
community, and one whose opinions are uniformly 
respected. 



-*- 



JOHN DWYER, commercial agent of the Bur- 
lington & Missouri River Railroad, and hav- 
I ing his headquarters in the city of Beatrice, 
' was born in Hamilton, Province of Ontari<,>, 
Canada, Jidy 21, 1856, being the eldest of ten chil- 
dren, five sons and five daughters, all living. The 
father, Stephen Dwyer, was also a native of the 
Dominion, and a farmer by occupation. The mother, 
Mrs. Nora (Gooley) Dwyer, was the daughter of 
Robert Gooley, Esq., a native of the same section 
of countr}'. 

In 1870 the subject of this sketch came with his 
parents to the United States, settling in Fairfield, 
Jefferson Co., Iowa, where the latter now reside 
on a farm. John olitaiued his education in the com- 
mon school, and lived with his parents in Jefferson 
Count}', Iowa, until September, 1872, when he re- 
paired to Burlington and entered the employ of the 
Burlington & Missouri River Railroad, in the mean- 
time also learning telegraphy. Six months later he 
was given the position of ticket agent at Chariton. 
In Septemlier, l>>7o, still in the eni[)loy of this 



■•► 



^ 



7G6 



GAGE COUNTY. 



road, he came to Nebraska and established a station 
at Greenwood. In October following he was trans- 
ferred to Wilber, where be remained as agent until 
July, 187G. Thence he came to Beatrice, taking 
charge of the office at this place, and attending to 
both freight and passenger business until August, 
1888. He was then appointed commercial agent, 
and has the supervision in his line of 1,300 miles 
of this road. 

Mr. Dwyer was married, in June, 1884, to a very 
estimable lady, Jliss Emma V., daughter of Job and 
Jane Buchanan, of Beatrice. Politically, Mr. Dwyer 
is a stanch member of the Democratic party, and 
socially, belongs to Benton Lodge No. 26, A. F. 
& A. M.; also to Livingston Chapter No. 10, and 
Mt. Hermon Commandery No. 7, K. T. 



'««aa2'B^-' 



./^^wnra*- 



(W_^ ON. E. O. KRETSINGER, Mayor of Bca- 
'[f)jj) trice, was born in Ogle County, 111., July 

^ 3, 1858. His parents. Lewis and Caroline 
(Ziegier) Kretsinger, were born and reared 
in the State of Virginia, where they were married. 
Not long afterward llicy emigrated to Illinois, lo- 
cating among the pioneer settlers of Ogle County, 
where the father became one of the most successful 
farmers in that part of the State. The parents are 
both living at the old homestead. 

Our subject attended the district school in his 
native county during his boyhood days, and later 
pursued his studies at Mt. Morris about two years. 
He entered upon the study of law in the office of 
Judge E. J. Mitchell, of Boone, Iowa, and was ad- 
mitted to the bar in 1879. In the spring of the 
year following he came to Beatrice, but later 
opened an office at Blue Springs, where he con- 
ducted a successful practice, and in 1882 was elected 
County Judge, serving four years. On the 1st of 
July, that year, he took up his residence in Bea- 
trice, in order to enter upon the duties of his office. 

Upon retiring from the bench Judge Kretsinger 
resumed his law practice in Beatrice, and in April, 
1886, was elected Mayor of the city, in which posi- 
tion he acquitted himself creditably and with satis- 
faction to all concerned, proof of which is given in 

<■ 



the fact that he was re-elected in 1 888. tEc mar- 
riage of Mayor Kretsinger with Miss E. L. Tele- 
ringtin, of Rock Island, III., took place in December, 
1881, and they have one child, a son, Store}' O. 



^/ ACOB BOND, a leading grain buyer and 
shipper of Cortland, was born in Stephenson 
County, 111., Dec. 15, 1854. His parents 
I were Thomas and Catherine Bond, who were 
natives of Northampton County, Pa., and are now 
residents of Wilber, this State. His paternal grand- 
father, Jacob Bond, was also a native of the Key- 
stone State, and said to have been of Welsh-English 
origin. 

The parents of our subject were blessed with a 
large family of children, five only of whom survive, 
namely : Sarah, the wife of William Keller, of 
Junction City, Kan.; Hattie S., Mrs. B. F. Eyer, 
of Cortland, this county; Jacob, our subject; Rosa, 
Mrs. W. L. Hauck, of AVilber; and Emma I., the 
wife of O. T. Keller, also of Wilber. Thomas 
Bond established in the mercantile business at Wil- 
ber in the spring of 1879, in which he has since 
been successfully occupied, having a good trade. 
While a resident of Illinois he was a Commissioner 
of Stephenson County, and politically, he is a stanch 
Republican. Socially, he belongs to the Masonic 
fraternity. 

Our subject was reared to manhood in bis native 
county, and pursued his education in the graded 
schools of Davis and Durand, 111. In the fall of 
1876 he entered Arnold Business College at Rock- 
ford, where he completed his education after an 
attendance of two terms, six months each. The 
year following he was married, Dec. 25, 1877, in 
Stephenson County, to Miss Mary A. Kurtz, a 
native of Center County, Pa., and the daughter of 
Levis Kurtz, who later became a resident of Ste- 
phenson County, 111. Of this union there were born 
two children : Beulah B., now deceased, and Ray T. 

In tiie spring of 1879 Mr. Bond came to Ne- 
braska and engaged in the mercantile business with 
his father, with whom he continued about five 
years. He came to Cortland in the spring of 1884, 
as soon as the town was started, and was one of its 



; 



-<•- 



GAGE COUNTY. 



-•► 



rG7 



i~ 



pioueer merchants. He sold out two years later, 
however, and turned his attention to the grain trade. 
He handles annually about 300,000 bushels, the 
bulk of this being corn and oats, and ships princi- 
pally to Chicago. 

Mr. Bond is serving his third term as Village 
Clerk of Cortland, to which office he was elected in 
the spring of 188.5. Politlcall}', he is a stanch Re- 
publican. He possesses considerable musical talent, 
being one of the organizers of the Cortland Brass 
Band, and is now its Treasurer. He is a stirring 
business man, and is doing well tinancially. 



ENRY D. BIXLER,of Glenwood Township, 
is numbered among its most public-spirited 
and enterprising men. He has a good farm 
of 160 acres, whereon he settled in the fall 
of 1885, and gives his attention largely to stock- 
raising, although his fertile fields yield a goodly 
proportion of the other rich products of this section. 
David Bixler, the father of our subject, was a 
native of Maryland, and married Miss Magdalena 
G rover, who was born in German}', and came to 
America with her parents when a little child two 
years of age. David Bixler and his wife are now 
residents of Cedar County, Iowa. Their family 
consisted of four children, all sons, of whom Henry 
D. was the third in order of birth. His native place 
was Stark Count}', Ohio, where he fii-st opened his 
eyes to the light March 1, 1848. From the time 
lie was nine years old he was reared upon a farm, 
and made his home with his parents until a man of 
twenty-five. lu the meantime they had moved to 
Iowa, and he purchased a farm in Cedar County, 
adjoining his fatlier's homestead, upon whicli he 
lived for a time, then sold it and purchased another 
in that vicinity. 

With the exception of four 3'ears spent in a 
creamery at Clarence, Iowa, our subject has been 
continuouslj' engaged in farming pursuits. He was 
married in .Jones County, Aug. 24, 1871, to Miss 
Martha Fortney. This lady was born in Pennsyl- 
vania, Dec. 6, 1852, and is the daughter of Benja- 
min and Cornelia (York) Fortney, the former of 
whom died in Fayette County. To Mr. and Mrs. 



Bixler there have been born two sons only — Walter 
I. and Warren O. Mr. B. is accounted one of the 
most reliable men of his community, and votes the 
straight Republican ticket. 



••^>t}»>- 



^^ 



•«tf«c^ 



"* 



C. EMERY. Deputy Recorder of Gage 
County, was born in Lawrence, Kan.. Dec. 
23. I860. His parents were Charles and 
Mary (Benson) Emery, the former a native 
of Augusta, Me., and the latter of Dublin, Ireland. 
The paternal grandfatiier was a lumberman b}' occu- 
pation, and traced his ancestry to England. He 
served .as a soldier in the War of 1812. 

The father of our subject emigrated to Kansas 
in 1853. during its pioneer days, and began freight- 
ing to Denver and west to the mountains. For 
further information of the family history see the 
sketch of Charles Emery on another page of this 
work. He came to Beatrice in 1870, when J. C. 
was a lad of ten years, and has since been a resident 
of this city, together with his excellent wife. They 
are aged fifty-eight ami fifty-three years respect- 
ivelj'. Their family consisted of two sons: George, 
the County Clerk, and Jack C, of our sketch. Our 
subject attended the Catholic School at Atchison, 
and later accompanied his father in his freighting 
expeditions over the plains, enjoying the adventures 
connected therewith in a high degree. He came to 
this county in a wagon, riding a distance of 200 
miles through a wild and romantic country, the 
scenes of which he often reverts to as one of the 
most interesting reminiscences of his life. After 
the family settled in Beatrice he attended the High 
School, and entered upon the more serious business 
of life in 1879 as Assistant County Clerk under 
Capt. Hill, who was this year (1888) candidate for 
State Treasurer. 

Mr. Emery has been connected with the Re- 
corder's office a number of years. He was married, 
in 1881, to Miss Helen, daughter of H. C. Jaymes, 
of Wymore Township. Mrs. Emery was born in 
Oshkosh, Wis., Jan. 3, 1863, and came to Beatrice 
in 1879. She received a good education, being a 
graduate of Wisconsin University. She is a very 



• J > J f < • 



u 



•9^ 



768 



GAGE COUNTY. 



V 



I 



•f 



amialile and estimable lady, and the little house- 
hold lias lieen increased by the birtii of one ciiild, 
a daiijjhter, Mollie. Mr. Emery votes the straight 
Rt'|)ul)liean ticket, and in 1880 was Deputy County 
Treasurer. 



\f;ESSE H. THOMPSON, a settler of May. 
18G6, in RIakely Township, owns and occu- 
pies a farm of 1 60 aci'es taken as a home- 
/ stead at the time mentioned, and pleasantly' 
located on section 1. He has made good improve- 
ments and gives special attention to stock-raising, 
having Jersey red swine, good grades of cattle and 
fast trotting stock, includnig some very promising 
j'oung horses, principally Hambletonians. In this 
industry he has been quite successful, and is rated 
among the substantial men of Gage Count}'. 

Mr. Thompson came to the 8tate of Nebraska from 
AVashington County, Iowa, where he had lived with 
his parents since a boy eight years of age. He 
was born near Danville, Highland Co., Ohio, Sept. 
0, 1831, and is the son of James Thompson, a 
native of New York, of New England parentage 
and English descent. The latter emigrated to Ohio 
when a young man, and was married in Highland 
County to Miss Mary Lander, who was born in 
Lower Canada, of German parents. The maternal 
grandfather of our subject served as a soldier in 
the Revolutionary War, and lived to be one hun- 
dred and ten years old, preserving to the last a 
large portion of his remarkable physical strength. 

The parents of our subject after their marriage 
settled on a farm in Highland County, Ohio, among 
the pioneers of that region, but in I 839 came to the 
farther West, locating on a tract of new land in 
Washington County, Iowa. There they spent the 
remainder of their days, the mother dying when 
forty-seven j'ears old, and the father at the ad- 
vanced age of eighty-eight. They were people 
of sterling worth, and the mother was a member of 
the Dunkard Church. Jesse R. was the youngest 
of two sons and three daughters, of whom there are 
living only himself and his sister, Mrs. Snyder, of 
Johnson County, Iowa. 

Mr. Thompson lived in Iowa with his parents 



until a youth of eighteen j'ears, then set out on his 
own account. He, however, selected his wife from 
one of the maidens of Washington County, Iowa, 
Miss Martha J. Bunker, a native of AVayne County, 
Ind., and who was born in 1836, Mrs. Thompson is 
the daughter of David and Marion (Hunt) Bunker, 
both of whom are now deceased, the father dying in 
Washington County, June 2.), 1886. at the age of 
seventy-four years, and the mother also dying there 
in middle life. Thej' likewise were among its pio- 
neer settlers, and Mrs. Thompson was but a babe of 
six months when she w.as taken by her parents 
from her native State. 

To our subject and his wife there have been born 
five children, two of whom, DeWitt C. and an in- 
fant unnamed, are deceased ; David, the eldest 
living, is at home with his parents, having the man- 
agement of the farm ; M.iggie is the wife of Peter 
Goom, a farmer of Beatrice Township; Anna re- 
mains at home ■with her parents. Mr. Thompson 
belongs to Lodge No. Ill, A. F. & A. M., at 
DeWitt, and David is identitted also with the fra- 
ternity. Our subject, politically, is a solid Repub- 
lican, and has held the various school offices of his 
district. 

Vy, LINCOLN BURGESS, the veterin.ary sur- 
geon of West Beatrice, and who has followed 
the practice of his profession successfully 
for a long period, is a genuine New En- 
glander, having been born on the Atlantic Coast in 
Calais, Me., Aug. 14, 1855. The first ten years of 
his life were spent in the Pine Tree State, where 
he attended the common school. His fothei-. Rev. 
I. J. Burgess, was a minister of the Baptist Church, 
and born of English parents, in the West Indies. 

When our subject was a lad of thirteen years his 
parents removed to Middleboro, Mass., where he 
resided a period of ten years. Upon reaching 
man's estate he drifted westward to the home of 
his uncle, John Milne, in Minnesota, where he spent 
two years. Then returning to Middleboro, and 
desirous of brightening up his knowledge, he en- 
tered the High School, wdiere he studied two years; 
later he engaged as book-keeper for the firm of 
Milne & McKenzie nearly three years. From this 



_! ^ ■<' 



••► 



GAGE COUNTY. 



769 



place lie went to the Connecticut Hospital, where 
he studied medicine and spent three years and ten 
months. Later he studied a year with Prof. Blais- 
den, of Middletown, Conn., and one of the most 
noted veterinary surgeons of that region. 

The three years following Dr. Burgess spent with 
his father-in-law, D. II. Smith, an extensive dealer 
in horses, who shipped from Indiana and the Cana- 
das to the Eastern markets. In October, 1883, he 
came to Nebraska, bringing to Beatrice a herd of 
thirty-three head of fine Jersey cattle, which he 
disposed of here. From this time on he gave his 
entire attention to the practice of his profession, 
which extends throughout the city and into the 
country, and in which he has been successful. Not 
only does he treat the equine race, but also cattle 
and swine. He makes his headquarters in a con- 
venient office at the corner of Court and LaSelle 
streets. 

Dr. Burgess was married in Middletown, Conn., 
Aug. 14, 1878, to Miss Nellie R., daughter of D. 
II. Smith, of that place. Of this union there has 
been born one child onl3', a son, D. Julien, now 
(1888) seven years of age. The Doctor has been 
quite prominent in local affairs, and was elected the 
first Councilman of the Third Ward in West Bea- 
trice. Socially, he belongs to the Knights of Honor. 
His family connections are quite distinguish.ed. His 
father is still living, making his residence at Wal- 
nut Hill, Mass. His brother, Isaac B., a finely edu- 
cated gentleman, is a graduate of Brown University, 
and at present occupies the position of Latin Mas- 
ter at the Newport High School. His sister, Hattie 
B., is the wife of the Principal of Cohasset High 
School. Another sister, Mary H., has charge of 
one of the largest kindergardens in the city of 
Boston. 




NDREW J. HALE, prominent among the 
extensive farmers and stock-raisers of Gage 
Countj', and at present a resident of Bea- 
^J trice, was born in Chittenden County, Vt., 

near the town of Burlington, IMarch 8, 1842. His 
parents, Stephen and Mary (Luce) Hale, were natives 
respectively of New Hampshire and Vermont, and 
Andrew J. was their onl}' child. He si)ent his boy- 

-^ 



hood and youth in his native county, attending 
first the common school, sfnd later entered Fairfax 
Institute, where he spent three years. At the ex- 
piration of this time he entered the Albany Law 
School, from which he was graduated with honjrs 
and admitted to the bar. 

In the summer of 1867 Mr. Halo turned his face 
toward the farther West, coming to this State, and 
first taking up his abode in Nebraska City, of which 
he remained a resident a period of ten years, en- 
gaged in a successful law practice. From there he 
came to Beatrice, and acquitted himself creditably 
among his legal brethren until his retirement from 
the profession in 1886. Since that time he has 
given his attention to the breeding of fine horses, 
and has become quite an extensive land-owner, hav- 
ing purchased three farms in this county. He has 
five horses of fine Kentucky stock, and some seven 
head which are devoted entirely to breeding pur- 
poses. He exhibits some of the handsomest and 
most valuable animals in Southern Nebraska. 

Mr. Hale was first married, in 1864, to Miss Irene 
Powel, who died three years later, leaving two 
children, a son and daughter, Stephen Fremont and 
Laura. Of his present marriage there have been 
born two children — Clyde II. and Helen H. He is 
a man generally respected in his community, and 
possessed of more than ordinary capabilities. He 
keeps himself well posted on political matters, and 
uniformly votes the Republican ticket. The main 
farm of 320 acres lies about eleven miles from the 
city, and besides his horses Mr. Hale has a fine herd 
of Short-horn cattle. He has developed the quali- 
ties essential to the successful stock-raiser, and in 
connection with this industry has contributed in no 
small degree to the reputation of this section of 
countrj\ While having large person.al interests to 
absorb his mind and time, he h.as the reputation of 
a liberal and public-spirited citizen. 
I The parents of our subject remained at their old 
home in the Green Mountain State until 1878, then, 
making the long journey to the home of their son, 
our subject, lived with him until their decease, the 
father p.assing away in 1885, at the age of eighty- 
seven years, and the mother in 1886, when seventy- 
six years old. Mr. Hale, Sr.. was a man of fine busi- 
ness ca[«cities, and speculated considerably in lands 



ds. A 




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If 



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^ 





/h^.S.^^^^^L (J. X^ 



>► m^ » 



i 



GAGE COUNTY. 



OX. ELI.TAII EILLEY. No one sojouriis 
long- witliiii the pret-iiu-ts of Oaup County 
witliont heroniino; familiar with the name 
((^ of tlie suhjeft of tliis l)ioorai)h_v. a man 
wUn lias boi'ne no iniiinpoi'tanl part in its develop- 
ment and ])rosi)eritv. \ self-made man in the 
strictest sense of the word, he has ri.scn from a 
modest jiosition in life to one of wealth and influ- 
cnec. and is distinguished for his ]ml)lie spirited- 
ne.ss. liberality, intcliigenee and good judgment, 
lie has one of the most beautiful homes in the 
county, and with a relined and interesting fainily. 
is >urr(iunded by .-ill the cdmforts and luxuries of 
lifi'.- 

()nr snliject is the scion of a snbstauti:d old 
family, being the son of .Vmmi Filley. who was 
born in Hloomlield. Conn.. .Ian. 2, 1808. The latter 
sojourned there un il a man twenty-nine years old. 
then in 1837. leaving New England, enngrated to 
^liehigan aliont the time of its tra'.isformation from 
a Tei'ritory to a Htate, settling in Jackson County. 
In Connetticut he had been engngcd with his father 
i:i the slaughtering ami jiacking business, liut upon 
coming West took up the pursuit of agriculture, 
and prosecuted this in the Wolverine .State for a 
pcricd vf thirty years. In the sununer of 1867. 
retiring from aeiive labor, lie came to this county, 
and made his home with his son Elijah until his 
death, whic-li occurre<l Miiy !•'>. isstl. ;it Ihc ai;<> of 
seventy-two ;\ ears. 

In 18(il.at the lirst c;dl for defenders of our flag 
:ind country. Amnii Filley enlisted in Company 1). 
2d .M iehigan Caviilry. and si'rved thi'ough the <>n- 
lire war. participating in many of the prominent 
battles of the Army of the East, and also taking 
pirt in the siege of N'ieksburg and llic famous 
chargi' at Ft. Donclson. 

.Mi's. .Mary (.Marxin) Filley. llic mutlier of our 
subject, was. like hei- husliand. a native of IJIoom- 
licld. Conn., and they became the parents of six 
chiMien. four sons and two daughters, and four 
of these are still living. .*-usaii is the.wife of Wil- 
lie Suiton. a well-to-do farmer of .Inckson Countj', 
Mich.; .\bel '!". is a retired farmer of Fairlmry. 
III.; -Vnijuida li. is the wife of .himes Z. r.;dlard. a 
retired farmer in good circumstances, and now a 
resiile.it of .Michigan Center. .Mich. 



]Mr. Elijah Filley. the subject of this sketch, was 
born in Jackson County. Mich.. Nov. 28, 18;5!).an(l 
lived there until 18.")S. During this lime, from 
the age of twelve years, he attended the public 
school in the winter, working mornings and even- 
ings for his boai'd. and in the summer was em- 
liloyed by the nu)nth 1)V the farmers in that region. 
In the year mentioned he repaired to Joliet. 111., 
and one sunnncr was in the emjiloy of Fool it 
King, who oiH-ratcd a boat on the Michigan Canal. 
The winter following he was occujiied in sawing 
wood for a railroad com|iany willi a trca<l-power 
buzz saw. 

In the sjiring (vf ]X'>'.> .Mr. I'illey <-h;nige(l his 
residence to()(h'll. Livingston Co.. 111., where he 
worked on a farm one year with D. A. Heese; next 
we find him in EaSalle County, that State, where 
he li\ ed three years, engaged in herding, driving 
and dealing in stock for AVilliam Strawn. under 
whose tuition he gained the knowledge and exjjeri- 
ence which years afterwai-(l hiid the foundation of 
his present fortune. In due tinu' he conunencrd 
f.anning for himself in Livingston County, of which 
he was a resident until 18(!7. 

The mariiage of Mr. IJijah Filley and ^liss 
Emily IJurd was celebrated at the hcmie of the 
Inide in the town of Pleasant Ridge. Livingston 
Co.. 111.. Nov. 4. 18();5. This lady w.as liorn Nov. 
6. 181 L in Will County. 111., which w.as then the 
home of her parents, and is the dnughter of Silas 
and Betsy Ann Kurd. Silas was born Dec. 8, 1818. 
in Wayne County. N. J., and departeil this life in 
Waco. Tex., where he was sojourning for his licnllii. 
Feb. 22, 1859. Mrs. liurd was born in Wayne 
County, N. Y.. Sept. 1:5, 1817. and is still living, 
making her home with her ilanghter. .Mrs. Flij.ah 
Filley. 

Mrs. Filley is a woman of noble ;ind generous 
impulses, and has Ihc love and respect of all who 
know her. and to the deserving poor .she is a friend 
and benefactress, ller riding traits are industry 
and a love of svstcmalic .ai-rangement in all work, 
study, recreation, and a close .>iynipathy for all ani- 
mal and vegetable nature, as well as fdr humanity. 
To her valuable .assistance and timely suggestions 
Mr. Filley attriliutes in a large measure his success 
in life. In the venrs to come, long after these pnges 



n 



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77(; 



GAGE COUNTY. 



arc yellow witli the tint of time, she will be re- 
meiubered for her many ii(jl)le qualities of hotli 
lie;irt and niiiid. 'Ihc family eonsistcd of six chil- 
dren, of wlK)m three are livino-; Hiram A., born 
Aun'. 22. lK(if;; Oscar K.. .lune 2;"). 1870; Daisy C 



.h 



2. ISTi;. Abel Filch, bom Oct. 23. l«(M.died 



Oct. 10. 1H7(); Kniily .lane, born Auu. 27, l^tSH. 
died .Sept. (!. IHHt!; Klmer ('.. born Auu'. 22, 1H74, 
died May 2;i. 1S77. 

The close application of .Mr. Filley to liis busi- 
ness, and his pei'severinj)' industry, bore their legiti- 
mate fruits, and lie biund that, he could advanta- 
l;c()us1\- operate a nuich l.ariier tract of land than 
that in llliudis. I le accordintjly started out in the . 
summer of lS(i7. .'ind cnminu' to the newly made 
Sl.-ite of N<>braska. bent his .steps to this county, 
lookint; for l.-uid. lie was favorabl\ impressed 
with the face of the country, and soon purchased 
two sections from the (iovernment, lying along 
Mud (reek. Ilavini; lost his horses which he 
brougiil from Illinois, he purchased twelve yoke of 
oxen anil I'ommenieil lueaking prairie, not only 
foi- liiiiiscK lull for the |)cople around him. in order 
to pay for his oxen. lie w.'is thus occupied about 
three years, and in the meantime worked \ipon his 
Land as time and opportunity permitte<l. 

AN'lien iMr. Filley first settled upon his land, in- 
stead of liviii")- in a '•dug-out" or "sod house." as 
did most of the early settlers, he lived in a tent 
through the summer, and when fall admonished 
him that this was rather thin protection against Ne- 
braska zephyrs, he commenced the erect iim of what 
is now known far and wide as the -old stone house." 
Jlr. I''illey (piari'ied the stone and burned the liine. 
while .Mrs. I''illey did the hmiling with oxen, and 
toiiclher they made the mortar and laid upthe walls 
around the tent, and roofed them over. 'I'hey lived 
in this one loom during that winter, and the fol- 
lowing summer ailded nnae rooms, until they li.ad 
((uite a commodious ami comfortable dwt41insi-.which 
they occupied for a period of sixteen years. In 
the year 1H7 1 -Mr. Filley erected a stone barn, near 
the hou.se, at a cost of ^.").000. 

Soon aftei' coming to \ebraska Mr. Fille\ beoan 
to buy cattle in order to Stock his farm, and also 
dealt largely in land for a number of years. He 
.soon began feeding ancl sliipping. and upon the 



completion of the railroad through Beatrice, loaded 
the first car of cattle transported from Gage County 
to Chicago. Later, when the railroad was com- 
l)leted U) F'illey. he erected a large and eoinmodions 
elevator, anrl liegan dealing in grain, which busi- 
ness he h.'is followed for years. AVhen the Burling- 
ton & Missouri River Railroad was completed from 
Beatrice U> Neliraska City, Mr. Filley, in the sum- 
mei- of ISK.'i. founded the town which bears his 
nanu', and which is located on one of his farms. In 
188;") the n;ime of the township of ^Nlud Creek was 
ch.anged to F'illey, in Inmor of its first settler. 

Air. Filley is the leading, farmer and business 
ni.-ui of this region, carrying on .agricultui'i' exti'n- 
sively. also stock-raising, buying and shiiiping. At 
this uiiting he has 700 head of steers in feeding 
for the spiing market. 

()ur subject labors diligently both with mind 
and muscle, and takes a deei) intei'est in G.age 
County, eimtributing of his means and inHuenee to 
the enterprises which have for their object the 
best good of the jieople, socialh'. morallv and (in.-ui- 
cially. 

.Mr. Filh'3-, |)olitic"illy, is a stanch Republican, 
and in 18,si .and 18,s;! rei)resented Gage County in 
the Nebraska, Legislature. Later he was elected 
.■IS Senator from his district, serving until IM.sri. and 
in this, as in all other relati<ms of life, performed 
his duty with tli.-it cimscientious care which is a 
distinguishing trait of his character. He identified 
himself with the Masonic fra ernity about LSiWi. 
and belongs to both Chapter .and Comniandery, !);•- 
ing also blaster of the lodge at Filley. He is also 
.•I Director of the Bank of l-'illev, and of the First 
Nation.-d I'.ank of Beatrice. 

Mr. Filley is a Wes'ern man, and is never so 
happy as when engaged in subduing the wilderness, 
and making it liloom and blossom with the veget.a- 
tion of civilization. Only a few years sim/e. where 
the vill.'ige of F'illey stands was the primitive 
pr;iirii'. with only .Mr. I'illey to transform it from 
its wild sta'f to one of civilizati<m; now, throuih 
his instrumentality, a beautiful little village has 
sjjrung up. and is rapidly striding toward the 
magnitude of a city. 

When the future historian writes of the pioiici-rs 
of Nebraska, and gives e.aeh his propei' mead of 
credit, he will jilace the name of the ll<m. lOlijah 
F'illey in the front rank. It is with pleasure that 
we present the jiortrait of Air. Filley in connection 
with this sketch, and also that of his most estimable 
wife. A fine doulile-]iage vii'w of his | lace is also 
shown in tins work. 



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t 



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s^^.. 



^^TRANSPORTATION =^ 







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; \E of the most important fac- 
tors in tlic business develop- 
ment and prosperity of a 
eitv. county or State, is its 
«■ s^s! railroad communications. A 
retrospection of the iiistory 
of tlie Soutli Platte Country since 
tlie advent of railroad facilities, will 
convince the careful observer of the 
immense Ijcnelit resulting from the 
introduction of this essential adjunct 
of commercial cnterjirise. The fol- 
lowing brief sketches of the leading 
railroads of this section of the great 
coninionwealtli will form an interesting feature of 
this Ai.iu ji. It may be remarked in this connec- 
tion that the roads referred to are not only the im- 
portant corporations of Nebraska, but stand among 
the first in the Nation. 



The liin-liiiKton & 31is.souri Kivor Railroad 
in Nebraska. 

«I1IS important road was commenced at Platts- 
mouth, Neb., where it connected with the 
Chicago. Burlington &. (^uincy Raihoad, in 
the year 18Glt, and the main line of the road was 




extended westward to Kearney, 191 miles, during 
1 870-72, being completed to Kearney in the latter 
year. The Denver extensions south and west of 
Hastings, begun in 1878. finished to Denver in 1882, 
and later, in 1883-84, the main line to Denver was 
shortened b3- the construction of the line from 
Kennesaw to Oxford. By the acquirement of the 
Omaha ife Southwestern Railroad, the Atchison & 
Nebraska Railroad, the building of the Short 
Line from Omaha to Ashland, and the extension to 
Cheyenne, Wyo., the corajiany has absolutely the 
shortest line from nearly all Missouri River points 
to Denver, Cheyenne, and connecting with the 
Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, the Union Pacific 
Railw.ay, and the Colorado Midland at Denver, and 
with the l^nion Pacific Railway at (Hie3enne, makes 
a most desirable route to all Colorado, Utah, Ore- 
gon and Pacific Coast points. At Omaha connec- 
tions are made with the Chicago, Burlington & 
Quincy, Kansas City, St. Joseph & Council Bluffs, 
Union Pacific, Fremont, Elkhorn & Missouri Val- 
lej-, Chicago, Rock Island ife Pacific, Chicago, Mil- 
waukee <fc St. Paul, Wabash, Western and Missouri 
Pacific, at different points in the State, all the main 
roads traversing Nebraska. The company has 
built three steel bridges across the Missouri River, 
one at Plattsmouth. one ut Nebraska City and one 



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TRANSPORTATION. 



at Riilo. The length of the main line in Nebraska 
from Plattsmouth to the Colorado line, passing 
through Lincoln, Hastings and other principal points. 
is 364.52 miles, and all other branches in this State 
1755.78 miles. The road is liallasted with stone, 
gravel, cinders and earth. Of the 2,120.30 miles 
of road in Nebraska, 1, GOO. 08 miles are laiil with 
steel rails, the rest being laid with iron. The total 
mileage compi'ised in the Burlington system west of 
the Missouri River is 2,778.78 miles. 

When it is remembered tiiat the above-stated 
Nebraska mileage of the Burlington & Missouri 
River Railroad constitutes but little short of one- 
iialf of the entire railroad mileage of the State, 
it will readily be seen how important a factor this 
great railroad must have been in that recent mar- 
velous development of material resources which 
lias raised Nebraska to her present proud position 
in the sisterhood of States. Indeed the growtli of 
the State in population, wealth, and everything that 
goes to the making-up of a great commonwealth, 
has tiiroughout been coincident with the extension 
of this great railroad system. It is only necessary 
to look back over a brief period of seven years, to 
find the aggregate railroad mileage of tiie State less 
by 200 miles than the present mileage of this one 
line. Two yeais ago, even, large ])ortions of the 
State, in nowise inferior in their capabilities to the 
best settled and most productive sections along the 
Missouri River, were entirely destitute of railroad 
facilities, and were consequently cut off, not only 
from the great markets of the continent, but even 
from the chief centers of population in the Slate 
itself. But by a truly marvelous transformation 
these oullj'ing regions have been lirought near, and 
the magnificent display of agricultural products 
that was made at the State fair of 1888, bv counties 
among the most recently settled and the farthest 
west, abundantly justified the enterpi'ise that has 
been displayed, and forever •set at rest all those 
lingering fallacies that would have limited the agri- 
cultural possibilities of the western half of the 
State. 

The road has practically three trunk lines run- 
ning the entire length of the State. These are 
connected by a network of l>ranclies so perfectiv 
organized that there are no two points of importance 



within its territory between which the great rail- 
road may not be said to have an air line. No fewer 
than fifty-seven counties of the State are reached 
b3' these v.arious lines, and those numerous addi- 
tional feeders which have been thrown out, with the 
object of bringing the various products of all the 
best sections of the State within reach of that great 
Burlington s_ystem, which carries the greatest grain 
and live-stock market in the world a larger jjro- 
portion of its supplies than is handled bj' anj' other 
road. It is a fact, largely by virtue of its relations 
with the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy and 
other roads, constituting what is popularly known 
as the Burlington Route, that the Burlington & 
Missouri River Railroad is enabled to afford the 
people of Nebraska the unequaled railroa<l facili- 
ties they enjoy, laying hold with one hand upon 
the great mountain chain of the continent. It 
stretches over the vast agricultui-al region of the 
West, to p.ay tribute with the other to that most 
magnificent of all inland waterways, the Great 
Lake System of America, besides connecting with 
those various steel highw.avs which form the chief 
lines of travel, and for the larger half of the j'car, 
the only commercial arteries between Chicago and 
the Atlantic seaboard. The only line of which 
this can be said, it naturally commands not only 
an immense freight tralfic, liut a through passenger 
travel of great volume and importance, so much so, 
indeed, that it has twelve superbly appointed ex- 
press p.assenger trains traversing Nebraska from 
end to end ever3' day in the year. Of these six 
run between Denver and Chicago, four between 
Denver and Kansas City, and two between Denver 
and St. Louis. The Denver <t Chicago trains run 
via Omaha, Neb., commercial metropolis, Lincoln, 
its be.'iutiful and flourishing capital, and man}' other 
rapidly growing towns and cities in the State. From 
the capital of the State there radiate no fewer than 
six separate lines, in as manj- different directions. 
At Nebr.aska City one of its lines crosses the mag- 
nificent steel bridge, recently built at that point by 
the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, and 
connects with the trains of that corajjany to and 
from Chicago at Red Oak, Iowa, but the facts will 
be sufHcientlj- apparent from the foregoing general 
statements, as will also the absolute identity of 



• ^ w •» 



I 




1 



TRANSPORTATION. 



interests that exist between tlie flourishing State of 
Nebraska and that great railroad system which has 
done so much to promote its development. 

-^ ♦ ^ ' 4 ^' ^^ 




The Missouri Pacific Kailroart. 

ffllS great trunlc line wliich now threads its 
waj- through several States west of the Mis- 
sissippi River, has been a potential factor in 
the development of Missouri and Kansas, and with 
its accustomed enterprise, a short time ago pene- 
trated with its lines into the rich agricultural districts 
of Nebraska, to compete in this growing State, with 
its rapidlj' accumulating business. It was also 
among the pioneer roads in Kansas, and its many 
branches now traverse in different directions the 
most thickly settled portions of that State. It has 
contributed in a large measure, by its liberal and 
aggressive policy, toward the rapid development 
of the great resources of Kansas. It is interesting 
to note briett}' its history, as it was the first road 
built n-est from St. Louis, as carl}' as 1850-51. 

The preliminary steps to build the road were 
taken, and it lias since gradually extended its lines, 
like the arteries and veins of tlie human system, 
until it has encompassed in its range the best por- 
tions of Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska, and has 
even reached out and tapped the large commercial 
centers of Texas and Colorado. Its splendid and 
far-reaching man;igement extends to its patrons 
both in freight and p.asscnger traffic the best facili- 
ties for reaching the seaboard and the great Eastern 
marts of trade. The growth and development of 
the Missouri Pacific system have been rapid and 
fully al)reast of the times. Its local business is 
enormous and rajjidly increasing. In respect to its 
through l)usiness no other road or S3'stein in Ne- 
braska is belter equipped than this. Its steel-rail 
tracks, well-ballasted road-beds, and superior pas- 
senger coaches, constitute it one of the greatest 
railroad systems of the West. Its superb fast train 
between St. Louis and Denver via Kansas City and 
I'ueblo, is umiuestionably the most elegant and best 
eiiuipped train of any road which enters the i)eerless 
city of the plains. It runs more p.assenger trains 
and finer coaches between St. Louis and Kansas 
•<• 



City than any other road. It has contributed in a 
wonderful degree toward the building up of the 
various cities along its numerous lines. Kansas 
City has felt its intiuenco as much as an}' other road 
centering in that metropolis, as its lines lead into 
the heart of the coal and iron fields of Missouri. 
It is thus enablcil to laj- down at the doors of the 
growing towns of the West those two essential 
factors in the bnihling up of a new country, more 
quickly and cheaper than almost any other road 
can do. It gives to its numerous and rapidly in- 
creasing patronage in Nebraska and Kansas unsur- 
passed facilities for reaching the great health resorts 
of Arkansas and Texas. Over its line from Omaha 
to St. Louis, about 500 miles in extent, it runs the 
finest trains between those two cities, passing through 
Weeping Water, Nebraska City and Falls City, in 
Nebr.aska, and St. Joseph, Atchison and Leaven- 
worth, before reaching Kansas City. The length of 
its main line and branches in Nebraska is 322 miles, 
its northern terminus being Omaha, whose connec- 
tions are made with all the roads centering in that 
metropolis. The line from Omaha to Falls C'ity is 
115 miles: the Crete branch 5S miles; Lincoln to 
Auburn, 7G miles; Warwick to Prosser, 73 miles. 
Various extensions and .additions are constantly 
being made in Nebraska. 

Thus it will be seen that this road alrea<ly taps 
the two leading cities in the State, Omaha and Lin- 
coln, besides Nebraska City, rapidly growing intt) 
importance, likewise Hastings. Thus it will be seen 
that this is one of the iiniK)rlant roads centering in 
Omaha, the metropolis of Nebraska; on account of 
its extensive mileage and the ramification of the 
system, it is destined to promote in a large degree 
the development of the material interests of the 
country through which it passes. 

Cliicaffo, Kocli Islaiul & Pacific. 

.^p^IIIS is the last important trunk line to enter 
'^'^^ the South Platte country. It enters the 
State at Berwick, and runs in a north and 
westerly direction to Fairbury and Nelson. At 
Fairbury the road branches and connects with the 
main line for Denver, thus giving the southern part 




_ >» ^ « ^ 



M^ 



i^l-t. 



TRANSPORTATION. 



of tlie State another direct cominunieatioii with the 
great lumber and other interests of Chicago and 
Kansas City, and the great lake and seaboard 
marts of trade. 



Union P;i«-ili<-, 

THE I'ATIIFlXniili Ol- TIIK OVKHLAXD ItOUTK. 

ll^^ EBRASKA and the Platte River ^'alle.v were 
II jjj first opened up to civilization and the out- 



!■; 



1^1^. side world by the energy- ancl entei-prise of 
the promoters of tjie Union Pacific, and a rapid 



impetus given to her commercial and agricultural 
development. Besides branches, the main line trav- 
erses the State from Omaha to the western line, along 
the Platte, and extends its steel highway- aci'oss the 
Rocky Alountains. It was the first road to bring 
an interchange of productions between the Western 
world and the Orient. Its enterprise has ever been 
co-extensive with the development of Nebraska and 
the West, and its numerous branches extending in 
different directions through the State have been a 
potential factor in the development of the same. 




4 



«<*■ 



4 



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¥ 




BIOGF{fI^F7l(9plj. 



->4§§i-€- 



Acton, William N 508 

Adams, John 23 

Adams, John Q 39 

Adams, Nelson 2c8 

Albers, Gerd 262 

Alberi, Eberbart 731 

Albert, Reuben 744 

Albright, G. H 040 

Albright, Dr. R. S 467 

Allington, O. B 230 

Alsbach, John. M. D ^163 

Armstrong, Dr- J. T 159 

Arnold. Edward 461 

Arthur, Chester A 99 

Aukes, E. E., M . D 247 

Austin. L. S 24g 



B 

Babcoclc, Hon. A. H 73^ 

Bachle, Jacob 229 

Bailey, Jeremiah 298 

Baker, G. W 407 

Barkey, Enos, Sr 325 

Eiark hurst, J . F 204 

Barmore, H . C 321 

Barnes. F. M 760 

Barnum, H.S.... 176 

Barratt, John /. .207 

Barry. Thomas 481 

Banlett, Edward 394 

Beer, William 6gi 

Bennett, J. M 279 

Bentley, G. E ...718 

Bickerton, A. S 703 

Bilderback. H. B 354 

Bintz. Frederick 322 

Bixicr, Henry D 767 

Blachart. George 658 

Blakely, Hon. Nathan 737 

Blakely, William 645 

Boggs, C. S.. M. D 698 

Boggs, Hon. L. B 257 

Boiler, Henry 317 

Bond. Jacob 766 

Bossemeycr, Ernest 518 



Boyd, John C 324 

Boydston, J. L 612 

Brace, Isaac O 481 

Bradt, A. W 717 

Breunsbach, J. W 6go 

Bridenthal, J. W 652 

Bridenthal, Lake 630 

Bridges, H. C 203 

Brink worth, J. C 479 

Broady, J.H 584 

Brooks, Joseph 686 

Brooks, R. C 234 

Brubaker, A. H 535 

Bryant, C. N 362 

Buchanan, James 75 

Buffington, J. R 730 

Biirch, Benjamin 728 

Burger, John G 313 

Burgess, A.L 318 

Burgess, J. L 768 

Burgess, N. E 205 

Burgess, William J 551 

Bu ring ton. E. H 527 

Burks. J. R 641 

Burton, Henderson 239 

Bush, James E 727 

Bute, Ernst 264 

Butler, David 111 



Calkins, C. H 483 

Callan. J. W 495 

Cambridge, George 226 

Cambridge, Joseph 234 

Campbell, George W 382 

Carpenter, Jonathan 533 

Carpenter, Leander J 716 

Carpenter, M. L 266 

Carpenter, Theodore 263 

Carstens, John 384 

Carstens, Tebbc G 222 

Casebeer, I. D . 378 

Cavett, Reuben .sS4 

Chamberlin, David. 488 

Chamber lin, F. L 672 

Chapman. M-E 478 

Cheney, John M 317 

Cherry, John 386 

Chittenden. Warren E 421 

Clark, J. E 531 



Clayton, I. R 211 

Cleveland, S G rover 103 

Clopine, George A 417 

C to ugh, M. M 201 

Clough. William W 164 

Coburn. M. H 408 

Cole, W'arren »--- .517 

Colgrove, James F 487 

Collins, George F 329 

Conine, Alfred 215 

Cook, Frank ,. . . .567 

Cook, HaUey 342 

Cooper, Garrett 590 

Cooper, Oliver svO 

Cozine, Jesse 500 

Creaig, John H 250 

Craig, Hon. S. H .151 

Craig. James 254 

Craig, William 677 

Crocker, F. E 708 

Crocker, H P 635 

Cruae, Charles 331 

Cully, R.J 555 

D 



Dart, Lyman 754 

Davis, A. S 274 

Davis, George H 630 

Davis, John L 707 

Davis, T. L 583 

Dawes, James W 127 

Daj', Alden E 273 

Deming, Orville R 719 

Dewey, T.G.. 277 

Dewey, W.F 261 

Dibble, R 504 

Dobbs. F. H 758 

Dobbs, Joel 299 . 

Dodds, J. R 762 

Dolan, Benjamin 290 

Doming, J . A 295 

Doyle, Edward 236 

Drake, EG S34 

Dwyer, John 765 



Eccles, Samuel 651 

Edmands, Thomas 339 



Edwards, David 694 

Elerbeck, James 271 

Elliott, Charles 287 

Ellis, Joseph 573 

Ellis, Martin V 265 

Emery, G. E 501 

Emery, J, C 767 

Endelman, George t8o 

Essex, T. B 25Q 

Everitt, Hon. George B 608 



F 



Faulder, D. S 266 

Feese, Jacob. . 464 

Fellers. Wesley ...4,7 

Filley. Elijah 775 

Fillmore. Millard 67 

Fink, Lewis 71^ 

Fiske,I. S 53, 

Fisser, Tebbe T ^51 

Foreman, W, A 225 

Fouke, George^ R 740 

Francis, A. R 251 

Frantz, LJ 345 

Freeman. Daniel 521 

Freeman, Gilbert C 715 

Funck, Hon. I. W 482 

Funk, W.H ..366 

Furnas, Robert W 115 



G 



Gafford, Dr. C.C 542 

Gale, George 146 

Gale, G. H 700 

Garber, Silas 119 

Garfield, James A 95 

Garrison, Omcr T 242 

Gehman, Jacob 211 



. C.W. 



Gerdes, Gerd 457 

Giddings, H . W 301 

Gilmore, Robert O 433 

Glass, Richard 244 

Gore, W. T 742 

Grable, Jonathan S 450 

Grace, Thomas 326 



^ 



-4^ 



Graf, Franklin 284 

Graham, Alexander..' 626 

Graham. James W 237 

Grant, George 252 

Grant, J- B 362 

Grant, Ulysses S 87 

Graves, Simon S .631 

G ra y . VV . A 3g6 

Green, Thaddeus ^02 

Greer, George R 513 

Griggs, Hon. N. K 756 

Groves. Henry H 250 

Grund, Frederick 304 



INDEX. 



H 



H aft-- r land. Christian 323 

Hale, A. J 769 

Hammond, Willis F 260 

Hand, John 477 

Hand. Thomas 512 

Harden, E. F. 711 

Hardy, Mrs- Fanny 231 

Harrison, Wil'iam Henry -■ .51 

Hauver, Hiram 449 

Hayes, Rutherford B gi 

Hazcn, Hon. S. M 524 

Ht^Ut^r, Edward 328 

Hemphill. R C 241 

Henderson, R. K 410 

Herron, Nathaniel 514 

Hertzler, B. F 468 

Hibbert,T. E 238 

Higgins, ('. K 722 

Higgins. J. R 480 

Hildebrand, Jacob 743 

Hill, Christian 515 

Hill, Herbert ..263 

Hill, John L 507 

Hill, \V. C 148 

Hilton, E. E 469 

Hinds, E . B 699 

Hoag, J. R (393 

Holienback, J.H 280 

Hollenback, W. A 270 

H oiling worth, Joseph 268 

Hooker, William A 219 

Hoyt. R. C 673 

Hubka, Albert 285 

Hutchinson, C. L 471 

Hutcliinson, O. W 311 

Huyck, Isaac 365 



Islcy, John W 706 



Jackson, Andrew ^3 

James, C B 486 

James, Phillip H 765 



Jaynes, H.C 638 

Jefferson, Thomas 27 

Jeffries, Gabriel 642 

Jerman, R. T 353 

Jewell, Samuel V 283 

Jewell. W. H 288 

Johnson, Andrew 83 

Johnson, James H 695 

Jones, David H 639 

Jones, Henry H 226 

Jones, John S 663 

Jones, Morris 648 

Jones, Owen . - ..702 

Jones, S. S 663 

Jones, W. R 490 



K 



Kassing, F. W 436 

Kelley. L. W 272 

Kelly. John E 254 

Kenyon, J. F , 6ii 

Kepple, John 477 

Kerr, Andrew 693 

Kerr, James 625 

Kiersey, George W 649 

Kiess, Samuel 185 

Kilpatrick Bros )8i 

King, Samuel 655 

Kinzie, James 579 

Klein. Jacob 445 

Klipper, C. Henry 233 

Knoche, Christopher 161 

Knochcl, Michael 620 

Kracke, Fred 232 

Kracke, Herman 431 

Kramer, William ...740 

Krauter, George 240 

Kretsinger. Hon- E. O 766 

Kyd. Robert..... 620 



Lacy, Hiram 171 

Ladd, James G . .689 

Lamb, Isaac 41S 

Lamb, William 587 

Langdon, J . K 648 

Langworthy, W. O .. - 458 

LaSelle,F. G 722 

LaSelle, H. A 160 

LaSelle, W. M 159 

Laishaw, Joseph , .235 

Leach, Marcus 710 

Leigh, E.C 455 

Leighion, W. W 336 

Leonard, Edward 435 

LePoidevin, Thomas 661 

Lester, S. P 493 

Levis, J. B 616 

Lewis, Jacob. ..; 760 

Lewis, Norvel 303 

Lewis, Richard egg 

Lincoln, Abraham 79 



Littlejohn, David 356 

Littlejohn. Robert 763 

Lohmeyer. F. H 662 

Lynk, Z. W 343 

Lyons, J . B 197 

Lyons, John, Sr 447 



M 



Madison, James 31 

Maguire, John -216 

Maguire, Thomas 423 

Mahloch, William 346 

Mangus. William 427 

Martin, Thomas M 402 

Marvin, G. P 565 

Mason. H.O 411 

Mattison, J. W 220 

Maxwe'l, William J 332 

Mayborn, Thomas 452 

McClunj, George 172 

McConnell, L N 470 

McCormack, Ezekiel 344 

McCuUough, C. W 428 

McGlaughlin, J. B .532 

McHugh.D. A 316 

McKay, George W 429 

McM urray, J. A • ■ -755 

Merrick. H. J 212 

Meserve, J - M 369 

Meyers, Valentine 194 

Miller. A. M. T 593 

Miller, Nathaniel E 690 

Miller. R. J 709 

Mitchell, George T 435 

Moil roe, James ^s 

Moore, Benjamin F 668 

Mordhorst, John 438 

Morris, A. R 206 

Morris, S. L 734 

Moschel, Charles 440 

Moschel, Daniel .548 

Moseiey, Frank 609 

Moses, Ebenezer 442 

Mowry, C. C 178 

Mudge, W. E 705 

Mudge, William E 210 

MuUer. John .640 

Mvimford, J. B 437 

Muniford, J. W 371 

Myers, J. D 441 

Myers, P. J 472 



N 



Nance, Albinus 123 

Nay lor, Isaac 401 

Nelson, Lind 4g7 

Nelson, Mens 440 

Nelson, Peter 516 

Netzly, D. K 414 

Neumann, Julius 175 

Newcom, G . W . .^ii 

Newcomer, Oliver 487 

Nicholls, J. B 632 



-•► 



Nicholls,W. D 451 

Norcross. H. F -,8i 

Noxon, Mrs. Hannah 222 



o 



Oden, J. H 536 

Ortman, John 606 

Ostendorf, William 761 



Packer, James 627 

Paddock, Hon. A.G 143 

Palmer, C. H 716 

Palmer, John 206 

Parker, Hon. H. W 621 

Patterson, Rev. John 224 

Paul, John G 306 

Payne, Leroy 650 

Pemberton, L. M 364 

Penner, Rev. Gerhart 186 

Penrod, Daniel 679 

Phelps, G. B 197 

Phillips, George W 674 

Pierce, Franklin 71 

Pirie, A. B 153 

Pitienger, B. F 216 

Plucknelt, James 203 

Plucknett, William 605 

Polk, James K 59 

Postlewait, John 618 

Powell. J. E i8s 

Pretzer, Robert 696 

Price, C. H 267 

Price. F. J 286 

Price, Mrs. Rebecca .,.741 



Quackenbush, D. C 221 

Quick, Thomas 541 



R 



Ramsey, J.H ,. 389 

Randall, Henry J ---452 

Rathbun, E. G 350 

Rathijun, James 576 

Reimund, Henry 753 

Remmers. J. E 569 

Retch less, WiUiam 238 

Reynolds, Ben 588 

Reynolds, G. B 544 

Reynolds, J. H 564 

Rice, Henry 4S4 

Richards, Jesse 683 

Richardson. Henry 678 

Rickard, David 340 

Rickards, F. M 307 

Ri:;g, Samuel E 580 



Rile, T.J. 



.502 



• •> M ^' 



u 



INDEX. 



Rinaker, Samuel ^gft 

Rishel, Eno»i .. .^07 

Roberts, Edward 763 

Roderick, E. J 55; 

Rotters, W. L .ftoo 

Roscmaii, I'^raiik A 59^ 

Roi.Klcn,\V H 585 

Roycr, D. \V 568 

R II mba ugh , J . M 622 

Riipprecht, Frederick 589 

Ruyle. \V. H 243 



Sahin, Dr. A . C 607 

Sat;e, A. D 2q3 

Salisbury, E . C 672 

Samsel.JohnO 704 

Sanders, S.S 313 

Savage, J. O 214 

Schenbeck, Frederick 429 

Schmuck, John 467 

Schock, Eli ^56 

Schock, Joel 374 

Schramm, William 364 

Schroder, L. M .731 

Scott, George R 570 

Scott, James H 47^ 

Seilz. Isaac 448 

Seng, Sebas:ian 248 

Shaffer, Levi 4-jo 

Sharp, George L. 363 

Sharp, Jonathan 756 

Shaw, H.J 302 

Shaw. James I 372 

Shaw, S. V J 56 

Sheen, Lawrence 523 

Shelley. James \V 610 

Shelley, R. E 399 

Siems, Clans. 334 

Silver, Hon. H. H 424 

Silvernail, W. W 4,2 

S met hers. P.J 476 

Smith, D. H 595 

Smith, R. J 563 



Smith, S. A 657 

Smith, T.J 391 

Snyder, H, H 379 

Sparks, John 409 

Sparks, W.N 388 

Speer,Josiah A 232 

Spencer, Marquis 566 

Spencer, N. S. . 629 

Spier. Silas S 577 

Sprague, W. B 1 385 

Statr, Calvin, M. D 684 

Steece, George M 446 

Stee le , J . N , . . . 732 

St.einmeyer, William 315 

Stockton, W.H 578 

Stoll. H.C i66 

Strawder, .Ambrose 398 

Strohm, WiUi.im C . .^b% 

Struck meicr, August 188 

Swain, Cyrus 360 

Swiler. J. B 3-5 

Sykes, Wi k-rt B 289 



Tarrants. J.M 34^ 

Tatge, William 543 

Taylor, Jacob 667 

l^ylor. James .. 554 

TaylDr, Zachary .63 

I'eagarden. 'I". 1' 397 

Terry, SD 380 

Thajer, John M 131 

Theasmacir, Henry 6^4 

Thorn, Peter C . .425 

Thomas. B- P 567 

Thompson, Asa 354 

'ihnmpson. Jesse R 708 

Thnmann, George -. ^4 

Tilihets, Dr. Thomas I) 721 

'linlvlcpaugh. F. L 712 

'i'oljy ne. S N 498 

'I'ounsend, Hnn . rj'ver 558 

lownscnd, William 5^5 

Trekell, John K. 685 



Tripp, Samuel I 70'-' 

Trowbridge, D. H 169 

Tuck,C. K 552 

Tyler, John ■ -55 

u 



Uplinger, Jacob. . 

V 



Van Buren, Martin.. 

Van PlU. C. E 

Vondcrfecht, August . 
Voorhces, M . B 



.693 



••47 
.526 
•547 
.576 



w 



Wadsworth, S . W 752 

Wagner, Henry 574 

Wauner, LP 466 

W:.gner. John W 658 

Wauner, W. A 498 

WaLlron, Mrs. Elizabeth -.. .720 

Walker, Andrew 576 

Wjilker, Franklin 500 

Walker. L. E 485 

Walker, Perry 541 

Waliher, E.G 545 

Wardcl, August i94 

W'ardl.iw, Hon. J. M 422 

Warner, Gray ^97 

Washbuin, W. G 546 

Wasfiington, George 19 

Way, A. L... .478 

Wesler, J. P 387 

Weston. M. F 484 

Wheeler, Thomas G. ...... . .404 

VV'hiitemore, V. S 335 

Wickcrsham, A . H 355 

Wickham,H- M 327 



Adams, John 22 

Adams, J. Q 38 

Arthur. C A gS 

Baker,G. W 406 

Bakt-r, Mrs. Mary 406 

rinkcly, Hon. Nathan 736 

Plakcly, William 644 

lioggs. Dr. L. B 256 

Boggs, M rs. L. B 256 

But;hanan, James 74 

Builer, David no 

Cleveland. S. Grover 102 

Clough.M. M 200 

Craig. S. H 150 

Craig, William 676 



Davis. Mrs. Lydia 582 , 

Davis. Truman L 582 

Dawes. J. W ,..126 j 

Ellis, Joseph . 572 

Fi!ley, Elijah 773 | 

Filley, Mrs. Elijah 773 ! 

Fillmore. Millard 66 

Freeman. Daniel 520 . 

Furnas, Robert W 114 | 

Gar Iter. Si lis ii8 ^ 

GaifivM. James A 94 I 

Grant. L'ly<scs S ...■ ...-86 

Harrison. W. H 50 

Hayes, Rutherford B go 

Hooker. W A 218 



Jackson. Anlre.v .42 

Jefferson. Thomas art 

Jolin>on. Andrew 82 

Klein. Jacob 444 

Lincc'ln. Abraham 78 

Madi-^on. James 30 

Martin, Thomas M 403 

Meserve. J.M 368 

Meserve. .Mrs, Elizabeth C .368 

Monroe. James .34 

Nance, Albinus .. 122 

Neumann, j ulius 174 

Newcom. G. W 310 

Paddock, Hon . A. S 142 

Pierce. FrjinM'n 70 



Wikoff, W.S 489 

WiUox, E. C 459 

Wilkinson, George C 349 

Williams, Hon. John W 615 

Williams, J. C 556 

Wi lianis, Thadtlciis 196 

Williamson, George 4?9 

Williamson, Henry 54"? 

Windl-;, Joseph .4"5 

Wisherd.S. O 586 

With, J. W 536 

Wolf, August 496 

Wolfe, John 162 

Wonder, Dr. Ezra - 154 

Woolsey, W 511 

Wright, Amos L 400 

Wright, George 34' 

Wright. S. D 182 

Wymore, George 764 

Wymore, L. H 248 

Wymore, Samuel 191 



Varnnll, Ziba S 187 

Yohe, John 637 

Yohe. W. R 596 

Vother, I . N 578 

Yonn:;, Wi Ham 172 

Young. William M 537 

Yule, Thomas 105 

Yulo, W. P 50; 



Zahltcn. .A ugnsl I'^s 

Ziegcniiaiii, Charles -619 

Zimmerman. P. J 602 

Ziinmci mann. Thomas R 575 

Zuver, R. P 749 

Zuver, George W 193 




..^t^ 



Pluckncit, William 604 

Polk, James K 58 

Quick, Thomas 540 

Reynolds, J . H 565 

Sage. A. D 292 

Taylor, Jacob 666 

Tayl'>r, Zachary 62 

Thayer, J. M 130 

Tjler.John 54 

Van Buren. Martin. 46 

Washington, George 18 

Wilkinson, G.C 348 

Wymore, Mrs. Isabella igo 

Wymore. Samuel i&o 

Yule. Thomas 19s 



I 



-^^ 



INDEX. 





liartleti. Fdward 395 

I'entlcy, G. E 227 

liogtjs. L. It 597 

Bo>d<ton. J . L 613 

Bridcmhal.J. W 653 

Uruensbach. J. W 68S 

IJiirgcss, William J 549 

Cooper^ Clarrett 591 

Cooper, Oliver 591 

Crocker, H. I* 633 

Ucming, C) . R 463 

Dobbs, F. H 377 

KtlmnnJs, Thomas 337 

Kilis, Joseph — £,60-561 

KiidcliiKin, Cicorqe .681 

[■"uHcrs, Wel'^y - . -4 '5 



Fill?y, F.lijah 724-725 

I'irst Homcste:ul 529 

G n le , G . H 509 

Gilinore, Robert G 319 

Gnivcs, S. 5 433 

Henderson, R. F 319 

Higgins,C. K 227 

Hooker, William A 59' 

Isley, J. W 463 

J outs, W. R 491 

Kerr, James 624 

Kilpa trick Hros i8o 

Kinq, Samuel 653 

Ladd, James G :688 

Leigh ton, W. W 337 

Lel'oidevin. 1 ho 111:1s 659 



Lester, S. P -.491 

Litil'-'john. David 357 

Morris, Silas S 281 

Moschcl, Daniel 549 

Miidge, W. K 545 

Mnlicr, John 463 

Myers, r. J 473 

Neb. Inst, for Feeiile-M inded 

Youth ....158 

Netzly, D. K 415 

Nicholls, J R 633 

Packer. James .433 

Reiniund, Henry 281 

Retchless. William 681 

Rice, Henry - ... 377 

Richardson, Henry 281 



Robert-;, Edward 509 

Samsel, John O 227 

Shelley, James W 43^ 

Silver, H. H 319 

SioU. H.C X67 

Swain, Cyrus 357 

Theasmaeir, H 245 

Tinklepaugh, F. L 713 

Trekell, John K .^77 

Uplinger, Jacob :m5 

Wagner, John W 659 

Waldron, Mrs. L. R 7':^ 

Wardel, August 395 

Williams, J. W 613 

Y(dic. \V. R S97 




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